Volunteer Stories

As part of Community Transport Week, we’re highlighting the volunteers who give their time to help others stay independent and connected. Volunteer drivers play a vital role, not just providing transport, but offering companionship, support, and reassurance to those who may otherwise struggle to get out and about. Meet Peter , a volunteer driver who shares what inspired him to get involved, the meaningful moments he has experienced, and why he believes community transport is so important. What inspired you to become a Volunteer Driver, and what keeps you motivated to give your time? Had recently retired but very aware I still felt I wanted to contribute in some way. I was fortunate to still have good health and mobility and enjoyed driving and more importantly talking to others was something I had always enjoyed in my career dealing with the public as I had done for many years. When I read about the service it seemed such a great cause to be involved with and certainly four months on I witness every week how much the service is appreciated by its passengers. It really feels like giving time each week is so vitally important in affecting other lives. Can you share a memorable moment or story from your journeys that shows the impact community transport has on people’s lives? I recently drove a lovely very elderly lady to a breast clinic appointment. She was so nervous and worried and had no relatives nearby or close family. Her mobility was an issue too as she was very unsteady. I believe she was 92. The lady asked if I would mind accompanying her to her appointment and wait with her to chat and distract her from her concerns. Of course, I gladly did and we had a number of great conversations throughout the journey and whilst at the hospital. On leaving her she was quite emotional and said I had helped turn what she was expecting to be an unpleasant afternoon into a really lovely trip out! It was a lovely afternoon, and it made me really feel I had made a difference to her that day. Why do you think Community Transport is so important, especially for those who might otherwise struggle to get out and about? It really is so important. It gives clients the peace of mind and an amount of independence that can be missing for a variety of reasons, obviously health and wellbeing being a major factor. To attend these appointments for some with no family, relatives nearby, and in some cases no friends still alive, it is, I know, a great comfort to have this overall support and of course with those on a limited budget it ensures they receive the appropriate care with hopefully no concerns over the cost of transportation which of course privately would for many be prohibitively. Peter’s story highlights the profound difference volunteer drivers make — providing not only safe and reliable transport but companionship, reassurance, and independence to those who need it most. If you’d like to explore volunteer driver opportunities in Hertfordshire, see available roles here: https://www.govolherts.org.uk/volunteer/all/opportunities?search_radius=8&q=driver

This week, we’re celebrating the volunteers who help keep our community moving. Community transport isn’t just about getting from one place to another — it’s about independence, reliability, and the kindness of people willing to give their time to help others. Meet Rob , one of our dedicated Volunteer Drivers. He shares why he got involved, the moments that make the role meaningful, and why community transport is so important for those who might otherwise struggle to get out and about. What inspired you to become a Volunteer Driver, and what keeps you motivated to give your time? I realised from my own family experiences how much older clients would appreciate a personalised, friendly transport service that they could fully rely on. Community Transport provides this. The office staff are really organised and are great at communicating with drivers and clients alike. The online system provided for drivers to book their future availability is easy to use and flexible, and the job allocation process is straightforward. Being able to plan ahead and choose exactly when you are available to take a booking is really convenient for me. Hearing from clients directly about how much they all value the service provided is a great motivator for me to help further whenever I can. I like driving and can always seem to fit the jobs in around my other activities. Can you share a memorable moment or story from your journeys that shows the impact community transport has on people’s lives? Many of the clients have difficulties with mobility, so a door-to-door service with a driver who can be patient and assist where needed is clearly appreciated. Taking the stress out of getting to and from an appointment is one benefit for the client and having a good chat on the journey is another. Why do you think Community Transport is so important, especially for those who might otherwise struggle to get out and about? In the current climate there are no transport services provided by the hospitals or social service depts themselves, so this charity transport service is critically important to users for whom public transport may be impractical and private taxis very expensive. 🌟 Rob’s story highlights how volunteer drivers make a real difference every day — providing independence, friendly conversation, and peace of mind to those who rely on the service. 👉 If you’d like to find your perfect driver role in Hertfordshire, explore opportunities here: https://www.govolherts.org.uk/volunteer/all/opportunities?search_radius=8&q=driver

As part of Community Transport Week, we’re sharing the voices of our amazing volunteer drivers — people who give their time, energy, and kindness to help others get where they need to go. Here, we meet Denise , who shares what first inspired her to volunteer, the special friendships she has built, and the many ways volunteering has brought meaning to her own life. What first inspired you to start volunteering and what keeps you motivated to continue? I was inspired by a phone call to enquire if I would consider driving for Community Cars. I gave it very little thought as I had no idea what was involved but thought, hey why not, let's give it a go? So I did! I thoroughly enjoy meeting people from all different walks of life and over the years have developed a nice friendship with a few. Can you share a moment or experience in your role that has felt especially rewarding or meaningful? I take many people from all different walks of life. There is one lady with MS that I take to a centre in Wendover on a weekly basis. Through her I have met a very nice gentleman who has become my special friend. He is at the Centre as his son also has MS and the lovely thing is that his son and the lady I take are starting on a budding friendship. Who knows where that will lead. Not time to buy a hat for either of us though! What is the best part of your volunteering role and why does it stand out to you? The best part is difficult to say there are so many different “best parts” for me personally it means that whilst I'm out taking people to and from hospital appointments, I'm not spending money. It also gives me a wonderful reason to get up every morning. How has volunteering changed you or made a difference in your life? Volunteering has made me more aware of other people and their difficulties. I try to do whatever I can to help them sometimes it might just be a friendly word other times just an ear to listen. I have noticed that my biggest difference is that I am learning to listen and think before I speak. 🌟 Denise’s story is a reminder that volunteering is about more than driving — it’s about friendship, connection, and finding purpose in helping others. 👉 If you’d like to discover your perfect driver role in Hertfordshire, take a look here: https://www.govolherts.org.uk/volunteer/all/opportunities?search_radius=8&q=driver

Community Transport Week: 13–17 October This week we’re celebrating the volunteers who keep our community moving. Community transport isn’t just about getting from place to place — it’s about connection, support, and making a real difference in people’s lives. We spoke to Lauren , one of our dedicated Volunteer Drivers, about what inspired her to get involved and why she believes this service is such a lifeline. What inspired you to become a Volunteer Driver, and what keeps you motivated to give your time? I’d been searching for a while to find something to volunteer for - I had some spare time and wanted to do something helpful with it. But nothing really stood out until I read about the community transport service and thought “I can do that! I enjoy driving and it sounds like a great way to give something back to the community” I’m so glad I took the plunge and volunteered. The team are amazingly supportive and look after their volunteers really well. It’s just a pleasure to drive people to and from their destinations, knowing that you’re helping, even if it’s in a small way. I really enjoy the social aspect of meeting such a variety of people - you never know what you’re going to end up talking about and every trip is different! Can you share a memorable moment or story from your journeys that shows the impact community transport has on people’s lives? I recently took a gentleman on a 60 mile round trip for some medical treatment. Using patient transport wasn’t an option for him because of his condition and using a private hire car would have cost him 4 times as much as community transport and that wasn’t an affordable option. Without access to the community transport service, he wouldn’t have been able to receive his treatment and was incredibly relieved when he discovered its existence. I also recently took a lady to a medical appointment, and she said that she was a bit worried over what she was going to be told. I could see she was getting nervous as we arrived and I offered to wait with her so she had some company. She was very happy to accept, and we had a chat whilst we waited, just to help her with any anxiety. Everything turned out fine and she mentioned how nice it was not to have to wait and worry on her own. Sometimes just providing a bit of unexpected company can have an impact. Why do you think community transport is so important, especially for those who might otherwise struggle to get out and about? It’s a volunteer service, so there’s no rush to get to the next journey. We’re on hand to help people get to and from the car and their actual appointment if needed. With the team in the office, specific requirements can be discussed in advance so the volunteer driver is aware of any assistance that might be required for a more personalised, door to door service. Stories like Lauren’s remind us that community transport is about so much more than just a journey — it’s about independence, kindness, and human connection. Volunteer drivers make a real difference every day, whether by helping someone reach essential treatment, or simply offering a friendly face along the way. If Lauren’s story has inspired you, why not see if there’s a role for you too? 👉 Find your perfect driver opportunity in Hertfordshire here: https://www.govolherts.org.uk/volunteer/all/opportunities?search_radius=8&q=driver

