"A positive contributor to mental wellbeing, with the satisfaction of being part of something that has a positive impact on others."

Meet Polly, one of the incredible team of volunteer Number Ninjas, located across the county of Hertfordshire and ready to support residents in improving their number skills! (Polly is on the right of this photo, pictured with a Hertfordshire resident, Abbi). Improving number skills can have a positive effect in many ways; from being able to better support children during their education, to improving the finances and financial prospects of a household through better money decisions. Likewise, at work, with improved numeracy, productivity and profits increase for a business which has an effect on the wider economy, so there’s lots of good reasoning behind this drive to make us love numbers! The Government is dedicating a large amount of money to this cause and that’s why the Multiply programme has been established. Funding is being allocated to various councils and Step2Skills is heading up the Multiply programme in Hertfordshire. With this level of funding, we couldn’t do it alone and we are partnering with a number of organisations across the county to deliver Multiply-funded workshops/courses and support local residents with number skills. Number Ninja Polly is currently located at Create Community Network in Letchworth. The Number Ninjas are a vital part of the Multiply journey as they are the first point of contact with someone and can find out more about how someone could use the help of Step2Skills with their number skills. Thank you Polly and the Number Ninja team! To find out more about this opportunity please visit https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/Step2Skills/opportunities

Meet Maria, she volunteers for the Waterways Experiences - who enable everyone, regardless of age, physical ability or social disadvantage to experience the fun and the beauty of our waterways. What prompted you to join Waterways Experiences? I went on a day trip and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, learning how to operate the locks and steer the boat. The crew were friendly and informative and thought it was a wonderful way to give back to the community as well as meet some amazing people. I worked shifts so was looking to do something worthwhile with my free time. The bonus being its outdoors, (not so good when its pouring down with rain, but the hot tea more than makes up for the British weather) and seeing the changes to the canal throughout the seasons. Loved the relaxed pace of meandering up or down the canal. What role(s) do you have in WExp? I'm part of the Marketing team, Enable team and also do some crewing What do you enjoy most about being with Waterways Experiences? Being with waterways has been a breath of fresh air, seeing the time and effort put in by the volunteers is inspiring. I have met and worked alongside some lovely people. My only experience of steering a boat was a brief trip on the Norfolk Broads not my best endeavour, but with the guidance and patience of the more experienced crew members my confidence is gradually increasing. I have loved learning new skills and being part of a team. Its also given me the confidence to own a small river cruiser. What do you say to your friends about volunteer for Waterways Experiences? My friends think its a brilliant idea and such a worthy cause. and living so close to the canal its an obvious choice. Check out the volunteering opportunities available here https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/7217845-

Who do you Volunteer for and what is your role? Hi, my name is Sue and I volunteer for Stevenage & District RDA as treasurer, volunteer co-ordinator & trustee. Why you got into Volunteering? I had retired from work and my mother-in-law who lived with us had recently passed and I was left with a void in my life. However, my husband and I went to a social gathering and I was speaking to a lady who volunteered with another RDA group. It sounded very interesting and something I thought would enjoy as I love animals and it would also benefit someone else. When I got back home I looked on my computer and found out where my nearest RDA group was. I contacted them, went along to see how they operated and it immediately appealed to me. It has helped to give me a sense of purpose, provided mental and physical rewards as well as teaching me valuable skills. I’ve been a member for over 12 years now and I’m well and truly hooked! How you make a difference ? The RDA motto is “IT’S WHAT YOU CAN DO THAT COUNTS” and this is so very true as our participants face a number of personal challenges in life. We can make a difference in so many ways whether we side help or lead ponies, or if our participants are unable to ride, assist them with their horsecare sessions. We can participate at various events, competitions, help fundraise, receive training and are always a very valued member of the team. Everyone makes a HUGE difference. What would you say to someone considering volunteering? Volunteering for RDA has given me a purpose and a new direction in life. Without helpers there would be no RDA, the job is vital. Sometimes the paperwork may look a little daunting - so please come along and see what it’s all about. Our team are a very friendly bunch and you’ll be assured of a warm welcome! For more information please email us at [email protected] . Do you have an inspirational message you could leave here? Even if you have left home feeling a little low by the time you leave an RDA session you probably will be feeling happy that you have helped to make a difference to someone’s life. You can learn new skills, help make a difference, make new friends, work as part of a team, enjoy the outdoors and keep fit. You’ll meet people from all walks of life but who have the same common goal. We operate on Monday and Thursday mornings in school term times only so perfect for Mum’s with kids at school. We are always looking for suitable volunteers who are friendly and reliable. We are flexible in our approach with the days volunteers are able to attend but if you could commit to every other week that would be great. Find out more about the fantastic opportunities here https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/StevenageRDA