VSO UK: Events http://www.vso.org.uk/events/ en Information day for Education Professionals, London Come along to our education information evening to find out more about sharing your skills with VSO.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/34857/ The day aims to bring volunteering with VSO as an education professional to life. You'll hear from returned education professionals, giving a personal account of what it’s really like to be a VSO volunteer. There will be an informal presentation on VSO covering the practicalities involved in volunteering, and the skills and experience we look for. You will be able to get your questions answered and chat informally with staff and returned volunteers.

The event is free but booking is essential. Book your place now  

]]> VSO Manchester - Supporter Group Meeting All are welcomed to attend this monthly group meeting which will feature a talk from local teachers who will share their experience of taking part in a World Challenge trip to Namibia

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/33976/ Teachers from Bury Church High School will share their experience of taking part in a World Challenge trip to Katima Mulilo in Namibia. The trip involved building paths in a local school, a trek and a visit to Etosha Game Park.

The meeting will take place at our usual venue - The Friends Meeting House, 6 Mount Street, Manchester  M2 5NS.
(behind Manchester Central Library - near St Peter's square metro stop)

There is a voluntary donation of £2 for waged and £1 unwaged to cover the cost of the hire of the room.

For more information contact Barbara Redmond on 01706354559 or 07983714195 or email addiebarbara@redmonds.me.uk

]]> VSO Birmingham - New Year Meal ]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35108/ This supporter group will be meeting for the first time this year around a meal in a chinese restaurant to plan for 2012.

This event is open to everyone so, to get directions and register your interest, contact Celia Burton: celia.burton@mypostoffice.co.uk.

We hope that you can make it!

]]> VSO Durham - Big Cheque Event http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35222/ VSO Durham invite you to celebrate their year of fundraising for VSO at the Big Cheque Presentation evening on 20th February 2012. The group fundraised throughout 2011, exceeding their initial target of £2,500 and raising over £5,000 for VSO. To mark this great achievement, VSO Durham will be presenting a Big Cheque to VSO UK Director Brian Rockliffe at Durham County Hall.

The event will also include speeches from Returned Volunteer, Paul Williams, who volunteered in Uganda between 2006 and 2010 and helped to reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV from 50% to 1.8% at the Bwindi Community Hospital during that period; Baroness Hilary Armstrong, British Politician and VSO UK Board Member and Brian Rockliffe, VSO UK Director.

RSVP: If you would like to attend the event please email Karen Langdon with your confirmation. The event is free to attend but there is limited seating, so we strongly recommend you reserve your place with the organisers to guarantee space on the evening.

The event will start promptly at 6pm and the address for the County Hall is: Durham Room in the County Hall, Market Place, Durham c/o 17 Claypath, Durham DH1 1RH.

]]> VSO Guildford - Supporter Group Meeting Join VSO Guildford and North Downs to find out more about VSO, keep up with International Development issues, fundraise, and meet like-minded people in your local area!

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/31781/ Everyone interested in finding out more about the group and VSO is invited to attend this meeting. 

For more information, contact Roger Miall: rogermiall_99@yahoo.com

]]> Meet VSO, London Want to share your skills overseas but don't know where to start? Come and meet us in London.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/30168/ Meet VSO gives you the opportunity to chat with VSO staff and returned volunteers about the volunteer experience. The event begins with a presentation that lasts approximately 90 minutes. In that time we aim to bring volunteering with VSO to life. We'll talk through who we're looking for, what you could do, and how the practicalities work. We'll also have returned volunteers sharing their experiences, to give you an insight into what it's really like to volunteer.

VSO needs skilled professionals with healthcare, education, and business backgrounds and is currently recruiting a wide range of specialisms includings doctors, midwives, physiotherapists, teachers, business advisors, managers, fundraisers, and many more.

The event is free but booking is essential. Book your place here.

]]> VSO Cardiff - Supporter Group AGM ]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35106/ This event is free and open to everyone but please, contact Iona Gordon: iona.gordon@ntlworld.com to get directions and register your interest.

We hope that you can make it!

