How You Can Help Stroud Valleys Project!

How you can help Stroud Valleys Project!

Stroud College “Adding Value” Day - November 5th 2010

Who are we?

Stroud Valleys Project helps local people to care for and learn about the natural environment. We are a locally based environmental charity with offices and an “Eco Shop” on Threadneedle Street in Stroud. Working with paid staff and volunteers, we have worked for 21 years to improve wildlife habitats, landscape and access to the countryside in the Five Valleys and the Severn Vale.

We need YOUR help, energy and fresh ideas! Whether you are a practical outdoors person, an imaginative thinker, creative and crafty, or simply good at talking to other people, we can offer a range of volunteering opportunities.

Why Volunteer?

Volunteering will help you develop new skills and meet new people. It will help you make the transition from full time education to work in the wider world. In the current competitive jobs’ market, employers are looking for job applicants who can demonstrate “added value”. Volunteering makes you more attractive to a prospective employer by demonstrating that you have a wide range of interests and are willing to give back time, energy and enthusiasm to your local community. At Stroud Valleys Project we have opportunities for you to be involved in a variety of activities which will help you plan, organise, make decisions and interact with a wide range of people.

Practical conservation work

Join our regular volunteer groups who are involved in such activities as digging ponds, planting trees, or clearing vegetation. You can learn how to install fences, stiles and kissing gates on public rights of way. We have lots of opportunities for outdoor volunteering. You will need boots and warm, waterproof clothing. We will supply a warm drink and biscuits.

If you are interested in social work or working in a “caring” role, you might want tohelp one of our groups which provideoutdoor volunteering opportunities for people who have suffered mental health problems, or are recovering from substance abuse. Being out in the fresh air and able to share life experiences with a sympathetic listener can prove very therapeutic.

Wildlife Walks – We run regular wildlife-themed walks for people with visual and/or hearing impairments. You might like to help us by supportingpeople to get outand enjoy the countryside.

Fundraising! Help us raise some extra funds by organising an interesting or fun event to support the work of Stroud Valleys Project. How about a fashion show, a pudding party, sponsored skydive, or a sponsored walk? The sky is the limit! Try something new and wild or do something you enjoy. Encourage your friends and family to sponsor you and donate money to your chosen good cause.

Art or Crafty? We are always on the look out for items which can be sold in our shop. We especially need crafts, small gifts and practical items made from recycled materials, or materials which are locally and sustainably sourced. We will sell these on for a small commission charge.

If you would like to use our Eco Shop as an outlet for your own made items, contactKatharine to discuss.

Participate in our Stroud Valleys Cycle Ride! This will be our main fundraiser and will be held during National Bike Week. Grab your bike and some friends and ride either our 20 or 30 mile coursethrough the Severn Vale from Stroud to Dursley. Not too hilly, lots of fun, and there will be refreshments on the way. Proceeds from entry fees and sponsorship will help SVP continue its work. The provisional date for this event is Sunday June 19th 2011.

Not into pedalling? We need marshals and people to help out with refreshments and administration, in advance and on the day.

If you would like to become involved with the work of Stroud Valleys Project in any way, please contact Katharine on 01453 753358 or

Or send us your details via ourwebsite

Or contact us via Facebook.

Katharine Hope

Community Outreach Coordinator

20th October 2010