VSO UK: Events http://www.vso.org.uk/events/ en 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!

]]> 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  

]]> 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.

]]> VSO Cheshire - Great Manchester Run http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35676/ All the places for VSO have now been allocated but you can come along and cheer on those running to raise funds for VSO.

For more information, contact Mary Oultram: moultram@hotmail.co.uk.

]]> VSO Coventry and Warwickshire - Annual In Her Shoes walk/ramble A lovely Sunday morning ramble across the fields to Offchurch where there is a pub with a garden…and then a walk back through open country and along the Grand Union canal. Four miles in all.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/33562/ It’s a gentle walk for people of all ages, over even ground.  Children and dogs very welcome.  We do the walk each year for a bit of fundraising ( we ask everyone to donate up to £10 to VSO for joining the walk) and to think for a few moments about the hardship many women face especially in African countries in getting help at childbirth. Often women have to walk many miles to get any specialist help at all when they have any problems in pregnancy.  VSO is committed to training midwives and improving maternity services.

Contact Dave Sternberg for more details.  Tel 01926 403497 or email
dave_sternberg@yahoo.co.uk

Meeting place

Gather at the VSO banner next to Newbold Comyn Leisure Centre, Newbold Terrace East, Leamington Spa, CV32 4EW.  This is by the car parks and there is loads of parking. For directions, view a map the Leisure Centre here.

]]> VSO Lincolnshire - Taste the World Pioneering Event Open air extravaganza of foods, music, dance and more from Africa, China, Thailand and India. Come along and join in!

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/34193/ In order to support the launch of VSO's new fundraising initiative Taste the World, VSO Lincolnshire is organising the perfect day out for you, your family and your friends to find out more about the charity and raise vital funds to support out work.

You will be able to experience the world of VSO volunteers, through food such as: Indian curries, African bean burgers, spiced chicken kebabs, Thai green curries and couscous salads; all representing countries where VSO works.  

Along with the food there will also be demonstrations of Tai Chi, Egyptian Belly dancing, Tribal Dance and Indian dance for everyone to join in! Drummers will be performing at noon followed by a Chinese Lion Dance, a magic show,  and Chinese folk dancing in the afternoon. There will also be games to play and a raffle to be won.

Sample food from all over the world, have your name written in Chinese lettering, henna patterns on your hands, join in with the performance or watch rangoli patterns form before your eyes. Imagine the atmosphere! NO, DON’T just imagine! Come along!

Taste the World publication will be on sale and and members of the group will also be there to talk about VSO. For more information, please contact Anne Massey

We hope you can make it!

Location

The City Square in Lincoln is a canal-side square, just off the main High Street, and close to many shops. There are benches to sit on and VSO will have extra chairs and tables available for you to enjoy the sunshine, the performances and the food.

]]> 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/ VSO have a number of guaranteed charity places which are available now. Deadline to register is 27 April, so you will have to act fast to secure your place.

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:

]]> 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/30921/ Meet VSO gives you the opportunity to learn more about volunteering with VSO.  The event begins with a presentation which aims 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. During the event you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have to VSO staff and volunteers.  The event will start at 19:00 and will end at 20:30.

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

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

]]> 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

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

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/34858/ 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 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  

]]> 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/ 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.

Dates

22nd - 25th June 2012
7th - 10th September 2012

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 22nd June cycle please note that this minimum sponsorship amount must be with VSO by 13th April)
 
Fundraising option 2:  You pay £595 tour costs and fundraise as much as possible for VSO (for 22nd June cycle please note that tour costs must to paid to our tour operator by 27th April)  

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

]]> VSO Guildford and North Downs - Strawberry Tea http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35759/ The VSO Guildford and South Downs supporters group hold an annual Strawberry Tea and AGM for local RVs, and supporters.  A returned volunteer speaks about their experiences and a fabulous array of cakes, sandwiches and of course strawberries are available. Time TBC.

Contact Roger Miall for more details.

]]> 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/25819/ Meet VSO gives you the opportunity to learn more about volunteering with VSO.  The event begins with a presentation which aims 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. During the event you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have to VSO staff and volunteers.  The event will start at 19:00 and will end at 20:30.

