Mind the Gap

''Ethnic groups are not represented enough on 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 the East Midlands diverse population can take advantage of the many benefits to be gained from volunteering.''

Benjamin Zephaniah

"I am pleased to have been approached to support this innovative and inclusive idea for encouraging volunteering amongst 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. 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

"I'm really pleased to be supporting the Mind the Gap campaign.
Leicester needs volunteers from a variety of ethnic backgrounds to meet the needs of our community. Volunteering is also a great way to gain valuable skills for work and to really feel like you're making a difference. In my own experience of community work, I've found that there's nothing like giving your time to help others."

Lord Mayor of Leicester, Councillor Piara Singh Clair

"If you want something done, ask a busy person. I started volunteering as a school governor, because kids are our future, and I wanted to say thank you for my excellent education. I moved on to be a governor at the comprehensive where me and my 4 sisters had all been, and where my 2 daughters now study. I wanted to say thank you. I started my own food company and senior business people offered to help and mentor me. I now do the same to new start-ups, its about helping others.

"Today I sit on boards of charities, a plc and other organisations, including a European institution and I still run my own company! I love my work, I learn so much. I still volunteer to help in all sorts of directions. I have a wealth of knowledge that can be shared to help others. I am Asian, I am female, I am a single parent. I have passion, enthusiasm and a voice to make a difference in the world for the benefit of others. I find the time to do it because it is rewarding.

"You must be the change you want to see. Get involved with Mind the Gap."

Madi Sharma, CEO MADI Group (Make a Difference Ideas)

“ Volunteering is about helping to put something back in the community. It is about giving our most precious commodity: our time. I am delighted to support TimeBank’s campaign.”

Keith Vaz MP

“ A lot of people volunteer and don't even know that they are doing so. Some people would benefit from volunteering to get the experience they need to do that paid job. I think volunteering is a great idea!”

Bea Udeh, Presenter - BBC Radio Nottingham

“ A time comes in our lives when we realise that its time to give something back to the community.”

Kaval Vaseer, Presenter - BBC Radio Nottingham

"Here at Leicester City Football Club we're supporting the Mind the Gap campaign to get more people from ethnic minorities to volunteer.

Volunteering, not only makes a real difference to the local community, but it can be a great way to gain skills and experience to improve your career. Local organisations need help but bigger charities need more people from ethnic minorities to get involved too.

Whatever you're interested in, there's a volunteering opportunity for you, so find out more now with Mind the Gap."

Dion Dublin, Leicester City Football Club

“Making a difference to the world we live in or doing something, however small, to empower another person can never be underestimated. Not only can our actions benefit others, but we often find that by giving our time we’re rewarded too.

"I became involved with the adoption work of the national charity NCH soon after adopting my niece when my sister died in 1989. Through my association with NCH I’ve witnessed first hand the difference that great organisations and more importantly, individuals, can make to the lives of other people. I hope I’ve made a difference to my daughter’s life, and I hope you feel inspired to make a difference. If you’re from the black or ethnic community you could make a particular impact on someone who shares your background.

"There are many volunteering opportunities from mentoring to transporting furniture for a charity shop, and if you need work experience volunteering is an excellent way to get a foot in the door. This is the Year of the Volunteer - do something now, it might be the best thing you ever do!”

Diane Louise Jordan

“As a club we’re delighted to lend our support to TimeBank’s Mind the Gap campaign.

“Volunteering gives people the chance to develop new skills and, perhaps most importantly, it’s a chance to make a difference to your local community.

“There’s no better feeling than giving time to help others less fortunate.”

Nottingham Forest Football Club

Volunteering can help you get onto a track, which once you step onto it, takes you forward. You find other options, ideas and possibilities keep coming up. Now, more than ever, there is a massive range of training opportunities related to volunteering. There are lots of short courses, usually free, where you can learn about budgets or people management for example.

Volunteering benefits yourself and others. I think people should think about volunteering as stepping stone to a brand new career – it’s happened so many times to people I’ve known. Without volunteers the source of employees for community and youth workers would dry up. Graduates from our degree courses for example move very quickly from a degree into employment.

Gersh Subhra, lecturer at University of Derby

"Derby needs volunteers from all backgrounds to make a difference in our community. Modern volunteering is fun and flexible - it can introduce you to new interests and help you gain skills. I’m really pleased to be supporting the Mind the Gap campaign.”

Ian Taylor, Derby County Football Club

“It’s really important for more people from ethnic minority communities to volunteer. Derby County Football Club works with lots of local charities so I know there are many people that need your support, so find out more with the Mind the Gap campaign."

Michael Johnson, Derby County Football Club