Mind the Gap

''London's ethnic groups are not represented enough in mainstream charities despite the fact that black people volunteer and give time passionately to grassroots organisations. It would be great to see more information about volunteering with mainstream and local organisations made more accessible to black people, whatever their age, so that both the organisations and London's diverse population can take advantage of the many benefits to be gained from volunteering. It's all about us.''

Benjamin Zephaniah

"It can be harder than ever these days to get a foot in the door to get that extra experience that employers are looking for. Volunteering is a good way to not only gain experience but also to make contacts and meet new people. It's a competitive world out there and people from ethnic minorities are often at a disadvantage, because they may have fewer contacts than their white counterparts."

Henry Bonsu

"Volunteers are a lynchpin of society and often go unrecognised - yet giving time is not a one way process and volunteers get just as much out of is they put in - if not more! Giving time is not only about helping others but also about helping yourself - and enjoying yourself at the same time. The voluntary sector needs more people from ethnic minorities and the Mind the Gap campaign will hopefully enable people to access the information they need to get involved."

Ram Gidoomal

"I am pleased to have been approached to support this innovative and inclusive idea for encouraging volunteering amongst London's Black and Ethnic minority communities.

Voluntary and community activity remains central to the Government's drive to build strong, active communities in which people have a better quality of life and the ability to shape their future. The purpose of this scheme to inspire people to contribute to their communities and gain new skills and experiences is one that should be applauded."

The Rt Hon The Baroness Amos

"I am pleased to be giving my support to TimeBank's Mind the Gap campaign. The beneficial impact volunteers have on our society is immeasurable. But although around a quarter of London's population belong to ethnic minority communities, they make up only a fraction of the capital's volunteers.

"People in need, whatever their race, benefit from the time that others give; while the volunteering experience gives people the chance to develop new skills and mix with people from all backgrounds. It's time to address this imbalance."

Trevor Phillips, chair of the Commission for Racial Equality