"It's been really great, thank you so much for all you help"

Meet Eva Nagy, Support Coordinator for Reach Out, North Herts & Stevenage CVS & Volunteer at British Red Cross What volunteer role do you do and why did you start volunteering? I am in training to become an Emergency Crisis Responder for British Red Cross. I have always had a charitable side and raised money for several UK based charities through the past 10 years, by taking part in challenges such as walks/hikes etc. It has always been on the back of my mind to do more, however the moment I realised the time is now, is when I started to work for Reach Out as a Support Coordinator. Meeting so many wonderful volunteers who they have busy lives , family engagements and full-time jobs and still being available to support the community, I really thought I do not have any excuse to postpone my sign up. How you make a difference? I will be attending emergency call outs alongside with local emergency services, to support vulnerable people who have been affected by fire, floods, severe weather, water shortages, anti- trafficking, rest centres etc. As an Emergency Response Volunteer, I will be giving support to the affected people at the time of need, such as -emotional support, signposting/helping to get further support, distributing clothing or water etc. I will be also driving an Emergency Response Vehicle which is well set up and stocked for the purpose. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? I strongly believe that the voluntary sector is a pillar to statutory services. It provides you with a strong sense of purpose, engages you with your community, you learn and develop new skills, meet new people, improves your self-esteem and without a doubt will make you more a positive and happier person. If anyone has in the back of their mind to become a volunteer, just sign up now, think about what you are passionate about and find a suitable charity to support, but mostly, believe in yourself, when you find the right place, your life will become so much brighter and more purposeful.

Meet Sue Akers who kindly volunteers for the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Please tell us a little more about yourself and your volunteering work? Before I joined as a volunteer for the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance I organised an annual golf day which, over a period of 7 years, raised £100,000. I was then asked if I would like to join the charity as a volunteer, which I did over 10 years ago. I currently help in one of EHAAT’s charity shops where my main role is to look after the window displays, and with merchandising generally in the shop. It’s a rewarding job raising money for the charity. I also enjoy meeting and chatting with the public making people more aware of the charity’s life-saving work. What roles are available at the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance? There are many things that the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance charity needs volunteers to help with, for instance attending promotional events; collecting donations at bucket collections; giving talks within the community or helping deliver Visitor Centres Tours at North Weald and Earls Colne; and helping out in our offices. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? My message to anyone wanting to volunteer is, regardless of age, nationality or gender we need you to help keep the helicopters flying! Jane Morton, Volunteer Manager commented “Sue is a highly valued, well regarded and much appreciated member of our volunteer team, and we would like to thank her for all her help over the years” To find out more about volunteering with the charity please visit https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/Essex--Herts-Air-Ambulance

Caudwell Youth mentors at-risk young people aged 11-24 years into new futures over a period of 2 years. They currently work across Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. Meet ‘Sam’ (20) and Mentor Jack from Luton. Sam has learning difficulties and came to Caudwell Youth as he was struggling to make friends and become independent. “He is at college and volunteers once a week at a youth centre, since starting to work with us Jack has worked with Sam to build his social confidence and resulted in a trial shift for part time work. They both love computing and Jack is supporting Sam to build his own pc using his knowledge”. This is just one example of how Caudwell Youth's mentoring model is person-centred, and how they match young people and volunteer mentors based on interests, skills and personality. This ensures the young person receives support completely tailored to them. "We always keep the young person’s best interests at hear" Find out more about the volunteering opportunities with Caudwell Youth https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/Caudwell-Youth