Volunteering can be one of the most rewarding ways to give back to the community, and Citizens Advice relies on the dedication of local people to provide vital support to those in need. We spoke with David Dowling, a volunteer at Welwyn Hatfield Citizens Advice, about what motivated him to get involved, what his role looks like day to day, and the difference it makes both to clients and to him personally. What motivated you to volunteer with Citizens Advice, and what drew you to this kind of role? “I retired in 2023 after working for 35 years in the Corporate sector and I wanted a volunteer role that would be flexible in terms of the hours worked, completely different from what I had done before and something in the charitable sector that would make a real difference to people in need. I had a discussion with the CEO of Welwyn Hatfield Citizens Advice and I was attracted by the Generalist Adviser roles that was described. We were trained in a small group in many different areas including how to help clients with debts, employment issues, housing, benefits, immigration, consumer issues and others. I also learnt additional personal skills that built on what I had gained in the corporate sector.” What does a typical day as a volunteer look like, and what kind of support do you provide for people who come to you? “It may be a cliche but no two days are the same. Whilst there are opportunities for volunteers to speak to clients by phone, my preference is to see clients face to face in the office which is catered for and encouraged. The clients I see are often in desperate situations, for example sometimes they are homeless or about to be evicted, sometimes they have debts which they need help with to manage, other times they are not getting the benefits they are due and some are subject to domestic abuse or have alcohol or gambling addictions. We provide practical advice to help the clients manage these situations and as many of our clients have long-term disabilities or critical health conditions, we will often take a hands on approach to action the advice we give, for example I had a client last week who was a month away from being evicted and after getting her approval to act on her behalf, I successfully applied for Universal Credit, Housing Benefit and Council Tax support for her. I then spoke to the Housing Department and with their help, we spoke to the managing agent of her privately rented house and negotiated with them and the owner to offer her a new lease on the house. She was able to remain in her home and get her finances on a sustainable basis.” How do you feel your volunteering makes a difference, to the people you help and to you personally? “I get so much personal satisfaction from helping local people and I have learnt so much both through the training provided and working with our clients. I enjoy the role so much that I recently extended my hours and role to also work with another volunteer on Research and Campaigns where we take issues that are impacting many clients and deal with the issues holistically. An example of this is that we see so many clients who are not claiming the benefits that they are entitled to. We are now launching a campaign across Welwyn Hatfield to talk directly to different community groups about the different benefits available, eligibility rules and the process for claiming them. We hope this will make a real difference to a large number of people in the borough. The Clients we work with are often so grateful for the support they get from Citizens Advice. They really appreciate how we help them navigate desperate situations and get their lives back to a more peaceful and sustainable basis.” Making an Impact David Dowling’s experience highlights the real impact that Citizens Advice can have on people’s lives from preventing evictions to helping clients access the support they’re entitled to. It also shows how volunteering can be transformative for the volunteers themselves, offering new skills, purpose, and the chance to make a lasting difference in the local community. 👉 To find volunteering opportunities with Citizens Advice Welwyn Hatfield, click here .

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.

The Upcycling department at Garden House Hospice Care is a fantastic place to volunteer, offering a creative and rewarding way to give back. This initiative transforms damaged or outdated furniture into high-quality, unique pieces through sanding, painting, decoupage, and reupholstering. Volunteers of all skill levels contribute, learning new techniques while making a real impact. Depot Manager Natalie Read share below how crucial volunteers are to the department, bringing diverse skills and enthusiasm to every project. More than just an eco-friendly effort, upcycling helps fund vital hospice care while reducing waste. With a dedicated shop at The Depot in Letchworth and a strong sense of teamwork, it’s a welcoming and fulfilling environment for anyone passionate about sustainability, craftsmanship, and community. Can you tell us about the Upcycling department at Garden House Hospice Care and what kind of work you do there? The Upcycling Team take furniture donations which can’t be sold in shops as they are damaged or unfashionable and we sand, paint, decoupage and reupholster those items to make them beautiful. We also make bags and cushions from donated fabric. I have a team of 30 volunteers who all bring different skills - we have grown over the last four years from a team of three, starting off with a few pieces to compliment stock in our Hitchin shop, to now having our own upcycling shop at The Depot in Letchworth. Why is upcycling important for the Hospice and how does it contribute to the overall mission of Garden House Hospice Care? Upcycling means taking furniture donations that would otherwise go to landfill, which is extremely important for the environment. It also means that we create a unique, high-quality product for customers in our community, raising vital funds so the Hospice can continue to care for patients, their families and carers. Volunteers play a big role in charity work. How important are they to the Upcycling department and what kind of tasks do they help with? Our volunteers are important across all departments; in Upcycling specifically, we look for specialised skills like upholstery or painting. However, we do love volunteers who are flexible; many are happy to be sanding down a table one day, then helping curate homeware to compliment furniture in The Depot Shop the next! Our shop is open six days a week now, so our Upcycling volunteers are very busy making beautiful furniture during the week and then assisting customers on a Saturday. What skills or qualities make a great volunteer in the Upcycling department and do people need any previous experience to get involved? It does help if Upcycling volunteers have some experience in painting, sewing or fixing as it is quite a fast-paced environment, and we pride ourselves on our high-quality products. However, we also run workshops for people to learn new skills too. The greatest skills are those shared by all the volunteers across Trading including in the shop, online, sorting and van volunteers: an enthusiasm for the charity and an eye for a good quality donation. Can you share any memorable success stories of volunteers making a difference or a particularly special item that was upcycled? Wow, so many items spring to mind! I particularly like it when the team’s complimentary skills come together. We have had customers who want to furnish their whole houses in upcycled furniture, which is a great team effort, as we have to look out for suitable sizes and styles and then custom paint them. We had one client who wanted bedroom furniture and said we could be as adventurous as we wanted! Joanna, one of our very talented volunteers took this on and created an amazing bedroom suite out of Stag furniture with eclectic wallpaper, mismatched donated knobs and of course a little bit of gold. It was absolutely fabulous, and the customer was thrilled! Apply for a volunteer role at Garden House Hospice Upscaling House 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 .

Triangle Community Garden: Volunteers Needed to Keep This Vital Space Thriving Nestled in the heart of Hitchin, Triangle Community Garden is more than just a green space—it’s a place where people come together to learn, grow, and connect. Throughout the week, the Triangle Garden runs Growing Ability, a therapeutic horticulture project for people with support needs, Tuesdays to Thursdays. On Fridays and weekends, it opens its gates to the public, inviting local people to cultivate and care for its community nature gardens in Ransom's Recreation Ground. However, to keep this invaluable resource thriving, the garden urgently needs more volunteers, particularly for their mid-week activities. Why Volunteers Matter Volunteers are essential to the garden’s success. They support staff in running its Growing Ability sessions, and with general upkeep of the gardens, helping to ensure that everyone who visits can enjoy a fulfilling and educational experience. If more volunteers step forward, the garden could expand its weekday Growing Ability sessions, allowing even more people to benefit from its therapeutic activities. In addition to general volunteers, Triangle Community Garden is also looking for two new trustees to help guide its future. What They Need The garden is looking for friendly, reliable volunteers who don’t mind a bit of chilly weather and enjoy helping others. Ideally, volunteers can commit to coming every week, but the garden also maintains a volunteer bank for those who can help on a less frequent basis. No prior experience is necessary—just enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in! Meet Sarah: A Volunteer Making a Difference Sarah, a local resident and recently retired paediatric nurse, found her volunteering opportunity through GoVolHerts a few months ago. With a love of gardening and a desire to try something new, she was excited to join Triangle Community Garden’s Wednesday afternoon sessions for adults with support needs. Each Wednesday from 12:30 to 3:00 pm, Sarah assists the staff by helping with gardening, craft or cooking activities, and providing general support. She receives a session plan in advance, so she knows what to expect, but there’s no prep required—just a willingness to lend a hand. By simply being there, Sarah helps the staff offer more activities, such as taking participants on walks. Through this role, Sarah has formed strong connections with the project's participants. She finds it incredibly rewarding to see them grow in confidence, become more active in the group, and develop their skills. Despite her background in a caring profession, she had no prior experience working with adults with learning disabilities, and she has found this new experience both enriching and enjoyable. Holly’s Story: A Participant Thriving in the Garden Holly has been attending the garden’s courses for a long time and absolutely loves it. While she enjoys all aspects of the program, she has taken a particular interest in helping new students settle in. She also plays a key role in preparing for the Growing Ability plant stall day, held on the first Thursday of each month. Recently, Holly has developed a keen enthusiasm for wellbeing and healthy eating, an interest sparked by another participant. Since embracing a healthier lifestyle, she has even lost weight and now actively encourages others to stay active and eat well. The session leaders have noted a huge boost in Holly’s confidence—she has gone from being reserved to sharing health tips with fellow participants. Get Involved Triangle Community Garden is making a real difference in people’s lives, but they need more volunteers to keep going. Whether you can commit to a regular slot or just help occasionally, your time and effort will be greatly valued. If you’d like to get involved or learn more about their roles click here .

