London: Health sector volunteering adds quality of life for both patients and healthcare professionals, according to a report published today for the Year of the Volunteer 2005.  Read article

London: Sir Bob Geldof is the celebrity most likely to inspire people to volunteer, a MORI poll published today has revealed.  Read article

London: A national hub to point young people to volunteering opportunities has emerged as a popular idea in the Russell Commission's preliminary consultation.  Read article

For more than a century, the emblem of a red cross on a white background has saved the lives of people in war zones across the globe. But now the neutrality and independence of the Red Cross Red Crescent is fast becoming a casualty of a global war on terror that threatens to obliterate the capacity of humanitarian aid agencies to operate in areas of conflict. The "with us or against us" rhetoric of the US-led coalition in Iraq and Afghanistan leaves little space for neutral agencies.  Read article

Leeds, UK: I-to-i Volunteer Travel helps would-be volunteers make decisions not only on where to go and where to stay but also how to make their vacation more meaningful.  Read article

Belfast: Mid-Ulster Democratic Union Party (DUP) Assembly member William McCrea has spoken in recognition of International Volunteer Day and of the positive contribution that volunteers make to society.  Read article

Edinburgh: A volunteer group of young Scots have won a Philip Lawrence Award for Community Safety, in the national scheme funded by the Home Office for citizenship and outstanding achievement in the local community.  Read article

Thousands of people are normally looking for volunteer work around Yuledite season. The Guardian's Jill Papworth presents numerous in-site and online volunteer work to keep us busy through this season.  Read article

Tyneside: A hospital entrance foyer is in-line for a makeover - thanks to £300,000 raised by volunteers.  Read article

National charity The Media Trust is offering 25 charities the unique opportunity to bring a bit of Hollywood glitz to their cause as part of an initiative to support the Year of the Volunteer 2005.

And in a bid to make the project a reality a production arm of the Media Trust, Volunteer Films, is recruiting independent production companies, broadcasters, and freelancers to give their talent, time and enthusiasm.

Those involved will help to make three-minute films to help organisations with a turnover under £2 million raise their profile and recruit volunteers.

The films made can be factual or drama, must be created by the end of March 2005 and will include new and experienced film-makers.

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