]]> VSO Cheshire - Supporter Group Meeting http://www.vso.org.uk/event/33703/ This supporter group meeting is open to everyone interested in finding out more about the group and VSO. You can join the group to grab something to eat at 6.30pm and the meeting will start at 7.15 pm

For more information and to register your attendance, contact Mary.

]]> Health Information Day - London Come along to our health information day to find out more about sharing your skills with VSO.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/34860/ VSO is hosting a Health Information Day for health professionals interested in volunteering overseas. The day will be held on Saturday 25th Februaryr 2012 (2pm - 4pm) at VSO's offices at Carlton House, 85 Upper Richmond Road, Putney, London SW15 2BS.

The day aims to bring volunteering with VSO as a health professional to life. You'll hear from returned health professionals, giving a personal account of what it’s really like to be a VSO volunteer. There will be a presentation on VSO covering the practicalities involved in volunteering, and the skills and experience we look for. You will be able to get your questions answered and chat informally with staff and returned volunteers.

The event is free but booking is essential. Book your place now or call us on +44 (0)20 8780 7500

]]> VSO Speaker Talk - Progress Club in Denny ]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/33896/ Further to this Progress Club's request, returned volunteer Carol will share her experience of volunteering in Malawi with VSO.

This talk is provided through our Speaker Service which seeks to provide speakers for a wide variety of events in order to raise awareness of VSO's work, explore issues surrounding international development, and of course help raise funds to enable the charity to continue sending volunteers to where they are most needed to fight poverty.

If you are a returned volunteer and would like to join our speaker service, email Jennifer Angus: jennifer.angus@vso.org.uk

If you are a community group and would like VSO to find a returned volunteer for one of your meetings, contact Axelle Parker: axelle.parker@vso.org.uk. To find out how your group can support VSO's work, visit our community groups pages

]]> VSO Guildford - Street Collection ]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35112/ If you'd like to volunteer your time to help out during this street collection, please contact Roger Miall: rogermiall_99@yahoo.com.

]]> VSO Bristol - Supporter Group Meeting Join VSO Bristol to find out more about VSO, keep up with International Development issues, fundraise, and meet like-minded people in your local area!


 

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35185/ This supporter group meeting is open to everyone interested in finding out more about the group and VSO.

For more information and to register your attendance, email Wendy and Helen.

We hope that you can make it!

]]> VSO Coventry and Warwickshire - Supporter Group Meeting Join VSO Coventry and Warwickshire to find out more about VSO, keep up with International Development issues, fundraise, and meet like-minded people in your local area!

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/33562/ The main focus of the next meeting will be a talk on Rwanda from a recently returned VSO volunteer. 

Contact Dave Sternberg for more details: dave_sternberg@yahoo.co.uk - 07732 662 232.

We hope that you can make it!

]]> VSO Manchester - Supporter Group Meeting http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35013/ This meeting will feature a talk by returned volunteer Susannah Mugwiza about her work as a Special Education Advisor in the Ministry of Education in Rwanda from 2006 to 2008

For more information contact Barbara Redmond on 01706354559 or 07983714195 or email addiebarbara@redmonds.me.uk

]]> Information Evening for Business, Management and IT Professionals Come along to our information evening and find out more about volunteering overseas.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/34875/ VSO is hosting an information evening for Business, Management and IT professionals interested in volunteering overseas. The evening will be held on Tuesday 13th March between 7pm-8.30pm, in central London, venue to be confirmed.  The evening will include a presentation all about volunteering with VSO, from the opportunities available, the skills and experience we look for, to how the application process works.

You'll have the chance to hear firsthand from returned professionals from the sector, who will share what it’s really like to be a VSO volunteer. You will also have the opportunity to speak informally with VSO staff and returned volunteers and get your questions about volunteering answered.

The event is free but booking is essential.Book your place now

]]> Meet VSO, London Want to share your skills overseas but don't know where to start? Come and meet us in London.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/23086/ Meet VSO gives you the opportunity to chat with VSO staff and returned volunteers about the volunteer experience. The event begins with a presentation that lasts approximately 90 minutes. In that time we aim to bring volunteering with VSO to life. We'll talk through who we're looking for, what you could do, and how the practicalities work. We'll also have returned volunteers sharing their experiences, to give you an insight into what it's really like to volunteer.