Safe Space Mentoring is available to 11-19 year olds across Hertfordshire in year 7 -13 (up to 25 years for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities). The aim of the Mentoring programme is to equip the young person with the necessary skills to make informed and positive choices in their lives. It is made clear to the young person that mentoring is a positive step and not as a result of them doing anything wrong; mentoring is voluntary. Case Study: Jamie and Oliver (names have been changed for confidentiality) Oliver was referred to Safe Space mentoring by Carers in Herts in October and started working with his mentor, Jamie in November. Oliver is a young carer for his mother who has severe mental health problems as well as a learning difficulty. Oliver’s father has no contact, and the only family live many miles away in a different county. Oliver has not been in school for 10 months having experienced severe bullying in his previous school. There were no other professionals involved. He was waiting for a school place at another school at the time of the referral but this has not been offered. Oliver said he wanted a mentor so that someone could understand him, have someone to care and someone he could feel comfortable with. The referrer wanted him to have a break from his caring role. Oliver engaged well with his mentor from the very beginning and has been reliable and open to suggestions. Oliver has coped well with lots of disappointments throughout the time we have been working with him, including his place at a new school being withdrawn and his application for a special college being rejected by the SEND panel. He has been open about his desire to return to school but realistic about his ability to cope in a mainstream setting. His mentor has been able to support him with some aspects of learning by, for example helping him to access the local library and go though some maths questions with him. He has also written a letter of support for the school placement appeal, having got to know him and his needs well over the course of the last few months. As well as supporting Oliver with not being in school, Jamie has also encouraged him to get out of the house. Oliver and his mum hardly leave the house, and Oliver is quite nervous about meeting other young people due to previous bullying incidents. The mentor has gone on dog walks with him and it seems, also provided some informal dog training! Oliver is still not confident at leaving the house and needs quite a lot of support with this aspect of his life. Oliver said: “Walking the dog has built my confidence, I’m much happier and a large part of this is due to Jamie.” Feedback from Oliver’s mother: “After Oliver speaks to Jamie he’s in like a bubble floating in the air. We call Jamie our human angel” For all available roles at Safe Space click here .

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/

To prepare for Volunteer's month, we wanted to share some insights into the value of volunteers and why people are motivated to volunteer in their communities. In every community, volunteers form the lifeblood of countless charities and organisations. Their dedication and selflessness empower initiatives that might otherwise struggle to succeed. Volunteers bring invaluable skills, passion, and energy, making a profound impact on the lives of individuals and the health of entire communities. Without their contributions, many essential services and programs would be unsustainable, that's why GoVolHerts is dedicated to support volunteers and organisations to connect together. Why are volunteers so valuable? Their efforts extend beyond mere manpower. Volunteers offer fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a genuine commitment to causes they care about. They help organisations save costs, allowing more funds to be directed towards critical missions. Additionally, the presence of volunteers enhances the credibility and reach of charities, fostering greater community engagement and support. Why do people volunteer? Here are five compelling reasons: Personal Fulfillment : Many people find deep satisfaction in giving back to their communities. The sense of accomplishment and joy derived from helping others can be a powerful motivator. Skill Development: Volunteering offers a unique opportunity to learn new skills or refine existing ones. Whether it's leadership, communication, or technical skills, volunteers can gain valuable experience that enhances their personal and professional growth. Social Connections: Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet new people and build lasting relationships. It creates a sense of community and belonging, connecting individuals with similar passions and values. Career Advancement: For many, volunteering can be a stepping stone to career advancement. It provides networking opportunities, enhances resumes, and sometimes leads to job offers within the organisation or related fields. Making a Difference: Above all, the desire to make a tangible difference in the world drives many to volunteer. Knowing that their efforts contribute to meaningful change and positively impact lives is a powerful incentive. Thank you for being part of our volunteer community. Your dedication and passion are what make our shared mission possible. Together, we can continue to drive positive change and support those in need. Have you signed up for a free account with GoVolHerts? Start your volunteering journey today!

We are very fortunate to have some amazing volunteers who dedicate their time to support our mission. Alex has been volunteering as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Award… “I'm Alex, a 16-year-old who's passionate about lending a helping hand and connecting with people. My journey with volunteering began when I was just 14, participating in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DoE) at Willow’s Welwyn Garden shop. At first, stepping into the world of volunteering was a bit daunting for me, but I quickly embraced the challenge. Jumping right into meeting people and learning the ropes of customer service, I found myself thriving outside of my usual comfort zone. Now, at 16, I'm comfortable working the till and assisting customers with a smile. Volunteering here has been an incredible opportunity not just to give back, but to grow personally too. One of the highlights of my time here has been building a close working relationship with Jan, a fellow volunteer. Jan's guidance and support have been invaluable in my journey, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from her experience. I particularly enjoy working alongside Jan, sorting through the books. There's something satisfying about organising and categorising them together. During my shifts, you'll often find me sorting books, DVDs, and hanging clothes. I dedicate two hours every Saturday to contribute to the shop's mission. Volunteering has really boosted my confidence and broadened my horizons. It's incredible how much I've grown in just a short time. From starting as a bronze-level participant to reaching gold status for my DoE Award, it's been an amazing journey of growth and learning. Outside of volunteering, I'm into music, especially playing the flute. But my real passion lies in making a difference and being friendly and helpful wherever I go. Volunteering here isn't just about the present; it's an investment in my future. Every day teaches me something new and adds value not just to the shop, but to my own personal and professional development. I'm excited to keep growing, making a difference, and spreading positivity wherever I can. If you're ever around Welwyn Garden City, come in and say hi!” We’re always looking for new volunteers, so please do take a look at our latest volunteering opportunities on www.willowfoundation.org.uk/volunteer #Volunteering #DukeOfEdinburgh #willowvolunteers

Ali Crook is a Volunteer Mentor for Caudwell Youth, and she took some time to answer some questions about what inspires her to support them. 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. 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 out more about volunteering for Caudwell Youth, but visiting their profile on GoVolHerts

Sara-Jane sent us her story about her experiences volunteering with Garden House Hospice: I knew about Garden House Hospice in Letchworth, which covers North Herts, but hadn't been any more involved other than donating clothes and household items since moving to Hitchin in 2019. Having had first hand experience of hospice care in my local area when I was in my 20's, it's very much a cause close to my heart and I know how hard hospices have to work to raise vital funds for people with life limiting illnesses. I was out of work last year and so got in touch with the hospice to see if I could lend a hand. I contacted them via GoVol Herts and applied for the role of volunteer for collections at the Farmers on Christmas Lights Tour. I also mentioned that I was currently unemployed and happy to help with any other initiatives local to me. The team got in touch to say that in the lead up to Christmas the shops were in need of some extra help and that there were two shops in Hitchin in the arcade at Churchgate - Threads (a preloved fashion boutique) and Vintage House (stocking antiques, vintage items and preowned bridal gowns under one roof). I went down for a show around at the end of November and immediately knew this would be a great opportunity for me. I volunteered throughout the month of December, mainly at Threads, and am still volunteering until I start a new full time job at the end of the month. I love working at Threads and meeting all the people who come in and also the gorgeous dogs (the shop is dog friendly!) The public donate directly to the shops and bring interesting books, vintage clothes, and gorgeous pieces like silverware or clocks and the stock in both shops is constantly changing. There are 'regulars' (some of whom I have started to get to know!) who come in to check out the latest offerings from time to time. If you haven't already been to take a look, I would certainly recommend a visit! I have thoroughly enjoyed my time volunteering and am glad that I decided to reach out. If you are thinking about volunteering, then give it a go, as you will find nothing but kindness, support and a good giggle here! Whether you want retail experience, you'd like a reason to get out of the house, or you need to build up some confidence, I have no doubt Nicola and Peter will make you feel welcome and part of the team right from the start. I am passionate about sustainability and I have loved being a small part of supporting local efforts to change the way we shop and reduce our impact on the planet.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jim, a wonderful individual who dedicates his time and energy as an activities volunteer at Stagenhoe Neurological Care Centre. It was through the recruitment fair organised by GoVolHerts in May of this year that I had the opportunity to connect with Jim. From the moment we met, it was evident that Jim possessed a genuine passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others. His warm and friendly demeanor immediately resonated with both our staff and residents at Stagenhoe. Jim's commitment to volunteering every Monday afternoon has been invaluable, providing much-needed support and companionship to both our team and the individuals we care for. Not only does Jim excel in his role as an activities volunteer, but he is also a member of the esteemed Letchworth Morris Dancers. This talented group of individuals has graciously volunteered their time to showcase their incredible dancing talents at our annual Christmas Fayre. Jim's involvement with the Morris Dancers further exemplifies his dedication to giving back to the community and spreading joy through his various talents. Thank you, Jim, for your involvement as an activities volunteer at Stagenhoe Neurological Care Centre you are a true blessing. If you would like to volunteer here at Stagenhoe Neurological Care Centre, please email [email protected] By Joanne Reilly

George has become an invaluable asset here at Brainkind (Formerly Sue Ryder) Stagenhoe, using his carpentry skills to create practical solutions for their residents. From crafting a stand to prevent keyboard slips to designing a hand exercise board, George's dedication and talent have left a lasting impact on our staff and residents. One of George's recent projects involved creating a stand to prevent keyboard slips for one of the residents with multiple sclerosis. Recognising the importance of a stable workspace, George utilised his carpentry skills to create a stand that ensures the keyboard remains securely in place. This seemingly small gesture has had a significant impact on the resident's daily life, allowing them to use their keyboard comfortably and without any worries. George's creativity and dedication extend beyond keyboard stands. He has also designed a hand exercise board equipped with various tools, specifically tailored to help our residents strengthen their hands, wrists, and forearms. This innovative creation will serve as a valuable resource, providing residents with the means to improve their mobility and dexterity. What makes George's story even more remarkable is his age. At 87 years old, many individuals might choose to retire and enjoy a well-deserved rest. His story serves as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of our skills and the impact we can have on others. George's dedication and selflessness are a shining example of the positive change we can create when we embrace our passions and lend a helping hand.

