25 November 2005
by Ben Pindar

Bristol, UK: Volunteers from across Europe are giving people across Bristol in UK the chance to get a taste of continental cuisine and culture at an event being staged this weekend as part of UK's Year of the Volunteer campaign.

To celebrate the campaign's "Europe Month", volunteers from across the continent are offering beginner's lessons in Russian, Polish or French, international food tasting and even Flamenco dancing classes.

The "Volunteering Around Europe" event, being staged at The City Academy tomorrow, has been organized by the Council for Ethnic Minority Voluntary Sector Organisations (CEMVO) to help raise the profile of volunteering in Europe.

Hazel Brittan, from CEMVO, said: "Not everyone is aware that there are many incredible opportunities to volunteer to help others in Europe, and also that so many European people volunteer to make a difference to the lives of people here.

"I hope that everyone who comes along to the event will learn a little more about our European neighbours and consider volunteering as well."

At the event, which is open to everyone, local dancers, rappers and singers will help to keep people entertained between European language workshops and speeches from European volunteers describing the benefits of volunteering.

Daria Hamilton, originally from Poland and a volunteer with CEMVO, said: "I really enjoy volunteering and it is a great way to learn new skills.

"Volunteering in different countries is also a really great way to meet people. I think you get to know people far better by volunteering with them rather than by working together."

The European Social Fund contributed £149.6 million for 1,052 projects in the voluntary sector last year and national charity Community Service Volunteers welcomes 400 volunteers from abroad every year to offer vital support to projects in this country.

November is Europe Month in the Year of the Volunteer and throughout the month events are exploring the role of Europe in developing volunteering opportunities in the UK and the volunteering methods Europe and the UK can learn from each other.