VSO needs skilled professionals with healthcare, education, and business backgrounds and is currently recruiting a wide range of specialisms includings doctors, midwives, physiotherapists, teachers, business advisors, managers, fundraisers, and many more.

The event is free but booking is essential. Book your place here.

]]> VSO York - Supporter Group Meeting ]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35114/ This supporter group meeting is open to everyone interested in finding out more about the group and VSO.

For more information and to register your attendance, contact Lesley: vso.york@yahoo.co.uk.

]]> VSO Cumbria - Pudding Party http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35102/ Led by our VSO Cumbria Supporter Group, this pudding party is a fantastic opportunity to get together with like-minded people who are passionate about fighting poverty.

Tickets cost £6 and include 3 puddings, tea and coffee. Please bring your own drinks with you, a fully-functioning brain to take part in the quiz, and some loose change to be entered into the raffle!

For more information, please contact Margaret Bateman: johnandmargaretbateman@gmail.com

We hope to see you there!

]]> VSO Worcestershire - Big Curry Night http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35113/ Full details are to be confirmed so, for more information at this stage, please contact Vivien Mackenzie: vivienmackenzie@aol.com.

]]> VSO Manchester - Supporter Group Meeting http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35014/ All are welcome to join this monthly supporter group meeting which will focus on planning the forthcoming Ceilidh scheduled for 12th May.

More details to follow

]]> Virgin London Marathon 2012 Would you like a place in one of the most prestigious running events of the year? Join our team of VSO runners.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/20505/ VSO have a number of golden bond places for the 2012 Virgin London Marathon, which will be offered to those who are motivated to take up the challenge and raise funds on behalf VSO.

The money that you raise will go towards our work in over 40 of the world's poorest countries where our volunteers make a lasting contribution in the fight against poverty.

Two ways to run the 2012 London Marathon with VSO:

1. The ballot is now closed for the London Marathon and applicants will find out if they have been successful in October. If you're one of the lucky ones to get a ballot place and want to run for VSO, we'd love to have you join our team! We will support you with your training and lots of ideas for your fundraising and make sure you are fully prepared for marathon day. Please email events@vso.org.uk for more information.

2. VSO have a set number of guaranteed charity places which are available now. To receive a guaranteed charity place and fundraise for VSO please fill in the registration form and send to Philippa.Tree@vso.org.uk. You will find out whether you have been successful in October, after the ballot places have been announced.

How much do I have to raise?

We ask you to pledge to raise at least £1,750 in sponsorship and we will be on hand to provide you with all the support that you may need. In return for your dedication and commitment to the marathon, VSO will be there to support you every step of the way during your preparations. VSO runners receive:

  • a VSO fundraising pack

  • a VSO training programme

  • a VSO running vest

  • a dedicated and experienced VSO fundraiser that will offer continued support and advice

  • a crowd of VSO supporters to cheer you on the big day.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more please contact the VSO events team on:

]]> VSO York - Supporter Group Meeting ]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35115/ This supporter group meeting is open to everyone interested in finding out more about the group and VSO.

For more information and to register your attendance, contact Lesley: vso.york@yahoo.co.uk.

]]> VSO Manchester - Ceilidh http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35015/ The annual Ceilidh will take place in Our Lady of Grace Church Hall, 11 Fairfax Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 1AS  (very near Prestwich Metro Station)

For more information contact Barbara Redmond on 01706354559 or 07983714195 or email addiebarbara@redmonds.me.uk

]]> Great Manchester Run 2012 http://www.vso.org.uk/event/34526/ Looking for a new challenge? Don't miss out on the chance to run the Great Manchester Run! This is a fantastic 10k race with a route through the heart of Manchester's city centre. Not only will it be a great experience but you will also be helping VSO to tackle poverty worldwide.

How do I sign up?

VSO have a set number of guaranteed charity places which are available now. To receive a guaranteed charity place and fundraise for VSO please fill in the registration form and return to Philippa.Tree@vso.org.uk.

