“It felt incredibly good to be helping the local community and spending our precious time doing something worthwhile outdoors.”

Caudwell Youth: Volunteer Case Study Caudwell Youth mentors at-risk young people aged 11-24 years into new futures. Founded in 2022 by four co-leaders with experience of charity-led mentoring provision and philanthropist John Caudwell. They are determined to ensure that the needs of at-risk young people are properly addressed. We talked to Alison Crook, a volunteer mentor at Caudwell Youth who has been supporting Luke. Luke has been part of the Caudwell Youth Collective – a group made up of young people across all our areas that support the charity vision, they get to have input on lots of areas from marketing to being on the interview panel for our next CEO. What Prompted You to Become a Volunteer Mentor? My plan, when I was able to reduce my regular workload, was to put something together to persuade large corporations to provide some sort guaranteed training apprentice for 3 years to care leavers and to contribute to purpose built care leaver flats in which to reside whilst they were under apprenticeship, with support, afterwards, to move forwards. This young person volunteering, I thought would give me better insights into the issues surrounding care leavers and the support that is necessary. It is doing just this! How Often do You Volunteer for Caudwell Youth? Every week I meet with my allocated mentee face to face, with additional contact via messaging in between. How has Volunteering Changed You? Volunteering has provided better insights into the challenges that young people face leaving the care system and has demonstrated the inadequacies of the state support that on the face of it, should work, but because of the way it is set up, and lack of funding, fails to deliver. Also, accepting that small wins are OK and a step in the right direction. What is the Best Thing About Volunteering? It is a great way to “give something back” to society. Seeing small improvements and someone developing more independence. Meeting new people with different experiences. What Would You Say to Someone Considering Volunteering? If you have an interest in supporting young people and can devote some time, just do it! Finally, Would you Recommend Volunteering to Others? Definitely – everyone should do something in life to “give something back” to society. You can find Caudwell Youth mentoring opportunities here .

Hertfordshire volunteer stories: Louise Garden House Hospice

ParkPlay is a simple community-focused initiative that transforms your local green spaces on Saturday mornings into vibrant community gatherings. Taking place every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, ParkPlay offers two hours of free fun in parks and open spaces across the country. Here in Letchworth, Jackmans ParkPlay, invites residents of all ages to rediscover the joy and life-changing power of play. Supported by Sport England, Hertfordshire County Council and the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership, Jackmans ParkPlay is part of a larger mission to promote physical activity and community engagement. The event encourages families and individuals to come together, enjoy our beautiful green spaces, and engage in a variety of informal games and activities. Focused on short games and playground fun for the whole family, ParkPlay creates an inclusive environment where everyone, regardless of age or ability, can participate and have fun. However, the magic of ParkPlay would not be possible without the dedication of its volunteers. At the heart of every ParkPlay session is a team of passionate individuals who bring energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine love for their local communities. These volunteers work alongside a qualified ParkPlay leader to help set up games, encourage participation, and ensure that everyone feels welcome. Their efforts are crucial to creating the positive, inclusive atmosphere that makes ParkPlay so special. Volunteering at ParkPlay can be a deeply rewarding experience, as described by Ian Lalite, a regular volunteer at ParkPlay. “Volunteering at ParkPlay on Saturday mornings has been incredibly rewarding for my wife and me,” Ian shares. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time together as a family, and we love how it brings us closer to our community. The environment is welcoming, and we’ve had the chance to meet new people, forging friendships with others who share our values. Plus, the physical activities involved provide us with some much-needed exercise, making our weekends productive and fulfilling.” Ian’s experience highlights the multiple benefits of volunteering at ParkPlay. Not only does it offer a chance to give back to the community, but it also provides an opportunity for personal growth and connection with other families in your local area. Volunteering at ParkPlay allows individuals to build new relationships, stay active, and contribute to the well-being of their community. For those interested in making a difference, volunteering at your local ParkPlay is a perfect opportunity. Whether you’re looking to meet new people, spend quality time with your family, or simply enjoy the outdoors, ParkPlay offers a unique and fulfilling way to get involved. Join us on your Saturday morning and experience firsthand the joy of playing, moving, and connecting with your community. For more information contact Adam Nnochiri at [email protected] or visit the ParkPlay website on https://park-play.com/