Meet Ruth - a volunteer at Isabel Hospice Shop in Cuffley When Ruth Salter left her busy and social role as Buying Manager for Tesco Stores Ltd, she was instantly in a position as carer for her elderly parents and in-laws. Compassionate by nature, Ruth was very happy to take on such a heavy responsibility and it acted as a distraction from what she had recently given up in her working life. However, when Ruth found herself caring for just one parent, due to the spare time and lack of interaction with others, she started to feel isolated and bored. Ruth has now been a valued shop volunteer for Isabel Hospice, working in the Cuffley branch, for five years. Here she talks about her experience so far… Why did you decide to start volunteering? As a keen shopper, I started to pop into my local Isabel Hospice shop in Cuffley. It was a great place to go, and it ‘got me out of the house’, getting back into the community. The staff were really friendly and welcoming and it felt like having friends again. Applying to volunteer there was the obvious next step. How often do you volunteer for Isabel Hospice? I volunteer once a week and have a regular shift. It was an easy process and very flexible, I was able to pick shifts that work around me. I also help out at different events. Last month I helped on an Isabel Hospice vintage stall at Kings Cross in London, it was great fun! I volunteer once a week and have a regular shift. It was an easy process and very flexible, I was able to pick shifts that work around me. I also help out at different events. Last month I helped on an Isabel Hospice vintage stall at Kings Cross in London, it was great fun! How has volunteering changed you? I am part of a team again. I have purpose and am making a difference which makes me happy. Volunteering has maintained my independence, I’m not just mum, wife or nan, it has given me a real sense of purpose in the community. What is the best thing about volunteering? That’s a tough question, as there are so many benefits. But based on my personality and what I enjoy most, I would say I get to have a good laugh with my colleagues and customers. What would you say to someone considering volunteering? Do it, there is so much to gain. It will make you live happier, longer and stronger. You will never feel isolated and you’ll not only share your skills with others but develop new ones too ! Finally, would you recommend volunteering to others? I would recommend volunteering to everyone, it is so rewarding on a personal level, but at the same time GIVES to others, at a time when support and love is the most precious gift. We would like to take the opportunity to thank Ruth for all of her amazing volunteering support over the past 5 years, and look forward to many more! If you would like to become a volunteer for Isabel Hospice, or if you are a volunteer and would like to tell your story, please contact [email protected]

"I have been a volunteer for one of the adult groups at HIT for over 3 years now. From the very start I was made to feel welcome by all of the team and participants. I love how all session leaders always involve everyone, including volunteers, during sessions. We all have an active part to play in the production process. This is quite unique, and is one of the reasons I continue to volunteer my time each week. There's a real feeling of togetherness and friendship in the group I really enjoy my time volunteering at HIT, and as much as I give, I feel I gain a whole lot more! The community that surrounds HIT is special to be a part of.” Naomi, HIT Volunteer

It is truly heart-warming to see the impact that volunteering can have on individuals and communities. Edwin's story is a testament to the power of giving back and finding a sense of purpose. As a refugee from Honduras, Edwin faced numerous challenges when he arrived in the UK. However, his determination and commitment to making a positive difference led him to reach out to GoVolHerts and express his interest in volunteering at Stagenhoe. Upon meeting Edwin, it was evident that his dedication knew no bounds. Despite having to walk for over two hours to get to our meeting, he arrived with a smile on his face and a willingness to contribute. With the help of our Spanish-speaking staff members, we were able to communicate effectively and explain the volunteering role to Edwin. Since joining our team, Edwin has been volunteering three days a week, working diligently within the grounds of Stagenhoe. His hard work and dedication have not gone unnoticed, and we are incredibly grateful for the contributions he has made to our organisation. Edwin's commitment to his role is truly inspiring, and his presence has enriched our Stagenhoe family. While Edwin's volunteering efforts have undoubtedly benefited our organisation, it is important to recognise the personal benefits he has gained as well. Through volunteering, Edwin has found a sense of worth, a routine, and a sense of normality. These intangible rewards are invaluable and contribute to his overall well-being and integration into the community. But Edwin's impact doesn't stop there. His wife, Nilda, has also joined our team, thanks to the support we provided her in obtaining a food hygiene qualification. Nilda now works alongside our kitchen staff, further strengthening our Stagenhoe family. Additionally, Edwin's friends, Evelyn and Daniel, have also become part of our community, assisting with various tasks within the grounds. The story of Edwin and his loved ones is a testament to the transformative power of volunteering. It showcases how a simple act of giving back can not only benefit an organisation but also provide individuals with a sense of purpose, belonging, and stability. At Stagenhoe, we are incredibly grateful for Edwin's dedication and the positive impact he has made on our organization. We are proud to have him, Nilda, Evelyn, and Daniel as part of our family, and we look forward to continuing this journey together. If you are considering volunteering, we encourage you to take that step. You never know the profound impact you can have on both yourself and the community around you. “I am very grateful that I can help Stagenhoe and give back to the community. It is a pleasure and it helps me to get out of the hotel and receive love from everybody” Edwin If you would like more information about volunteering here at Stagenhoe please contact [email protected]

Meet the lovely Margaret, a volunteer for Waterways Experiences. What prompted you to join Waterways Experiences? My husband Malcolm had been volunteering for Reachout and then Waterways Experiences and was obviously enjoying it so much that I decided to join him. What role(s) do you have in WExp? I am on the Bookings team and man the phones one day a week, taking calls and answering emails about booking trips on our boats and other general queries. If anyone has a query about anything they always call the booking line first as we’re number 1 in the options! It is great talking to people, finding out about them, what they like, and how WExp can help them. I am crew on the widebeams and Sheldrake 3 but don’t get out as often as I’d like. I’ve also volunteered for 2 Enables and am due to do another one and a young carer’s weekend this year. What do you enjoy most about being with Waterways Experiences? I love talking to people on the phone and meeting all the different people who hire our boats from groups of elderly people from care homes, to learning impaired adults who join in on the locks and steering with such enthusiasm, to kids and their parents who are obviously having a good time. Also the joy of being out on the water in our lovely bit of Hertfordshire. What do you say to your friends about working for Waterways Experiences? I'll tell everybody about WExp! I say we are a wonderful group of people. We are friendly and enthusiastic about what we do and it is great fun. What do you do outside of WExp? I have 3 grandchildren and meet up with them (and their families) regularly. I take the bookings for the Royal Bank of Scotland (Natwest) Inland Waterways club who own 2 narrowboats that we hire out to members. I do the weekly newsletter and serve (administer the wine) for some services in our local parish church. I am a director and am company secretary and do the accounts for the company that Malcolm and a friend ran building and hosting websites. This has mostly closed down but I’ve still got some work to do. I keep chickens and have a large garden which never gets as much attention as it needs. Anything else you’d like to add? Working on ‘Bookings’ is rewarding because you get to talk to potential clients, find out what they would like, and tell them how wonderful WExp is - though most of them know already. More help is always appreciated so if you know a reasonable amount about how WExp works and could be available to answer the phone and answer emails between 9 & 5 a few days a month please get in touch. Find out more here https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/7217845-/opportunities

Leecliffe Big Local is a resident led charity funded by the National Lottery and Local Trust, and has been making Borehamwood a better place to live since 2010. They have many projects mainly working in partnerships with other organisations, churches, schools, youth clubs etc. One of their projects is Chatter Tables. It is a safe place for local residents to meet, have a cuppa and a chat. Many residents may feel lonely and isolated especially since Covid and Chatter Tables has been established to tackle exactly that! Chatter Tables is located at St Michael and All Saints Church in Brook Road, every Monday between 12pm and 3pm. Two wonderful volunteers ensure that the place is set up on time to welcome the attendees and making them welcome! One of our volunteers is Francis. Francis also known as Frank or “the man with the bright flowery shirts” has been volunteering since December 2022, after retiring from his heating engineering job in June that year. After sorting things at home he started to get bored as he likes to keep himself busy. He likes things to be organised and tidy. Francis loves talking to people and considers himself as a “people’s person” so no wonder why Chatter Tables appealed to him! He says: “I want to help the local community”. Francis comes every Monday to set up, makes cups of hot drinks, putting biscuits out and chatting to people. He works very well with the other volunteer Sandra and together they make the best team ever. If anyone would like to volunteer for Chatter Tables or other projects such as gardening in schools or working with young people, please contact [email protected] or 07525236408 or checkout the live volunteering opportunities here https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/Leecliffe-Big-Local/opportunities