The Great Manchester Run is an extremely popular event and places get filled quickly, so don't miss out!

If you have already secured a place in the run and would like to support VSO, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at the details below to receive some fundraising and training support. 

How much do I have to raise?

We ask our 10K runners to pledge to reach a fundraising target of £200 and we will be on hand to provide you with all the support that you may need.The money raised will enable VSO to continue sending skilled volunteers to over 40 countries to share their skills with some of the world's most disadvantaged populations and provide long-term solutions to eradicate poverty.

What support will I receive?

In return for your dedication and commitment, VSO will be there to support you every step of the way during your preparations. VSO runners receive:

  • a VSO fundraising pack

  • a VSO training programme

  • a VSO running vest

  • a dedicated and experienced VSO fundraiser that will offer continued support and advice

  • on the big day - a crowd of enthusiastic VSO supporters to cheer you on! 

If you have any questions or would like to find out more please contact Philippa Tree on:

Email: philippa.tree@vso.org.uk
Phone: 020 8780 7301

]]> Robert Louis Stevenson Trail http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35146/ Returned VSO volunteers Colin and Bridget Cooper live in France and have registered a non-profit making association called Bonjour Walks. They are offering a unique opportunity to walk in this stunning area of central France on the famous Robert Louis Stevenson Trail and raise funds to help VSO fight poverty at the same time. 

On 22 September 1878, the young Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson left the Monastier-sur-Gazeille on foot with his donkey, Modestine.  Twelve days, 220km and many adventures later, he arrived at St Jean du Gard.  His travel journal entitled Travels Wth a Donkey in the Cevennes was published in 1879, several years before his best-known works Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. 

Bonjour Walks will help you to book your accommodation, show you the local area, meet you when you arrive, transport your luggage from one stop to another each day, and personally pick you up each evening and transfer you to your lodging, ensuring you finish your day with a hearty meal.

All Bonjour Walks ask for in return for their services is a £100 donation to VSO, funding our volunteers' work in the developing world.

The 2012 dates for the walks are:

  • 20 to 26 May 2012 
  • 3 to 9 June 2012 (FULL) 
  • 2 to 8 September 2012

If you’re interested in this wonderful opportunity, please click below to download the Bonjour Walks brochure and book your walk.

]]> BUPA London 10,000 This exciting 10K running event takes place in the heart of London - run for VSO!

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/23639/ The online entry for BUPA 10K 2012 is now closed! However VSO have a number of guaranteed charity places which are available now.

This exciting 10K run takes place in the heart of London, starting and finishing in St James Park, and promises to be a spectacular race and a day to remember. Set to be even better than last year as the course is likely to be used for the 2012 Olympic marathon runs, it really would be a shame to miss out!

Why support VSO?

By fundraising for VSO you will be helping us to continue our work in over 40 of the world's poorest countries, where our volunteers are sharing their skills and working to tackle poverty by empowering those really affected by it.

How do I sign up?

To receive a guaranteed charity place and fundraise for VSO please fill in the registration form below and return it to Philippa.Tree@vso.org.uk.

If you have already secured a place in the run and would like to support VSO, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at the details below to receive some fundraising and training support.

How much will I have to fundraise?

We ask our 10K runners to pledge to reach a fundraising target of £275. We will not charge you a registration fee.

What support will I receive?

If you choose to run for VSO we will be on hand to provide you with all the fundraising and training support that you may need. You also receive the following:

  • A VSO fundraising pack
  • A VSO training programme
  • A VSO running T-shirt
  • On the big day - a crowd of enthusiastic VSO supporters to cheer you on!

If you have any questions or would like to find out more please contact Philippa Tree on:

]]> VSO RV Weekend If you are a VSO returned volunteer, we would like to invite you to attend the RV Weekend at Harborne Hall, Birmingham from 15-17 June 2012.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/34656/ 15-17 June 2012

The VSO RV weekend is an opportunity for recently returned (up to one year) volunteers to get together to share stories, provide tips on resettlement and build support networks. During the weekend there is the chance to feed back to senior management and the opportunity to find out more about VSO's work in the UK.

