Over 60 people - including the Mayor of Erewash, local councillors, representatives from a range of local voluntary and community groups, and residents – attended a lunchtime seminar the Enterprise Centre, Cotmanhay on March 30th. It was part of a programme of work being undertaken by Irene Hardill (Nottingham Trent University) and Sue Baines (Newcastle University) Broadening the base of the Volunteer Workforce  with funding from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).

The purpose of the day was to celebrate and share the achievements of volunteers in Cotmanhay. Speakers included local MP Liz Blackman, Phil Poulter (Erewash Partnership), Irene Hardill and Michelle Valentine (Disability Rights Commission) who highlighted the benefits that volunteers have brought to the community.

A number of volunteers, and clients also spoke about what they have gained through voluntary work, but the highlight of the day was the presentation by a group of young people from Bennerley School, who represent the future of Cotmanhay