Meet Christine, a volunteer call-taker with Family Lives. Christine lives in Radlett and works as a Lecturer at a local FE college. Family Lives support families across the country to work through difficult experiences such as poverty, behavioural problems, relationship stresses, and countless other issues. "I am currently on my third time of volunteering with FL over a 15 year period. I find that being there at callers worst time is very rewarding and I have learned so much. Family Lives are very friendly; the training great and 3 hours a week a manageable commitment. We don’t need to be ‘experts’ but to listen and encourage callers to reflect. There is always support available". Find out how you can help here https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/Family-Lives/opportunities

Meet Helen, Volunteer Trustee and Secretary at Young Careers Crew. Young Carers Crew (YCC) is an independent charity based in Stevenage that provides respite and support to young carers living in Stevenage and North Hertfordshire. The young carers are young people aged 8-18 that are primary or secondary carers for a member of their family. They run fortnightly sessions and occasional outings where careers can ‘just be themselves’ and enjoy their time at the group.YCC also aims to serve as a place for the young carers to get any support they may need from other young carers, or the volunteers at the group. Please tell us a little more about yourself and your volunteering work? I joined Young Carers Crew in 2012. Having started as a Group Volunteer (when I particularly enjoyed helping the young carers develop their cooking skills), I went on to become the Secretary and then one of the Trustees. I'm proud to be part of this fantastic team, who all work together to support our young carers. What made you decide to start volunteering? A desire to make a positive contribution to my local community. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? When you see the hugely beneficial effect on these young people - increased confidence, well-being and happiness - it gives such a wonderful sense of satisfaction, and you really do feel you've made a difference to their lives. Find out how you can help and get involved here https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/Young-Carers-Crew/opportunities

We caught up with Ray, founder at Green Care at Norton - a wonderful social and therapeutic gardening project located across a number of growing sites in Letchworth. They work with vulnerable and lonely adults who maybe long term unemployed or have special needs. Ray offers volunteers an opportunity to develop their flower farm project which involves growing and preparing cut flowers for sale. Ray recently joined GoVolHerts platform to promote his volunteering opportunities to support the expansion of their project and has already experienced a very promising start. They have recruited 4 new volunteers and received 8 applications since the start of July. "We've had quite a lot of interest...we recruited a really good floristry volunteer who is now a regular and an admin volunteer who I work remotely with. We also have a really lovely guy who's interested in general horticulture and another lady who has just started coming last week. We've also had lots of people email. It's been really great and thank you so much for all you help". Find out how you can help Volunteer with Green Care at Norton https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/Green-Care-at-Norton-CIC/opportunities

Meet Dave Gilpin, Volunteer at Citizens Advice Broxbourne. Dave volunteers as an Adviser at the Monday drop-in service at Hoddesdon Library and Tuesday for the Adviceline. Please tell us a little more about yourself and your volunteering work? Dave is retired and undertakes three volunteer roles for the following charities and organisations; Citizens Advice (Broxbourne), Digital Skills (Community Alliance) and IWM Duxford. When Dave isn't busy volunteering he enjoys spending time visiting the theatre and cinema and undergoing DIY projects for family members. What made you decide to start volunteering? "I felt I was not doing enough, and it was about time to give back. I went from zero volunteering to three roles since May last year. With each I get a different a value. At Citizens Advice its very much a sense of helping others and solving problems. Citizens Advice of my volunteering has the highest scope for delivering value, return and support for my community. With Digital Skill it about supporting the digital challenged community and Duxford is more fun and social". Why would you recommend volunteering to others? "In the main it's rewarding and a sense good use of time and skills. Volunteering ensures I have purpose, replaces the social element of when working for a living" Find out how you can help here https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/Citizens-Advice-Broxbourne/opportunities

Meet Jane, Volunteer at Link Up Club in Knebworth Link Up Club has been going for 40 years and has been providing hot food in the Knebworth Village Hall and since Covid in peoples homes by means of our delivery service. They reduce isolation and promote social inclusion and reduction of loneliness. Hi, my name is Jane Turner and I volunteer for Link Up Club in Knebworth as the Treasurer and I also get involved in helping serve meals to our elderly diners, making tea and coffee after the meal, then helping to put everything away so we leave the Village Hall clean and tidy. My husband and I moved to Knebworth from the West Midlands 2 years ago to live near our grandchildren, who are 4 and 2 (and our daughter and son-in-law of course). I'm 64 years young and love being busy. I knew I wanted to throw myself into village life, so I joined a number of different clubs and associations locally in order to make friends. In September of 2021, Link Up Club was about to relaunch their weekly lunches in the Village Hall, which had been disbanded during Covid and turned into a meal delivery service instead. We decided to go along to sample the food and, being a fair bit younger than most of the diners, we were asked by the Chair if we would like to help out. We've both been volunteering for Link Up Club ever since. It's a great way to get to know new people from around the local area and we feel we are doing our bit for society. Certainly we have plenty of fun with the other volunteers and diners alike, even though it can be pretty full on some weeks when there aren't so many volunteers around to help. The thing about volunteering is that it is a Win-Win situation - the diners get pampered by the volunteers who help to cater to their every need and the volunteers reap their own rewards from seeing the difference they are making by being part of a team helping others . I've seen how volunteering transforms people from being shy and retiring, to really coming out of their shells and growing in confidence. There are so many opportunities to volunteer and even if you only have a small amount of time, there is a group out there who needs your time and skills. Take a step into the unknown, you will be so glad you did! Find out how you can help here https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/Link-Up-Lunch-Club/opportunities

Meet Roxie, a Volunteer for SADA Survivors Against Domestic Abuse. Roxie Volunteers at the Drop In Service and as DA Forum Vice Chair. Survivors Against Domestic Abuse (SADA) is a service that provides advice, guidance and support to individuals and their families who are or have experienced domestic abuse. The service encourages and empowers victims and survivors to make decisions that are right for them offering crisis intervention, together with client-led support and signposting to other agencies suited to the individual and their own situation Please tell us a little more about yourself and your volunteering work? I began supporting the SADA service as a volunteer creating a Domestic Abuse Drop In Service as well as a Domestic Abuse Forum service for victims and Survivors in the area. This was very well attended and was a life line to many families and single people in Stevenage. It was from this that the service grew and we were able to expand on the support available. It meant a lot to me to see this expansion and growth as I am a Survivor myself and this was important to my journey. What made you decide to start volunteering? Because I am a Survivor and I wanted to make a change. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? It gives you a lot more rewards than you realise. To be able to help others in their situation helped me to move forward with my own. It allowed me an opportunity to grow and to gain all of the skills I have in my job role today.

Meet Kim, a Volunteer at Wimpole Estate. Please tell us more about yourself and your volunteering work When I retired in 2013 I found that I had time on my hands, so I decided to seek out a volunteering role and that’s when I found the National Trust (NT). The NT provided me with an opportunity to get my ‘fix’ of seeing beautiful countryside and the historic houses. I started off as a ‘House Welcomer’, but over time I became a buggy driver, helping at Easter Trails, Christmas Craft Events as well as part of the Conservation Team, where I washed windows, vacuumed floors of a 16 th century house and undertook room surveys. Last year, I moved to Bedfordshire and wanted to continue volunteering, so I transferred to Wimpole Estate where I currently volunteer in Food and Beverage (F&B) section. It is something completely different and was outside my comfort zone. This has provided me an opportunity to work as part of a team with a variety of colleagues who have an age range from teens to sixty plus. I find it keeps me young, chatting with a wide range of age groups. Part of my role at F&B is to clear tables, pot wash, serve food and when time allows chat with the visitors. I have also joined the Events Team which provides me more time with our visitors such as having fun with kids during the Easter Trails and there’s an opportunity for engage my creativity through-out the year. How long have you been a volunteer? I can’t believe that I have been volunteering for the National Trust for nine years the time has gone by in what seems to have been a few seconds. What kind of roles are available in Food & Beverage at Wimpole? The F&B Team allows you to do as little or as much as you want to do. We have volunteers who just clear tables and chat with the visitors. The key roles in F&B are: · clear tables, · wipe tables, · pot washer (in other words washing up), · serve food & drinks, and · talk with our visitors and help them in any way you can. All volunteers have to undertake formal training as part of working within the F&B environment. Some of the volunteers also take on other roles within the Estate such working on the Farm or the Events Team like me. Why did you decide to start volunteering? People choose to ‘volunteer’ for a variety of reasons. For some it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experiences and knowledge. For me, it was to meet people, to stop feeling so isolated when I retired and I really get a buzz from team working. The sense of belonging to organisation such as the NT is special. They support you and make you feel part of their team, with staff and volunteers all working towards a common goal and of course, it is great to work at properties which I have grown to love, in environments which are beautiful. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? So, I would say if you have any time free and would like to meet people and use your skills or even gain some new skills, at the same time giving something back to the community do consider volunteering, it is great fun. Come and check out what the Wimpole Estate can offer you as a volunteer. Just find a role that you are passionate about or something that inspires you. There are dozens of reasons to volunteer; you just need to find the one that feels good for you.