VSO provides accommodation and meals at Harborne Hall and the weekend runs from Friday evening to Sunday lunch-time. More information will be provided with your confirmation details.

Please note that there are limited places on each weekend. If you are interested in attending please do complete the registration form as soon as possible. Any questions should be emailed to rvweekend@vso.org.uk

Book a place

]]> Cycle London to Paris What better way to test your pedal power? Take on gruelling, yet picturesque challenge for VSO!

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/30225/ Friday 22nd - Monday 25th June 2012

Cycling is most certainly back in vogue, and what better way to test your pedal power than on the London to Paris bike ride. The route takes you through historic towns and Parisian boulevards, with an emotional and rewarding finish at the iconic Eiffel tower. A gruelling, yet picturesque challenge.

Why support VSO?

Cycling for VSO will help us to continue our work in over 40 of the world's poorest countries, where our volunteers are sharing their skills and working to tackle poverty by empowering those really affected by it.

Itinerary

DAY 1: Cycle from London Borough of Bexley, through Kent and along edge of North Downs to Dover.  Ferry to Calais then coach transfer to Dieppe. Cycled distance: 116km

DAY 2: Quiet tree lined roads and sleepy Normandy villages to Gournay en Bray.  Some challenging hills to conquer en-route! Cycled distance: 80km

DAY 3: Ride from Gournay en Bray to outskirts of Paris. Reach city centre via the famous Bois de Boulogne park.  Finish under Eiffel Tower. Cycled distance: 114km.

DAY 4: Explore Paris before returning to London on board Eurostar. 

How much will I have to fundraise?

Registration fee = £150

Fundraising option 1:  You raise £1200 for VSO (for the 9th September cycle please note that this minimum sponsorship amount must be with VSO by 30th June 2011)
 
Fundraising option 2:  You pay £595 tour costs and fundraise as much as possible for VSO (for 9th September cycle please note that tour costs must to paid to our tour operator by 14th July 2011)  

Next steps

Please get in touch with the VSO Events Team if you would like further details about this event or are interested in signing up:
Email: events@vso.org.uk 
Tel: +44 (0)20 8 780 7301

]]> Bratislava or Bust Car Rally http://www.vso.org.uk/event/33561/ Date: 31 July – 7 August 2012

Adventurers, your destination is Bratislava or Bust! The adventure starts in Canterbury, Kent, the Garden of England where you and your friends will report for seven days of a fun-filled adventure which will see you wind your way through France, Belgium, Lichtenstein, Italy, Austria and Slovakia.

This is no ordinary adventure, along the way you will be set a series of daily challenges delivered by our man in the white coat that will test your ingenuity, map reading skills and your ability to barter and negotiate in a foreign language! Master the art of the challenges and you will be rewarded with riches and glory.

There will be prizes on offer for teams that have the best decorated car, ‘least likely to make it’, the team that has the most points for each of the seven days and team that has the most points during the adventure as a whole. Once you reach Bratislava you can either turn round and have a road trip back, try and sell your car on or we’ll help you scrap the vehicle and you can fly back home.

Bratislava or Bust is most definitely and adventure on four wheels and promises and unforgettable road trip to begin your summer, so get your car, grab some friends and let’s get going!

VSO has teamed up with charity challenge organisers, Student Adventures, to give you the chance to take part in a fabulous challenge rally across Europe. But you don’t have to be a student to take part! Student Adventures are helping VSO to raise vital funds for charity while giving anybody the chance to go on a trip of a lifetime for an affordable price.

Contact us

For more information, contact Emma:
email: emma.henly@vso.org.uk
phone: 020 8780 7215

]]> Trek to Everest Base Camp http://www.vso.org.uk/event/33560/ Date: 1st August – 31st August 2012
(there will be various treks starting at different dates throughout August)

Mount Everest has, for as long as man has dared to adventure to the unknown and unconquered, symbolised and represented the ultimate challenge. Everest Base Camp is the gateway for those who set their sights on the top of the world. For us Base Camp is our goal and will provide plenty of adventure for those who dare.

