Business in Darlington cares

Businesses in Darlington have joined forces to form the first dedicated employer supported volunteering programme in the town.

Darlington Cares is a partnership of the town’s leading employers committed to making Darlington a better place through employee volunteering.

Darlington Cares is working with local charities and community projects to build an engaging and co-ordinated volunteering framework that addresses Darlington's community needs, particularly in areas of disadvantage.

Professor Cliff Hardcastle, Chair of Darlington Cares and Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research and Business Engagement) for Teesside University says: 'the formation of this new initiative clearly demonstrates the value local businesses place on being active in their local community. By combining the volunteering resources and skills of members we can match these to the community projects where they will have the highest impact.'

In addition to support from Teesside University, the board of Darlington Cares includes Vice Chairs, Alasdair MacConachie OBE of Sherwoods Ltd and Anne Yare of DeepOcean Group, along with representation from the Student Loans Company, Cummins, Marchday and Darlington Borough Council. The Darlington campus of Teesside University is hosting the initiative including Programme Manager, Katie Blundell, who is working on the initial programme of activities, including a Secret Santa scheme for the borough’s looked after children in care.

Katie says: ‘we will be rolling out a full programme of activity for 2013, consisting of annual schemes and team challenges. Not only will these activities make a real difference to the local community, but they also offer positive benefits for employers and their employees through skills development and team building opportunities.’

Businesses interested in joining Darlington Cares or any charity and community groups who would like to discuss the possibility of a project should contact Katie direct on 01642 738970, email: k.blundell@tees.ac.uk.

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