Meet Phoebe Coles, Volunteering Coordinator at Guide Dogs (Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex- including Redbridge & Welwyn) Did your journey to working for Guide Dogs begin as a volunteer? If so, how? I was heavily involved in volunteering prior to joining Guide Dogs, but not as a Guide Dogs volunteer. I volunteered previously in Cyprus, leading on projects focusing on women’s rights and refugee rights issues. My interest in working for Guide Dogs started during an internship at the UK Parliament when I joined a Guide Dogs campaigns event about safe pavements. From that day, I researched more about the charity and the rest is history! What is the thing you enjoy the most about working as a Volunteer Manager & why? I find it incredibly rewarding supporting volunteers, the thing I enjoy the most is helping volunteers feel that they are a part of a community and less isolated. Volunteering is a great way to help people feel involved with community action, but it is also beneficial for mental health too. This Volunteers Week marks me being with Guide Dogs for one year, and it has flown by. I am so honored to work for such an incredible charity with brilliant and enthusiastic volunteers and staff. If you are interested in joining our Guide Dogs family, please check out our website and search for volunteer roles in your area: https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/ . No matter your background, skills, and interests, there is something for everyone! Why not join our Virtual Volunteer Fair on 22nd January to learn more about the impact of volunteering? Sign up here .

Meet Opal Reid, Volunteer at North Herts & Stevenage CVS - GoVolHerts and Community Transport I am an Admin Support Volunteer for two NHCVS Projects - GoVolHerts and Community Transport. When I retired my plan was to do some volunteer work, with a different focus to my old role or to use those skills to help a not for profit organisation. Then the pandemic happened which gave me time to research and find something that was interesting as well as giving me some new skills. Making a difference is something we can all do by being open to supporting the needs of the organisation you work with. Volunteering is not only about giving your time but about what you want to gain from the experience, which for me was giving something back and gaining new skills that can be used in other areas of my life. I am very lucky working with Katie and Jon and being part of such an inclusive organisation as NHCVS"

Meet Jenny, volunteer for Penniwells Riding for the Disabled and Garden Manager at the Random Cafe. What volunteer role do you do and w hy did you start volunteering? Currently I volunteer for Penniwells Riding for the Disabled and i am the volunteer garden manager at the Random Cafe. My first experience of volunteering was through my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award age 15. I started volunteering with Riding for the Disabled in 2010 as a way to start leaving the house following a period of agoraphobia and anorexia. I have found a Riding for the Disabled Group wherever I have been staying/living in the country since then. Penniwells Riding for the Disabled is my 4 th group. I joined them while I was in a mental health hospital nearby. It helped me with my mental health recovery and gave be a reason to work towards keeping my leave from the unit each week. It was also the reason I stayed in the area when I was discharged from hospital. How you make a difference? In my current roles I am able to help care for the horses and ensure they are ready for our riders. I then help support the riders during their lessons whether that be so they can benefit for their mental health, physical health or both. Some riders require a team of three volunteers per lesson to assist them. Some of the extra events and competitions require extra help, whether it be costume making in advance or an extra pair of hands on the day. At the Random Cafe I manage a team of volunteers who assist me in keeping the gardens tidy and organised so we can grow plants and crops to sell to raise funds that go back into the project. I also build garden items such as planters out of reclaimed wood, which are also sold to fund the project. Not only is this saving materials from landfill but it is encouraging others to grow their own to help the environment. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? I sometimes feel slightly selfish in why I volunteer because although it does help benefit other individuals and the community as a whole, I know how much it has increased my confidence and helped keep my mental health well and more stable. I think often people feel that they don't have any qualifications or skills to offer, but often that's not what is needed. It is simply time and willingness to try that is appreciated. There are two mottos I think volunteering sits well with; firstly the RDA motto "Its what you can do that counts" and secondly Tescos "Every little helps"

Following the pandemic and 25 years working at a senior level in global mobility, Peter's outlook on life changed. Mentoring with MCR Pathways gave him an opportunity to give back, whilst he reassessed his life and where he wanted to take his career. It resulted in being life changing for Peter. A role opened up, giving Peter a perfect opportunity to further something he was passionate about, whilst using his valuable knowledge, life experience and expertise to help build this platform to recruit more mentors for young people. MCR Pathways supports vulnerable young people in the care system, or who have previously been in the care system. Or who have other hardships in their lives to realise their full potential. We do this by providing mentoring in school during term time to help these young vulnerable students to reach their full potential in school and life despite their difficult circumstances. So they are defined by their talent and not their circumstances. We are looking for volunteer mentors for these young people, for one hour a week, for a minimum of one year, in your local area. You could really change a young persons future. MCR Pathways are seeking volunteer mentors over the age of 21, to work in Herts schools to make a life changing difference to a disadvantaged young person. No specific experience or skills are required, just the ability to be there for the young person, to listen and to care. Mentors are needed at our schools in Cheshunt, Hemel, Hertford, Stevenage, Tring and Watford

Meet Alex Longmore, resident at Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre Stagenhoe When Alex Longmore, 44, joined Surrey Police in 2000, it was a dream come true. However his career was sadly cut short, when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 2012. Unable to work, Alex was stuck at home and experienced a period of depression. Alex’s Social Worker arranged for him to have a respite stay at Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre Stagenhoe, and he never looked back. Alex says, “when I came to Sue Ryder my depression lifted almost immediately. Interacting with people there was such a big help.” Since moving into the centre on a permanent basis, Alex has kept himself very busy with the help of the dedicated Sue Ryder team. Staff have accompanied Alex to various live gigs to indulge his passion for rock music, and he recently attended Sue Ryder’s VIP Awards, as a member of the judging panel. Marlene Sanchez, Clinical Educator at Stagenhoe, says “Alex had such a wonderful time at the VIP Awards. He’s still talking about it now. It made such a difference being able to get out, and to feel like a part of the wider Sue Ryder community.” Alex experienced a long and winding journey to eventually getting his MS diagnosis. He explains, “I was driving along a country lane, and it was like someone had spread Vaseline on my glasses. I could see, but through a fog of blurriness. Why I didn’t stop and call an ambulance there and then I don’t know! When I got to the station, I told the sergeant what had happened. She told me she was signing me off sick, and asked if I wanted a lift home or to the hospital, and I said home. I went to sleep, and when I woke up my eyes were still strange. I phoned NHS direct and they said you need to get to A&E. I thought to myself ‘things just got real!’” He was in hospital for ten days, and had multiple CT and MRI scans, as well as a lumbar puncture, but doctors were unable to work out what was wrong with him. He was told it could be MS or Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM). Alex says, “I was put on an IV and steroids, and then sent back home. I had a follow up appointment six months later, and the second I walked in they said ‘we really should have sent you to a neurologist!’ Finally I was given a formal MS diagnosis, and prescribed the appropriate medication.” The severity of Alex’s MS symptoms meant he had to take early retirement in September 2012, and he found the transition to civilian life incredibly difficult. He says “the money had dried up, and I was just sitting at home alone. Once I had taken my son to school, I was just sat on the sofa all day. My depression got worse, and my mental health was not good.” Alex was offered respite at Sue Ryder Stagenhoe after social services weren’t able to work out a way to appropriately adapt his home to his needs. “After I’d been there for a month, social services asked if I’d like to live at Sue Ryder permanently, and I said ‘yes please!’ I spoke to my family, and the next day I was moving in. The first positive straight away was being able to interact with others through activities. Having my own space is amazing; I’ve got my own computer and internet. It allows me to go to places that I just wouldn’t be able to otherwise. My son was also allowed to come and stay with me overnight before Covid hit. But now he’s 17, and too tall for the bed!” And while being cared for by Sue Ryder, Alex has been able to continue to pursue his passion for music, particularly rock and heavy metal. “Staff came with me to Sonisphere festival in 2014. I got to rock out nicely! We also went to a Hayseed Dixie gig locally. I’ve seen them seven times now! They were awesome as always – the atmosphere was great, and they never fail to make me giggle with their onstage antics. Ed Sheeran used to be their warmup act. My son really wanted to go and see Ed on tour, so I emailed them, and they sorted the tickets! The rock community is really amazing.” Marlene Sanchez, Clinical Educator at Stagenhoe, supported Alex to attend Sue Ryder’s VIP Awards, after he was invited to be one of the judges. Marlene explains, “we were told Alex had been chosen to be part of the panel for the VIP Awards, and I was asked if I could help him to do the judging. When I got the information through I thought ‘goodness me!’ There were so many nominations, and we had to read each story. I went to see Alex, and we setup a couple of meetings, where we went through them all one by one.” And all their hard work was rewarded with an invite to the ceremony itself in Derby. “Alex loves going out, so I wanted to check we could attend and support him before telling him. We spoke to his physiotherapy team about him sitting in his chair all day. Our Head Physiotherapist did some special work with him, so he could do some exercises in his wheelchair while he was there.” But all these preparations were worth it, as both Marlene and Alex had a rewarding experience at the event. “We absolutely loved it. It was a really nice trip. The venue was amazing, and they were so welcoming. Alex sat on the end of the row so he could talk to lots of new people. We were sat with the Communications Team, and we were all chatting and telling stories. Seeing Alex chatting, laughing and happy made it all worthwhile for me. But he was so tired out from the day, that on the journey home he put his heavy metal music on full blast and then fell asleep! He woke up right at the end and said ‘well that trip wasn’t too bad was it!’”

Meet Rex, Volunteer at Sue Ryder Stagenhoe Rex has pledged the same amount of time to Sue Ryder Stagenhoe that they provided his dear late Wife Shelia. "Sue Ryder Stagenhoe was like our home, we were one big family. I really enjoy my two days volunteering with the residents activities. It's my way of giving back to a very worthy cause that helped my Wife. It makes me happy to be here"  Rex has donated a beautiful bench and canopy for the residents to enjoy in the gardens in memory of Shelia.

Meet Kai Zakaria, Staying Connected Coordinator for North Herts & Stevenage CVS & Volunteer at Stevenage Central Library. 1.What volunteer role do you do, and why did you start volunteering? I caught the volunteering bug in 2008, doing odd jobs for a charitable plant nursery and then website admin for a new secondary school in Zambia. Currently, I volunteer at Stevenage Central Library as an IT Champion answering queries mostly from users of the two computer suites. I started nine years ago during a long period of illness and unemployment. I needed something to build my confidence, create a routine, and challenge myself. 2. How do you make a difference? I've always had difficulty asking for help. I don't want anyone to feel belittled, stressed or intimidated when they overcome the barrier to asking for help. I have learning difficulties, and I get a huge lift when people realise they can learn despite their fears or other people's opinions of them. It’s magical watching someone grow in confidence! I hope people feel glad they took a risk and pushed through their worry/pride long enough to ask for help. Maybe they'll take the risk again in another area of their life; who knows? People don't realise they're actually helping me by asking for my help. Also, you never know what someone is dealing with in their life. It's my duty to help others feel less isolated in the few minutes they spend with me. You never know how long it has been since someone connected. It's a basic human need even for neurodivergent people like me. The lockdowns showed us all how much we need connection. 3. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? Mood and cognitive boosting effects. I always feel great after volunteering Strengthens my social skills. becoming less introverted and inward-looking. Long-lasting effects on my self-esteem Grows my problem-solving abilities I meet people I would never have crossed paths with Alleviates loneliness, and it might just make you smile. Or laugh. Has brought me employment opportunities, new acquaintances and friends I learn to appreciate people who are different to me rather than fear them. An antidote to news and current affairs. An antidote to my natural selfishness! Revenge for all the consideration and kindness thrown at me over the years.

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

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

Meet Chelsea, a volunteer with the Family Support Service Chelsea applied to volunteer with the Family Support Service as she wasn’t sure which career path to pursue. Volunteering with the Family Support Service gave her the opportunity to put her knowledge & skills into practice, and to see how all her studies work within the service to support early years. This enabled her to see if this is the pathway she wanted to pursue further as a career and gain hands on experience. Whilst volunteering Chelsea was always enthusiastic, and keen to experience as much as possible and made the most of every opportunity given to her. As a volunteer Chelsea became a valued member of the team, bringing her own ideas and expertise forward. When a job vacancy became available within it was the perfect opportunity for Chelsea. Chelsea has settled well into her paid perinatal role. Being a volunteer first and having the knowledge of the service has allowed her to transition into a paid role quite seamlessly . She will be a great asset to the service and I’m looking forward to seeing her continue to develop. " My time volunteering with the FSS helped me to get an understanding of the roles within the service and reinforced my desire to work with families & young children/babies. From the first volunteer session I was made to feel very welcome and everyone was happy to support me in getting to know the service and sharing their knowledge with me. Volunteering helped me to feel confident when applying for the role of Perinatal & Under 1’s Worker, knowing it was definitely where I wanted to be"

This is Rosemary and she kindly volunteers for The Red Shed in Stevenage. The Red Shed provides garden activities and experiences to benefit people living with Dementia, their carers and families. Please tell us a little more about yourself and your volunteering work? My name is Rosemary. I volunteer a s a " Friendly Garden Champion" once a week to support clients and their carers in the various, seasonal, gardening activities offered by The Red Shed; this ranges from planting, weeding and watering to more creative art based activities, generally with a floral or garden theme. I also support the group by taking minutes at the Trustees' 6 weekly meetings and have enjoyed supporting the various celebration and fundraising events, including a Jubilee party, Open Day and Quiz Night. Why did you get into volunteering? Like so many families, we have supported a loved one with dementia and can empathise with the carers and clients. I was keen, on my retirement, to develop myself outside of my "comfort zone" and have virtually no gardening experience. However, I had watched The Red Shed establish itself while working in the school next door so w hen I saw The Red Shed was seeking volunteers, I was keen to be a part of this inspirational project. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? Everyone benefits from the promotion of the 5 ways to wellbeing - C onnect, Be active, Take notice, Keep learning and Give. I honestly get as much out of the sessions as those attending...if not more. It is a privilege to work with such a band of friendly, caring and interesting people. Find out more about how you can get involved here https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/The-Red-Shed-Project

Julie Fewings volunteers with the Countryside Rights of Way team and also Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline. Why you got into Volunteering? Following retirement from 43 yrs with the Herts Police I still wanted to use my skills, be helpful and add structure to my week. I researched carefully to find voluntary roles that would suit my skills and interests. I couldn’t have done better! How you make a difference? The conservation work keeps your countryside spaces, paths, streams, rivers and benches in good condition/ clear also enabling the wildlife and vegetation to flourish - it’s a lovely outdoor activity which also keeps me fit. I get such a buzz from the conservation work, we have such a laugh but also it’s amazing to see the result of your hard work - trees planted, rivers flowing and furniture repaired. The Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline call handling is so rewarding, knowing that following a call you have helped someone take maybe their first steps to escaping such an awful home life. The helpline signposts victims / survivors of DA to get the support and help they need. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? I can’t recommend volunteering enough - make new friends and feel good.

Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire (CANH) is an independent local charity and a member of the national Citizens Advice network. Thomas tells us about his experience as a volunteer, and how he used GoVolHerts to find the perfect role. How did you find your experience of looking for a volunteering role on GoVolHerts? As I recall, I found the (GoVolHerts) website easy to use. I was pleased to find some voluntary work that I felt I might be able to manage. My confidence is lacking due to my long period of unemployment. How has your experience at Citizens Advice been so far? The people at Citizens Advice are very pleasant and welcoming. It is taking me time to adjust since I tend to be most comfortable in my own company. The training has been challenging but I can see that it is very worthwhile… I hope that by volunteering at Citizens Advice I will make a positive contribution to society.

Tina is a Trustee for North Herts and Stevenage CVS, we found out why she loves volunteering. Tell us a bit about yourself I am an 18 year old student from Letchworth Garden City. I am a climate activist, local campaigner and volunteer. I am also heavily involved in local politics. How long have you been a volunteer? I have been a volunteer for most of my life and have a wealth of volunteer experience which started at school. I have coached athletics to disabled children and in the sixth form I took part in the school council, running charity events and helping out in history as part of the ambassador programme. In the local community, I have volunteered in a range of places such as a pop-up shop for a local homelessness charity and supported local community cafes. I recently became a Trustee at the North Herts & Stevenage Centre for Voluntary Services. Why did you decide to start volunteering? I decided to start volunteering to give back to the local community that I feel so passionately about. I became a Trustee because I wanted to use my volunteering experience and personal experiences to support and promote others undertaking volunteering opportunities and to aid the development of the voluntary sector in Hertfordshire. What’s good about volunteering? I find volunteering incredibly rewarding. It gives you the chance to make a positive difference to the local community and the world around you. Biggest challenges you have faced as a volunteer? There are a lot of preconceived ideas about the kinds of people that do certain kinds of volunteering. As a young working-class BAME woman that is a Trustee this is something I come across regularly Why would you recommend volunteering to others? Volunteering is such a large factor in improving wellbeing, it is a chance to meet new people, gain new skills and experiences while helping the community.

Marian is an inspiring volunteer who volunteers for a range of organisations in lots of different ways. We spoke to Marion to hear all about her fantastic volunteering journey. Tell us a bit about yourself I used to teach Modern Languages but in 2010 I took early retirement and moved to Hertfordshire in order to help my daughter with childcare so that she and her husband could continue to work in demanding but enjoyable jobs. Why did you decide to start volunteering? At first (when I retired), I felt very isolated as I didn't know anyone in the area except the young mothers in the mother and baby clubs. They were warm and welcoming but I did feel like a fish out of water. My lifelines were the Grandparent and Toddler group which ran at Letchworth under the Surestart initiative, and the French and German speaking groups run by the Letchworth Arts and Leisure Group. As my granddaughter and her little brother grew older, I started to use my newly acquired free time to volunteer for the Grandparent and Toddler group and to wash up at my local church luncheon club. I wanted to give back something after having gained so much from the local community. Covid has put an end to both of these volunteering activities but it has enabled me to take on new challenges. What do you do within your volunteer role/ roles? I am now the contact for two walking groups within the umbrella organisation of the Letchworth Arts and Leisure Group. We walk at least twice a month and this enables me to meet newly retired people and newcomers to the area, welcoming them just as I was welcomed. I have also been able to use my teaching skills throughout the pandemic. I help Herts Welcomes Refugees by holding weekly zoom meetings with a local Syrian family so that they can practise their English and I have become a school governor - again meeting on zoom. I was alerted to the need for action in both these cases by St Mary's Church in Baldock. I also volunteer for Barnardo's, who hold the contract for children's services in Hertfordshire. During the pandemic I have helped them assemble holiday craft packs for disadvantaged children. As the situation has eased, the Barnardo's volunteer co-ordinators have linked me to a family with English as a second language. I have helped this family to fill in application forms for a nursery place and enabled them to use English in play and story telling. We now meet outside in local playgrounds every week. My other delightful role for Barnardo's is helping at a Baby weigh clinic, I welcome mothers, check their temperatures, help with the administration at the clinic and make sure that everyone wears a mask and sanitises their hands! Why would you recommend volunteering to others? Volunteering has given me so much pleasure - it's added interest and challenge to my life: planning lessons and play sessions, talking to people whose life experiences are different from my own, using simple, practical skills and my professional knowledge of grammar and language teaching. I have made friends with other volunteers and I am never bored. I have met with a great deal of kindness and friendship from the people of Hertfordshire, it is very empowering to be able to return this goodwill. Volunteering keeps me young!

Tell us a bit about yourself Although past the state pension age I still work part-time in IT and I volunteer at Countryside Management Service (CMS). What do you do within your volunteering role? I help people access the countryside in a number of ways. This could be by clearing rights of way, installing kissing gates and building boardwalks. I also encourage biodiversity by, among others, clearing scrub, opening up areas of woodland, coppicing and tree planting. How long have you been a volunteer? 12 years Why did you decide to start volunteering? Changes in my desk-based job meant I had some spare time and I was looking for an outside role which would involve physical exercise, doing something useful for the community and have a social aspect. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? You can get a lot of satisfaction from helping other people and making a small difference to their lives at no cost to themselves. It’s also good for your physical and mental health.

At the beginning of June, we celebrated Volunteers' Week and many organisations chose to mark the occasion in different ways. In June, DLRC Ltd used their annual team building days for good and volunteered their time to support a local not-for-profit, Church Farm Ardeley . Over 90 employees took part in the volunteering days and worked together to complete a variety of different tasks that were associated with their theme - sustainability. Some of these tasks included: Painting the Rural Care shed (a shed dedicated to hosting schools that visit the farm for children with learning disabilities) Sowing 500 butternut squash and protecting them with netting Weeding leek beds and an enormous bed of onions Feeding 350 chickens Sorting, grading and boxing 5 days of eggs And that’s only a few of their achievements, DLRC Ltd managed to accomplish ten weeks of volunteer's tasks in just one day! On their second day of their team-building activities, DLRC enjoyed a talk by Tony Juniper from Natural England on the topic of sustainability including how DLRC can contribute as organisation and how individuals can take action. Whilst The Little Recreations and Tentshare teams explained that their camping equipment used at Church Farm, would be upcycled and reused at festivals/ campsites all over the country. The Jolly Waggoner pub across the road from Church Farm, kindly treated the team to some amazing and delicious meals. And despite the rain, the team camped overnight around a warm and cosy fire. They described their time as a “very fun and rewarding couple of days”. Another employee added “it felt incredibly good to be helping the local community and spending our precious time doing something worthwhile outdoors”. Dianne Lee, Managing Director of DLRC Ltd thanked the Church Farm and MotivAction teams immensely for making DLRC Ltd feel welcome during their days as volunteers and for helping them to make a difference. Dianne also thanked all employees that took part for putting in the effort to make their partnership with Church Farm a big success. DLRC's experience of Corporate Volunteering is testament to the immense benefit that giving back has on employees wellbeing. Volunteering programmes can also act as a powerful engagement and retention tool, read more here . If you would like more information on Corporate Volunteering, contact us today . Find out more about DLRC Ltd here . Interested in supporting Church Farm Ardeley? Explore their volunteering opportunities on GoVolHerts here

In May 2022, Jarvis Contracting held a company-wide event to help communities across Hertfordshire. The Jarvis Community Day is held around the 19th May (1905 – the year Jarvis was formed) and is an annual event that creates mutual benefit for the local community, Jarvis and the individual volunteers. This new programme has a list of goals that volunteers taking part would work towards, these were to: Genuinely make a difference to someone else’s life Engage with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainable efforts first-hand Forge positive connections with colleagues and learn new skills in a different context Connect with the community or nature and enhance wellbeing Transform green spaces for residents and communities to enjoy Create a lasting legacy for future generations Over the course of the week, small teams of volunteers took part in various community based activities across Hertfordshire including gardening, planting and painting for several local charities and community groups. In addition, foodbanks were placed across our sites and at Head Offices in support of local charity DENS. Getting Rooted CIC in Hitchin were one of the organisations fortunate to receive support from Jarvis Contracting who kindly helped out with many tasks on Tuesday 17th May. The team of volunteers assisted with things like building new compost bays and a trellis frame with salvaged materials to support runner beans, path mulching with woodchip, and path weeding. Aletheia, the founder of Getting Rooted CIC spoke very positively about the event, saying: “It was a lovely day and the Jarvis team were very obliging with some of my requests... What a great team, I would welcome them back any day. Thank you so much.” Chris Baxter, a Jarvis Contracting team member talked about much he enjoyed the day by saying: “I really enjoyed the day and thank you for everyone’s company, all worked really hard…I think we made a real difference.” The Jarvis team noted how the volunteering events were 'a positive contributor to mental wellbeing, with the satisfaction of being part of something that has a positive impact on others' and went on to add: 'Whilst supporting those in our communities, we have also increased our skills and competencies, and had a lot of fun!' If your company would like to find out about Corporate Volunteering opportunities across Hertfordshire, contact #TeamHerts Volunteering via email: [email protected] or call us on 01462 689409. If you would like more information about Jarvis Contracting, please visit their website: www.jarvisbuild.co.uk Interested in volunteering with Getting Rooted CIC? Find them on GoVolHerts HERE

Tell us a bit about yourself I am a primary school teacher who taught for twenty years and more recently started tutoring maths at home. I live in Ware and have two daughters, who no longer live at home now. What do you do within your volunteering role? I am the ‘Brown Owl’ at a Brownie unit in Stanstead Abbott’s and have run the unit for eleven years. This involves organising with a team of young leaders and other leaders what we will do for the term with our girls. It involves organising pack holidays, sleepovers at museums, going cycling, sailing, trips to lots of different places and organising crafts. It is very much a team effort for the benefit of the girls. We also take part in District events where all the girls come together for events such as St George’s Day, the Ware Carnival, a special carol service, trip to the zoo and many more. A year ago I became the joint district Commissioner for Ware which means that two of us sort any problems and celebrate any successes of the 12 Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Ranger units in the Ware area. How long have you been a volunteer? I have been involved with guiding about 20 years. Why did you decide to start volunteering? I got involved with Girlguiding when the Rainbow pack my daughter was at was closing as the leaders were leaving, I stepped in with a friend and it was hard work especially with two children aged 7 and 3 at that time and I was working part time too. But it was really rewarding. Later I took on a Brownie pack which was also closing and have loved that and my daughter was a young leader I have run the Brownies for 11 years now. I have never been a Brownie or Guide so it was all new to me too. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? I would recommend volunteering with Girlguiding as it is so rewarding. You see girls go from being so nervous about speaking at their enrollment to become confident girls at 10. They have so many opportunities in a safe environment. They sleep away from home, they try lots of new activities outside their comfort zone such as cycling, sailing, and abseiling and they make new friends outside their school. You are also part of a team and that is lovely too. Everyone in Girlguiding is friendly and enjoy being involved.