'Volunteers are crucial for future of the city'

PLYMOUTH'S army of volunteers are being seen as crucial in the transformation of the city over the next ten years.

- By ALISON STEPHENSON

Plymouth is believed to have a higher than average number of residents who do voluntary work and all this passion for volunteering is set to be harnessed.

As Plymouth embarks on a bright future with billions of pounds being invested in the dockyard and the government recognising it as one of five national defence growth areas, the city’s ambition is to see everyone benefitting from that.

Chief executive of Devonport-based social enterprise the Real Ideas Organisation Lindsey Hall is set to work alongside the Navy and Babcock as well as Plymouth City Council, universities and City College to drive change.

And she is determined to help get 3,000 people out of poverty.

"We are committed to that as part of Team Plymouth," she said.

Team Plymouth is a collaboration of all the city's key players, sharing the same goal. It wants to address the workforce and skills gap, deliver housing and regenerate public spaces, improve the infrastructure, transport and culture and end health inequalities.