RESIDENTS across the Dudley borough can get connected in their communities as part of a new volunteering initiative.

Dudley CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) has launched ‘Time to give where you live’ to offer people chance to try helping out in their communities without having to make a long-term commitment.

People can choose which calls for help they want to respond to – from welcoming people to events to making cups of tea to an occasional litterpick.

John Goodman, group development officer for Dudley CVS, said: “2024 is our 50th anniversary of supporting good causes and volunteering across Dudley borough.

“Volunteering has changed a lot in that time and people want more flexible opportunities to get involved in their communities. ‘Time to give where you live’ offers a range of one-off chances to let people try out as many new activities as they like in a way that works for them and their schedules.”

Celia Friedeberg has signed up to the scheme and enjoyed getting out to help Stourbridge in Bloom with bulb planting, which she followed up with volunteering with Side By Side Theatre Company.

People can register as one-off helpers with Dudley CVS by visiting www.dudleycvs.org.uk/give-where-you-live or calling Dudley CVS on 01384 573381.

They can also join a drop-in on Tuesday February 27, from 10am to noon, at DY1 community building, Stafford Street, Dudley.