Burgess Hill’s charity’s support for the community during lockdown celebrated during National Volunteer Week

A Burgess Hill charity has been supporting groups helping the Mid Sussex community in the run up to National Volunteer Week 2020.
Michele Edwards, volunteer (left) SUS-200522-164940001Michele Edwards, volunteer (left) SUS-200522-164940001
Michele Edwards, volunteer (left) SUS-200522-164940001

The celebrations, which take place from Monday, June 1 to Sunday, June 7, will highlight some of the vital work that millions of volunteers are providing across the UK.

Mid Sussex Voluntary Action (MSVA) is an independent charity based in Burgess Hill championing the role of local voluntary and community groups, ensuring their voice is heard, and has been leading the way.

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With its membership of more than 350 groups, most of which are small voluntary organisations, the charity has provided valuable advice on funding, safeguarding, volunteer contracts and much more.

Tasks like picking up prescriptions, shopping, regular check-in phone calls, and even helping with funeral costs, are all undertaken by groups and volunteers in East Grinstead, Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, and the surrounding villages.

Julia Beckett, one of the MSVA’s community development coordinators, said: “It’s been really rewarding working with so many public-spirited people who’ve volunteered their time to help others in need.

“Working closely with West Sussex County Council, district and town councils, our small team has also signposted over 100 volunteers to groups who could use their services.

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“There’ll continue to be a need for volunteers after the peak of the pandemic and I hope many of those who’ve done so will continue.

“It makes such a difference to so many people, particularly those who have no-one else.”

If you are interested in volunteering, you can find more information on the MSVA website at https://www.msva.org.uk/volunteering or for any community voluntary groups visit https://www.msva.org.uk/news