Everest Base Camp standing at 5,360m is where the adventure will take us, but it is the views of the majestic Mount Everest standing at 8,848m and the magnetism of the highest mountain in the world is why we go. Nepal plays host to our trek and the journey to Everest Base Camp will afford you a unique opportunity to visit Kathmandu, the Namche Bazaar and take in the culture and meet the Nepalese people.

VSO has teamed up with charity challenge organisers, Student Adventures, to give you the chance to visit one the most awe-inspiring places in the world. But you don’t have to be a student to take part! Student Adventures are helping VSO to raise vital funds for charity while giving everyone the chance to go on a trip of a lifetime for an affordable price – no matter what age or capability.

Contact Us

For more information, contact Emma:

email: emma.henly@vso.org.uk

phone: 020 8780 7215

]]> Brecon Beacons Challenge 2012 Escape from the office to take on the elements and experience the great outdoors - cycling, walking and canoeing in under 12 hours.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/34732/ A 12-hour endurance challenge in the Brecon Beacons National Park

Escape from the office to take on the elements and fully experience the great outdoors.  On this memorable adventure you will cycle a challenging route on part of the Taff Trail, walk  ‘Pen-y-Fan, which forms the highest point in the Brecons, one of area's most famous peaks and canoe on the beautiful Pentwyn Reservoir.

For those teams already registered, please login in here for all your challenge information.

What is involved?

This is a tough multi-activity challenge.  It requires mental stamina, physical fitness and team spirit to complete these three distinct challenges in under 12 hours. Your challenge is to work as a part of a team to fundraise and complete the challenge – preparation and team work are essential for both.

How much do we raise?

Your team will be four challengers and one support crew.  Working together, the first part of the challenge will be to achieve the minimum fundraising target of £3,500, with the top fundraising team winning the grand trophy at the event. The VSO team will support you in your fundraising.

Registration is just £100.

"It was one of the best things that we have done in our lives.

 We will cherish the memories forever" – Cameron Hale, HSBC

How to prepare?

Training for the event is vital and we recommend that your team train together by walking together and go off road on mountain bikes for several hours together as good practice for the challenge ahead. For those with a hectic work schedule, visit your local gym and plan a suitable training programme that will build the teams confidence and help get everyone into shape.

Where does the money go?

VSO is an international development charity that works through volunteers. Our vision is a world without poverty in which people work together to fulfil their potential. We bring people together to share skills, creativity and learning to build a fairer world. The money raised will be used to support our work in over 40 of the world’s poorest countries.

How to sign up?

Please complete the registration form attached at the foot of this page and email robert.thorburn@vso.org.uk
To complete your registration please pay your £100 payment via the VSO donate page and please make sure you add 'Brecon Beacons Challenge 2011'.


Contact information
If you have any questions or would like to find out more information please contact the events team on:
Email: robert.thorburn@vso.org.uk
Phone: 020 8780 7479

]]> Robert Louis Stevenson Trail - September 2012 http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35152/ Returned VSO volunteers Colin and Bridget Cooper live in France and have registered a non-profit making association called Bonjour Walks. They are offering a unique opportunity to walk in this stunning area of central France on the famous Robert Louis Stevenson Trail and raise funds to help VSO fight poverty at the same time. 

On 22 September 1878, the young Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson left the Monastier-sur-Gazeille on foot with his donkey, Modestine.  Twelve days, 220km and many adventures later, he arrived at St Jean du Gard.  His travel journal entitled Travels Wth a Donkey in the Cevennes was published in 1879, several years before his best-known works Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. 

Bonjour Walks will help you to book your accommodation, show you the local area, meet you when you arrive, transport your luggage from one stop to another each day, and personally pick you up each evening and transfer you to your lodging, ensuring you finish your day with a hearty meal.

All Bonjour Walks ask for in return for their services is a £100 donation to VSO, funding our volunteers' work in the developing world.

The 2012 dates for the walks are:

  • 20 to 26 May 2012 
  • 3 to 9 June 2012 (FULL) 
  • 2 to 8 September 2012

If you’re interested in this wonderful opportunity, please click below to download the Bonjour Walks brochure and book your walk.

