Ali Crook - Caudwell Youth Volunteer

Looking to give back to your community but not sure where to start? The upcoming Virtual Volunteer Fair is the perfect chance to explore a wide range of opportunities across Hertfordshire and find a role that suits your skills, interests, and availability. One volunteer who found his path through GoVolHerts is Peter Hopkins, now Chair of Trustees at Young Carers Crew . “In 2022, I wanted to get back into volunteering to give something back to the community, but wasn’t sure where to start. A contact recommended GoVolHerts, a platform connecting people in Hertfordshire with meaningful volunteer roles. So off I went! In searching the site, I came across a role as a Trustee for Young Carers Crew – a charity supporting young people who care for family members with illness or disability. The description explained that trustees help guide the charity’s strategy, ensure good governance, and support its fundraising efforts. With many years business experience in senior roles, I felt that a trustee role was one where I could make a real difference.” Peter applied through GoVolHerts and was soon welcomed onto the board of trustees. “It took a few meetings to get to know everyone and to start making a contribution. Initially I took on responsibility for fundraising strategy, and had a number of successes with local government and foundation grants. I have since moved on to take the role of Treasurer, with the added responsibilities of Charity Commission reporting and dealing with HMRC queries – and this has certainly enabled me to develop new skills! I have recently taken on the additional role of Chair of Trustees, and as I reflect on the last three years, I certainly feel that I’ve been able to make a difference to the governance of the charity, ensuring we are in a good place financially to continue to support young carers in our area.” The experience has been rewarding not just for Peter but also for the charity. “As a charity, we continue to use GoVolHerts to recruit new trustees and volunteers, and to bring new sets of skills to the group! I would certainly recommend the site to any charity looking to engage volunteers with their purpose, and thanks to all the team for their continued support!” Peter’s story is just one example of how volunteering can open doors, build new skills, and make a real difference. If you’re curious about how you could get involved, the Virtual Volunteer Fair is a fantastic place to start. Peter Hopkins, Chair of Trustees, Young Carers Crew

In 2024 Mark was considering what activity he could do to have fun, keep busy, contribute to his community and use his skills. He saw on Facebook that GoVolHerts was hosting a volunteer fair in Hitchin town centre, so he went along to meet charities and find out what sort of opportunities they might have to get involved. On the day, he got talking to the people at the Herts Fire & Rescue Service stand. Having recently retired from a demanding role as a marine engineer who used to have responsibility for fire-fighting on board oil tankers and gas carriers, their volunteering roles seemed like a great fit and an interesting opportunity to use his skills and experience for the benefit of the community. He started to volunteer with the service shortly afterwards as part of a team of volunteers. He is involved in a variety of different activities, including helping at public education events across the county, fitting smoke detectors and interviewing for the King's Trust. GoVolHerts recently met him supporting a busy Older Persons Learning & Safety event in Stevenage, organised by volunteers from Herts Fire & Rescue. Mark really enjoys getting out and about and the variety of his role, in which he is typically active 2-3 days a month. GoVolHerts was delighted to hear about Mark's experiences and to know that we played our part in helping him find the right role. We celebrate all the wonderful volunteers at Herts Fire & Rescue service, who are keeping our communities safe and supported. Click here to see their current volunteering roles and find out if it's the right fit for you too. If this isn't the right role for you, don't hesitate to search for other roles or to attend our forthcoming Hertfordshire Volunteer Fair on Friday 6th June in Hitchin! Learn more here.

NYAS is a leading rights-based charity who provide advocacy and legal representation to children and vulnerable adults when important decisions are being made about them. Hear our volunteers story below: "Volunteering as an Independent Visitor for the National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) is a profoundly rewarding experience. My journey began with a desire to make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people navigating the complexities of the care system having worked in this area over 10 years ago. For nearly three years I have been supporting one young person, I have seen them grow and become a young adult. Supporting them through the challenges of moving foster homes and schools. Every 4-6 weeks we get together and have fun, whether going to the cinema, out for food, bouldering or just going for a walk. All these activities have allowed us to build a genuine connection, providing a reliable and trusted presence in their life, they feel comfortable to share and ask questions. It is wonderful to be part of their life. Volunteering with NYAS has reinforced my belief in the crucial role of community support in empowering the next generation. Witnessing the positive changes and growth in the young person I support highlights the tangible impact that dedicated volunteers can have on building a brighter future for vulnerable individuals. The experience has not only positively influenced the young person I support but has also fostered my personal growth. Understanding the nuances of the care system and advocating for the rights of these young people has expanded my empathy and deepened my commitment. Ensuring I am a consistent and positive presence in the life of the young person I support continues to be a source of inspiration for me, my family and my friends." Feeling inspired? Why not apply for a mentor role at NYAS .