The Future of Volunteering in Merton: Conference Report

Over 90 people attended this conference at Vestry Hall on 14 April to look at the way volunteering is changing in Merton. 

They represented a wide spectrum of voluntary organisations, community and faith groups, the local authority and other public sector agencies.  As such they brought a wide range of insights and experiences to the debate.

The conference was chaired by Councillor Linda Kirby, Cabinet Member for Merton Adult Social Care.   Presentations were made by Alan Strickland, Senior Policy and Information Manager, Volunteering England, Simon Williams, Director of Community and Housing and London Borough of Merton (LBM) lead on volunteering strategy and Andy Norrell, Chief Executive, Volunteer Centre Merton.

Discussions focused on the need to create new roles for volunteers to meet the increasing demands for services in the community as well as what support volunteers, groups and organisations needed to achieve this.

The sheer diversity of volunteering in Merton was demonstrated when six local groups gave short and lively presentations on their experiences of involving volunteers.  These included a local faith group, a small local community group, a volunteer-led youth group, Met police volunteering, LBM Library Service volunteers and a group of volunteers with extra support needs.

Our thanks to Clare Gummett for organising this very successful event.

Download full report (pdf 362.33 KB)