Corporate Volunteering

As part of the A Million Acts of Hope campaign, we are highlighting three volunteers and their contribution to the local community through their volunteering role. In our second instalment, we speak to Hayley Collins, a volunteer at Great Ashby Community Rangers: "I started Great Ashby Community Rangers in 2024 after becoming increasingly frustrated by the amount of litter around the local area and seeing our neighbourhood centre not being properly maintained. I care deeply about where I live, it's a family-friendly area and I wanted to do something positive to make a difference rather than just walk past it. What began as a simple idea to tidy up the area has grown incredibly quickly into a real community effort. We now have many local residents regularly joining us to litter pick around the shops at the neighbourhood centre, surrounding roads and woodland areas across Great Ashby in Stevenage. One of the reasons I think the group has connected with so many people is because it’s micro-volunteering - there’s no pressure to commit to a formal role or give up huge amounts of time. Family life and work-life balance are really important to me, and I know they are for many others too. People can simply come along when they can, whether that’s a Sunday morning session or an evening walk and litter pick when the weather is nice and the evenings are lighter. What I enjoy most is knowing we’re making a visible difference to the local community, even small actions add up. And, there’s also a really strong social side to the group. We’ve got a wide range of members, including families and it’s been fantastic meeting like-minded people who all care about the area we live in. Being outdoors together, especially in good weather, creates such a positive atmosphere." "I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned is that you don’t need to make a huge commitment to make a huge impact. Even giving a small amount of time can help improve the environment and bring people together. When a community works together, no matter how small the contribution, it really does count. To anyone thinking about volunteering, I’d simply say: come along. It’s a great way to meet people, spend time outside, and make a genuine difference to your local area. Everyone is welcome to join us, there’s no age limit! Local people can find us through our Facebook group: Great Ashby Community Rangers Facebook Group Want to become a One in a Million?

As part of the A Million Acts of Hope campaign, we are highlighting three volunteers and their contribution to the local community through their volunteering role. First up we have Paul Oluwalere, a volunteer at Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. "I started volunteering at the beginning of my Master of Laws at the University of Hertfordshire. I knew I wanted to use my spare time in a way that felt meaningful and allowed me to give something back. One day, while walking through the Hertfordshire Law Court building, I spotted a GoVolHerts poster on a noticeboard. It caught my eye, so I made a note of it and later looked up their website. The GoVolHerts site was easy to use, and the information was clear. I quickly found a role that suited me and was able to apply without any hassle. I was drawn to the role of Stevenage Donation Centre Assistant with Essex & Herts Air Ambulance because I wanted to feel more connected to the community I live in. It also felt like a good way to put my organisational skills to practical use while supporting a cause that genuinely matters. One thing that has made the experience even better is the team at the Stevenage Donation Centre. They are warm, supportive and incredibly dedicated. From my first day, they made me feel welcome and valued, and their positive attitude creates an environment where you genuinely enjoy being part of the work. What I enjoy most about volunteering is the sense of fulfilment it brings. It’s given me a real feeling of belonging and purpose, knowing that I am contributing to something that makes a positive difference. If you’re thinking about volunteering, I’d say it’s worth it. It’s rewarding, it helps you grow, and it gives you a stronger connection to the people and community around you. It’s a chance to make a real, tangible difference." Paul's story is a fantastic example of feeling inspired in wanting to make a difference and how easy it is to turn that feeling into action. Thank you Paul for taking that step and supporting a great cause. Want to become a One in a Million?

If the news is anything to go by, it can sometimes feel like the world is full of division and negativity. But every day across the UK, and right here in Hertfordshire, people quietly show up for their communities - helping neighbours, supporting local charities, litter picking and giving their time to make life a little better. These small acts often go unnoticed; unspoken and unpromoted, but together they create something powerful. That’s the idea behind the A Million Acts of Hope campaign - a UK-wide initiative bringing together charities, faith groups and community organisations to celebrate the everyday kindness that strengthens our communities. The campaign will culminate in a week of action from 13th–20th May 2026 , highlighting the countless ways people help one another across the country. At the same time, 2026 has been designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Developmen t - a global celebration recognising the extraordinary impact volunteers have on building stronger, fairer and more sustainable communities. Together, these initiatives remind us of a simple truth: hope starts with action - people giving their time. Small Acts, Big Impact From litter picking in local parks to supporting food banks, mentoring young people or coaching grassroots sports teams, these everyday actions are the foundations of thriving communities. The A Million Acts of Hope campaign exists to shine a light on these moments and remind us that there is far more connecting us than dividing us. Millions of people across the UK already demonstrate compassion, solidarity and kindness every day - often without recognition. By sharing these stories and encouraging others to get involved, the campaign hopes to inspire even more people to take part in acts of hope and community support. And here in Hertfordshire, we’re proud to be part of that movement. GoVolHerts joins the campaign with a 'One in a Million' series, showcasing volunteer stories from local charities and organisations that have made a ripple-effect contribution to their wider society. We'll also be using the week to connect with the organisations attending the Hertfordshire Volunteer Fair to create something really special for the event on 5th June. Celebrating Volunteers in Hertfordshire The fair will bring together around 35 charities and organisations from across Hertfordshire , giving residents and local businesses the chance to meet the people behind the causes that support our community every day. There'll also be opportunities to find out how you can get involved with volunteering, or perhaps be recognised for what you are already doing but maybe not aware of so whether you’re looking to: Try something new Build confidence and skills Meet like-minded people, or Simply give back to your community the volunteer fair is a fantastic place to start. How You Can Take Part in A Million Acts of Hope You don’t need to start something big to be part of this movement. In fact, the whole point is that small actions matter . Here are a few ways you can get involved: 1. Volunteer locally From community groups to charities and local events, there are hundreds of ways to contribute your time and skills. 2. Do a small act of kindness Check in on a neighbour, help at a community event, support a local fundraiser or simply offer your time to someone who needs it. 3. Share stories of hope Know someone who goes above and beyond for their community? Their story deserves to be heard. 4. Join community events Events like the Hertfordshire Volunteer Fair are a great way to meet organisations, learn about volunteering and find a cause you care about. Keep an eye on our socials for a spotlight on some of Hertfordshire's incredible volunteers and we hope to see you on the 5th June to celebrate our community! Find out about volunteer opportunities and events near you: