About GoldStar 
By offering all kinds of good practice examples and advice, from inspirational ideas to solid common sense, the GoldStar Exemplar programme opens up a whole new resource to voluntary groups and projects. Many of these people have time to spare and unfulfilled skills and talents. Now we can get them on board more easily and give voluntary organisations more strength in depth. And since many projects help those who are socially excluded, who better than volunteers, mentors and befrienders with first hand experience in these areas?
 Neelam Baksh Women in Governance Project (WinG), Richmond |
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For many people at risk of social exclusion, working as a volunteer, mentor or befriender is an important first step to personal development. It brings out the best in them and can change their lives for the better. Through good practice in connecting with these people, GoldStar Exemplar projects and other forward thinking voluntary groups are giving them the chance to grasp that opportunity of turning a potentially negative outlook into a very positive one. And the more good practices that are started, the more happy endings there will be.
In many cases, voluntary projects or groups are there to assist those in danger of social exclusion. So having like minded people to spend time with enables clients to be at ease and benefit more from the experience. It also gives easier access to clients who are traditionally hard to reach. And the more volunteers that become available, the more time and help can be given to those who
need it.
By widening their net to socially excluded groups, voluntary organisations encourage a greater sense of inclusion which helps the wider community. Many volunteers from these groups are in a position to give something back to others who are disadvantaged. GoldStar is all about giving voluntary groups the means and the opportunity to widen their horizons in a way which can help communities to help themselves.
GoldStar Projects
