A Reflection on Volunteering for this International Women’s Day

Community Transport Week (13th - 17th October) is an opportunity to celebrate the essential role that volunteer-led transport services play across the country. These services don’t just get people from A to B, they connect communities, reduce loneliness, and provide vital support to those who may otherwise struggle to access transport. We spoke with Jon Brown, North Herts & Stevenage Community Transport Manager , to hear about the impact of volunteer drivers and the difference they make every day. Why are volunteer drivers such a vital part of your service, and what difference do they make to the community? “Without our incredible team of Volunteer Drivers, our service simply wouldn’t operate. The service is Volunteer led and that is what makes it that more special. Every day our Volunteer Drivers are making a real difference in the community, from providing safe and reliable transport to being a friendly and caring companion. Our service offers wonderful social benefits for both the service user and the Volunteer.” What kinds of journeys do volunteer drivers typically help with, and what roles do they play in people’s everyday lives? “Our Volunteer Drivers are taking local residents to important health and medical appointments. This could be to local hospitals, doctor surgeries, health centres, dentists and clinics. Many of our clients struggle to access reliable and affordable transport, and that offer the support and reassurance they need. We even take people to some of the big hospitals in London. We also support people by taking them to their weekly social club, day centre or support group. These can be a lifeline for many people and it can help to combat isolation and loneliness for many local people.” What qualities do you look for in someone who wants to become a volunteer driver, and how do you support them once they join? “We look for local people who are sociable, caring, friendly, patient, and who enjoy driving and supporting less able local residents. It’s a very flexible role and our Volunteers can offer the time they can give. We have a fantastic team who enjoy a friendly chat during the journeys. This provides a social connection and reassurance for many of our service users. Our service also provides a peace of mind for a lot of people using our service, which is so important during what can be a stressful and worrying time for a lot of people. We provide a full training induction to our Volunteers upon them joining our service, and the office team are their ongoing support whilst they are part of our volunteering team. We also provide training opportunities, covering relevant topics, such as Safeguarding, Dementia Awareness and Manual Handling.” How would you describe the rewards of volunteering as a driver, both for the volunteers themselves and for the people they help? “Being a Volunteer Driver is a wonderful opportunity to support local residents in your local community with their transport needs. There is a big demand for our service, and every day our team of Volunteers are making a real difference to people’s lives, providing safe and reliable transport, a listening ear and a friendly and reassuring chat. It’s a very rewarding and unique opportunity to help and use a service that looks to enhance the lives and wellbeing of people across North Herts & Stevenage.” Community Transport Week is the perfect time to recognise the dedication of volunteer drivers like those in North Herts & Stevenage. Their contribution goes far beyond transport they provide reassurance, companionship, and a vital link to community life. If you’ve ever thought about giving your time, becoming a volunteer driver could be a rewarding way to make a tangible difference in your community, you can find all driver roles on our website here .

Trusteeship is a unique volunteer role which is vital to society. The amazing work that charities do in our communities simply could not happen without people stepping up to volunteer their valuable time and expertise to take on the responsibilities of charity leadership and governance as a trustee sitting on the charity board. Trustees report a great deal of satisfaction in their role and mention benefits they feel they gain personally - common themes are a sense of purpose, connection to the community, broadening of networks, development of skills and experience, and more – however it is also true that the responsibilities of the role can be demanding and may be especially so at times of change. We are experiencing plenty of that these days! At GoVolHerts we’re proud to celebrate the essential contribution of Hertfordshire’s trustees to the work and achievements of our voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith sector. Not only do we thank and sing the praises of trustees, but we champion and promote this vital volunteering role and we work to help trusteeship flourish. Our annual conference for Hertfordshire trustees, co-organised with Hertfordshire Community Foundation, will focus this year on the challenges and opportunities of navigating changing times. There’ll be a keynote and workshop session on ‘Managing and understanding your role as a strategic leader’ with Leah Selinger, Chair of Watford Women’s Trust, a talk from Jeremy Colman, Chair of Crossroads Caring for Life, providing a personal perspective on the charity's experiences and, finally, problem-solving tips from Jon Clarke, trainer and facilitator. The free conference will be held on November 5 th at Hertfordshire Development Centre in Stevenage from 5-7:30pm. It is a wonderful opportunity for sharing your experiences and ideas with other local trustees, for networking and for refreshing your motivation. Last year we had over 70 participants who were highly enthusiastic about the conference, saying they all took away something they would use in their role. If you’re a Hertfordshire trustee, we hope to see you there this year, to celebrate all you do, make new connections and gain fresh perspectives and tools to help you and your organisation flourish. More information, agenda and registration here .

Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Want to connect with local causes that truly matter? Join us for the GoVolHerts Virtual Volunteer Fair on Tuesday, 17th September , and discover how you can get involved in exciting volunteering opportunities across Hertfordshire . Whether you're passionate about helping others, gaining new skills, or just want to give back to the community, this event is the perfect starting point. You’ll have the chance to meet a wide range of Hertfordshire-based organisations, all looking for dedicated, enthusiastic volunteers like you. From supporting mental health services to helping at local community centres, schools, arts and culture initiatives, and environmental groups, there’s something for everyone. Plus, you’ll be able to ask questions, explore what roles suit your interests, and get inspired by the amazing work being done across the county. Why attend the GoVolHerts Volunteer Fair? Discover real opportunities to get involved locally Meet charities and community groups looking for volunteers Learn how you can contribute in ways that match your time and interests It’s virtual – join from anywhere in Hertfordshire! Save the date: 📅 Wednesday, 17th September 2025 💻 Online - details available after registration Make a difference. Meet inspiring people. Find your perfect volunteer role. Register now and be part of something bigger in Hertfordshire! 👉 Sign up here If you want to see what's involved, watch our Volunteer Fair from January 2025 here: