There are plenty of ways to volunteer in Abingdon and today, Friday, there was an opportunity to find out about some of them, all under the Rococo ceiling of the Roysse Room.

Abingdon Town Council organised the Volunteer Recruitment Day in the Guildhall, bringing together local organisations looking for volunteers. The idea was to give people the chance to talk directly to the organisations themselves.

A dozen organisations were represented, from children’s charities and youth groups to environmental groups, disability support, advice services and community organisations.

Here are the ones I spotted:

• Abingdon Good Neighbours — volunteers can provide companionship and practical help.
• Abingdon Sea Cadets, Girlguiding and Thames Ridge Scouts — adult volunteers help run these different groups and support the young people.
• ARCh – Assisted Reading for Children — volunteers work with children individually.
• Citizens Advice provides free, independent and confidential advice.
• Flexicare provides a sitting service for families with disabled children.
• Helen & Douglas House — an Oxfordshire children’s hospice. Volunteers can help in a variety of ways, including charity shops, fundraising and events.
• My Life My Choice supports people with learning disabilities to have greater choice and control over their lives.
• One Planet Abingdon promotes more sustainable ways of living.
• Oxfam — volunteers at the Abingdon shop can help with sorting and displaying donated goods, serving customers and the general running of the shop.
• 35 Ock Street provides a welcoming community space. Volunteers help run the café.