Gateway to the Games Volunteer Programme 

Get involved 

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in the London 2012 Games in Barking and Dagenham. 

The Council is proud to announce we have now reached our target of over 500 volunteers signed up by 2012 but we are always looking for more. Anyone can become a Gateway to the Games Volunteer, people of all ages and backgrounds. 

You may have time to volunteer on a regular basis or you may only be able to give a few hours a few times a year. Whatever your motivation or situation we welcome you! 

Our amazing volunteers support events such as the Dagenham Town Show, Olympic Torch Relay and London Youth Games.

  • Volunteers are offered a number of exciting opportunities including:

    • Stewarding at sporting events both in and outside the borough
    • Assisting at inter-borough events such as the London Youth Games
    • Helping people to become more active by becoming a trained walk leader and leading walks throughout the borough
    • Volunteering at a local sports club
    • Assisting with the fundraising and running of the charitable trust Living the Dream Trust which helps our potential future Olympians and Paralympians from Barking and Dagenham
    • Assist with valuable administrative work

    Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity as it is rewarding, enjoyable and it can open up many doors. The many benefits of volunteering are listed below:

    • Put something back into your community - make a real difference to Barking and Dagenham!
    • Get involved in prestigious events and sports competitions
    • Receive support, training and qualifications
    • Gain new skills and experience that are great for your CV and could be a stepping stone into employment
    • Build up your volunteer portfolio
    • Have fun, be part of a team and make new friends
    • Out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed
    • Receive free branded clothing, volunteer ID, portfolio folder and our newsletter
     

  • If you would like to be part of the team and help make a difference in Barking and Dagenham, please complete the application form below. 

    Volunteer application form

    Within 2 weeks the team will contact you by letter or email to invite you in for an induction when you will usually complete a CRB form.  At the induction the induction pack below will be discussed.

    Volunteer induction and information pack

     

  • Our newsletter is published 3 times a year and aims to keep volunteers informed and connected. 

     

  • The Gateway to the Games volunteer programme is one of the outstanding projects granted the London 2012 Inspire mark, the badge of the London 2012 Inspire programme which recognises exceptional and innovative projects inspired by the 2012 Games.

    The Inspire programme is an opportunity for everyone to be a part of the London 2012 Games; a broad participation programme spanning sport participation, education, sustainability, volunteering and business opportunities and skills. 

    New opportunities are being created to inspire young people and encourage the whole of the UK to join in. 

    Find out more about the Inspire programme. 

    The programme offers local people a chance to get involved in the exciting journey to 2012 by giving volunteers opportunities to steward and officiate at sporting and cultural events in and out of the borough plus leading healthy walks in the borough, fundraising and administrative work. 

    Sebastian Coe, Chair, London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said:

    “Gateway to the Games Volunteer Programme is encouraging volunteers to fulfil their potential. I am proud that with the help of partners such as the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham who are delivering on our vision to use the power of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games to boost participation in volunteering.”

    If you would like to find out more about becoming one of our volunteers or maybe running your own Inspire project then please contact us on 020 8227 2012.

     

  • Training is an important part of the Gateway to the Games Volunteer Programme.

    The Council will actively seek volunteer training opportunities to ensure local people gain the skills needed to be part of the London 2012 experience. 

    Training and qualifications include:

    • First Aid
    • Health and safety
    • Communication
    • Leadership
    • Teamwork
    • Customer care
    • Sports coach training
    • Child protection
    • Safeguarding
    • Disability awareness
    • Walk leading
    • Welcome the Torch training

     

     
  • The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games could not be staged without the help of volunteers. The Games needs 70,000 volunteers, who London 2012 has named Games Makers. 

    Congratulations to our volunteers that have been selected!
     
  • The Mayor of London is currently recruiting 8,000 London Ambassadors to welcome the world to Great Britain and London at airports, stations and public buildings.

    Congratulations to our volunteers that have been selected!
     

  • We currently have over 500 volunteers signed up. We have volunteers from all ages and backgrounds. 

    All our volunteers receive thanks and acknowledgement at the annual Sports Awards hosted by Barking and Dagenham Council.

    We are proud to recognise the hard work and dedication of our volunteers by awarding a special prize and accolade 'Volunteer of the Year'.

    • Steve Restarick - Volunteer of the Year 2006
    • Alex Griffiths - Volunteer of the Year 2007
    • Mary-Ellen Gallacher - Volunteer of the Year 2008
    • Jon Green - Volunteer of the Year 2009
    • Callum Hanslip and Cliff Martin - Volunteer of the Year 2010
    • Momina Mahmood - Young Volunteer of the Year 2010
    • Jon Green - Volunteer of the Year 2011
    • Sue Hamilton - Long Service Award 2011
    • Stuart Butler - Special Achievement Award 2011
     
 

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