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Last updated: 21 January 2009
27 December 2008
Plans to recruit 20,000 volunteers who will link together the generations across Britain have been announced by Minister for the Cabinet Office Liam Byrne.
The announcement comes as some charities across the UK are reporting record increases in the number of people volunteering this Christmas.
The £3m Government initiative will encourage volunteering programmes that increase interaction between the generations to tackle critical issues in their communities.
It will help spread programmes like the Sixty Plus project in London which helps young people support older people with reading, language and computer projects. Or Mentor UK, which is helping grandparents protect their grandchildren from drug-related harm.
The minister made the announcement while visiting the Birmingham Christmas Shelter to meet the volunteers and guests.
Liam Byrne, Minister for the Cabinet Office, said:
“Christmas Shelters have had a big, new burst of volunteers this year. That's the story in Birmingham and I've heard similar news from around the country. It's at times of challenge that you see someone's true nature. And what we've seen this Christmas is that Britain's society is strong and proud, not weak.
“There's a new appetite in Britain this year to strengthen the bonds that link us together. We've always been at our best when we're under a bit of pressure and this Christmas British society has shown us its true colours. Compassionate, generous and determined to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
“One of the most inspiring things about Christmas is it's a time when generations come together and learn from each other. I haven't visited a single community in this country where people don't want the links between young and old to be stronger still. So this new fund will give us a fresh chance to strengthen some of the most important links in British life.”
Further details of the fund, which is not yet open for applications, will be published on this website in the new year.