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

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

]]> Meet VSO, Cambridge

Want to share your skills overseas but don't know where to start? Come and meet VSO staff, returned volunteers and members of your local VSO Cambridge Supporter Group to find out more.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35988/ Meet VSO events have been designed to give you the opportunity to learn more about volunteering with VSO.  Through an hour-long presentation, we will endeavour 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, from our local VSO Cambridge Supporter Group, present to share their experiences and give you an insight into what it's really like to volunteer. During the event you will have plenty of opportunities to ask any questions you have to VSO staff, returned volunteers and VSO Cambridge Supporter Group members.  The event will start at 11:00 and will end at 12:30.

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

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

Directions and parking

Address: The Emmanuel United Reformed Church - 72 Trumpington Street - Cambridge - CB2 1RR. Tel: 01223 351 174. Map.

Nearest car park is the Grand Arcade. Cheaper parking options also include several 'Park and Ride' services throughout the city.

]]> Meet VSO, York

Want to share your skills overseas but don't know where to start? Come and meet VSO staff, returned volunteers and members of your local VSO York Supporter Group to find out more.

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35991/ Meet VSO events have been designed to give you the opportunity to learn more about volunteering with VSO.  Through an hour-long presentation, we will endeavour 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, from our local VSO York Supporter Group, present to share their experiences and give you an insight into what it's really like to volunteer. During the event you will have plenty of opportunities to ask any questions you have to VSO staff, returned volunteers and VSO York Supporter Group members.  The event will start at 11:00 and will end at 12:30.

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

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

Directions and parking

Address: The Priory Street Centre (CVS) - 15 Priory Street - York - YO1 6E. 01904 621 133. Map.

Please visit The Priory Street Centre website for further public transport and parking information.

]]> 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/24843/ Meet VSO gives you the opportunity to learn more about volunteering with VSO.  The event begins with a presentation which aims 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. During the event you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have to VSO staff and volunteers.  The event will start at 19:00 and will end at 20:30.

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

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

]]> 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 (password required).

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 fill-in 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 under the 'Single donation' tab. Here you'll also have the option to comment under the 'What inspired you to give today' section, please make sure you write 'Brecon Beacons Challenge 2011' we can then link your payment to the challenge and confirm your place.


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.

]]> 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/35251/ 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.

Dates

22nd - 25th June 2012
7th - 10th September 2012

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 22nd June cycle please note that this minimum sponsorship amount must be with VSO by 13th April)
 
Fundraising option 2:  You pay £595 tour costs and fundraise as much as possible for VSO (for 22nd June cycle please note that tour costs must to paid to our tour operator by 27th April)  

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

]]> 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/27485/ Meet VSO gives you the opportunity to learn more about volunteering with VSO.  The event begins with a presentation which aims 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. During the event you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you have to VSO staff and volunteers.  The event will start at 19:00 and will end at 20:30.

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

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

]]> VSO Edinburgh - Fundraising Night at the Stand Comedy Club http://www.vso.org.uk/event/35519/ 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/ Members of the North East VSO Supporter Group will be zip sliding across the river Tyne on Sunday 21st October.  Supervised by the Zip Slide Company, the group is looking for more participants to join them in order to raise as much money for VSO.

A refundable registration fee of £35 is required and participants should aim to raise £100 each.

To register, please read the terms and conditions and email David Burgess.

]]> Virgin London Marathon 2013 Would you like a place in one of the most prestigious running events of the year? Join our team of VSO runners in 2013!

]]> http://www.vso.org.uk/event/20505/ Well done to our 2012 runners!

A huge well done and congratulations to all our London Marathon runners this year. Thank you to everyone who made 2012's event a huge success for VSO, from sponsoring our runners, to offering your time and support on the day, we really appreciate it!

If you have any photos or comments about the day please email philippa.tree@vso.org.uk or share them on facebook.

Virgin London Marathon 2013

London Marathon ballot
The official London Marathon ballot opens on Monday 30th April. We recommend registering through this first, you never know you could be one of the lucky ones! Although please be aware that it fills up very quickly, so the sooner you register the better.
http://www.virginlondonmarathon.com/

VSO London Marathon place
To apply for one of VSO's guaranteed places please fill in our online application form, outlining your reason for choosing VSO and your fundraising plans.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with our events team at events@vso.org.uk.

How much do I have to raise?

We ask you to pledge to raise at least £1,800 in sponsorship and we will be on hand to provide you with all the support that you may need.

Support

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:

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