]]> VSO RV Weekend If you are a VSO returned volunteer, we would like to invite you to attend the RV Weekend at Harborne Hall, Birmingham from 28-30 September 2012.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/34662/ 28-30 September 2012

The VSO RV weekend is an opportunity for recently returned (up to one year) volunteers to get together to share stories, provide tips on resettlement and build support networks. During the weekend there is the chance to feed back to senior management and the opportunity to find out more about VSO's work in the UK.

VSO provides accommodation and meals at Harborne Hall and the weekend runs from Friday evening to Sunday lunch-time. More information will be provided with your confirmation details.

Please note that there are limited places on each weekend. If you are interested in attending please do complete the registration form as soon as possible. Any questions should be emailed to rvweekend@vso.org.uk

Book a place

]]> Great Edinburgh Run 2012 Now's your chance to run Scotland's premier road race for VSO.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/34566/ The Great Edinburgh Run is a great way to get in shape and see the city's iconic landmarks. Along the route you will pass Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile, before passing the Holyrood Building to the finish line. 

With more than 10,000 runners expected to take place it really is a shame to miss out!

How do I sign up?

VSO have a set number of guaranteed charity places which are available now. To register your interest for a guaranteed VSO place, please complete the registration form and send to Philippa.Tree@vso.org.uk. 

If you have already secured a place in the run and would like to support VSO, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at the details below to receive some fundraising and training support. 

How much do I have to raise?

We ask our 10K runners to pledge to reach a fundraising target of £200 and we will be on hand to provide you with all the support that you may need.The money raised will enable VSO to continue sending skilled volunteers to over 40 countries to share their skills with some of the world's most disadvantaged populations and provide long-term solutions to eradicate poverty.

What support will I receive?

In return for your dedication and commitment, VSO will be there to support you every step of the way during your preparations. VSO runners receive:

  • a VSO fundraising pack

  • a VSO training programme

  • a VSO running vest

  • a dedicated and experienced VSO fundraiser that will offer continued support and advice

  • on the big day – a crowd of enthusiastic VSO supporters to cheer you on! 

If you have any questions or would like to find out more please contact Philippa Tree on:

Email: philippa.tree@vso.org.uk
Phone: 020 8780 7301

]]> Royal Parks Half Marathon Join our running team to take part in what is known as the most beautiful city run in the world.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/29101/ Missed out on a ballot place for the Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon? VSO have 15 places available now!

We'd love you to join our running team. Known as the most beautiful city run in the world, the race starts and finishes in Hyde Park and passes many iconic sites such as Buckingham Palace and Marble Arch. See our video from our 2010 Royal Parks VSO running team. 

How to register to run for VSO?

VSO have a set number of guaranteed charity places which are available now. To receive a guaranteed charity place and fundraise for VSO please fill in the registration form and return to Philippa.Tree@vso.org.uk.

The Royal Parks Half Marathon is an extremely popular event and places get filled quickly, so don't miss out!

If you have already secured a place in the run and would like to support VSO, we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at the details below to receive some fundraising and training support.

How much do I have to raise?

We do not charge a registration fee and ask our runners to pledge to reach a minimum of £450 (excluding Gift Aid).

The money raised will enable VSO to continue sending skilled volunteers to over 40 countries to share their skills with some of the world's most disadvantaged populations and provide long-term solutions to eradicate poverty. 

What support will I receive?

If you choose to run for VSO we will be on hand to provide you with all the fundraising and training support that you may need. You also receive the following a:

  • VSO fundraising pack

  • VSO training programme

  • VSO running T-shirt

  • crowd of enthusiastic VSO supporters to cheer you on the big day!

If you have any questions or would like to find out more please contact Philippa Tree on:

Email: philippa.tree@vso.org.uk
Phone: 020 8780 7301

]]> VSO North East - Zip Slide over the Tyne http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35188/ The North East Supporter Group is planning a ride across the Tyne with a difference!

The ride is scheduled during a weekend day in October (date still TBC), and will be supervised by the Zip Slide Company.

A refundable registration fee of £35 is required and it would be great for all participants to raise £100

To register, please read the terms and conditions and email David Burgess before 29th February 2012

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