News and Stories

Find out the latest information and news about volunteering in Hertfordshire

Celebrate Volunteers' Week with us!

At GoVolHerts , we are proud to work in collaboration with an incredible group of partners to promote, ...

Join our Hertfordshire Volunteer Fair!

Explore Local Volunteering Opportunities at GoVolHerts Community Event in Hitchin

Our community would not ...

Mark found the perfect volunteering role at GoVolHerts Volunteer Fair!

In 2024 Mark was considering what activity he could do to have fun, keep busy, contribute to his community and ...

How the Volunteer Pool Is Changing Recruitment for Local Organisations

Unlocking Volunteer Potential: How the GoVolHerts Volunteer Pool Is Changing Recruitment for Local ...

GoVolHerts Celebrates 7,000 Registered Volunteers and Counting!

GoVolHerts Celebrates 7,000 Volunteers and Counting!

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from ...

Volunteer Managers shared experiences and ideas at our networking event

GoVolHerts joined North Herts & Stevenage CVS and around 20 volunteer managers from non-profit ...

The Impact of Young Trustees

Trustees play a critical role in steering a charity and ensuring operational effectiveness. Traditionally, ...

What is a charity trustee and how can I find a trustee role that suits me?

Charity Trustees are those responsible for the running of a charity, giving direction and making strategic ...

Recognising & Rewarding Your Volunteers

Recognising and rewarding your volunteers acknowledges the vital part they play in your organisation and your ...

Volunteer Retention

So, you’ve successfully recruited volunteers for your organisation – great! Just as important is volunteer ...

Need volunteers? Our top tips for recruitment!

So, you need volunteers? Of course you do! Here are some of our top tips for volunteer recruitment by ensuring ...

Top Tips for being a Great Trustee!

So, you’ve just been accepted as a trustee on the board of a charity, or maybe you’ve been a trustee for a ...

Employee Volunteering

Private enterprises and employers have always engaged with their communities and supported charitable ...

Do Volunteers Have Rights?

Do Volunteers Have Rights? Volunteers don't have a contract and usually carry out their activities in the ...

Volunteering Can Lead to a Job You Love!

Volunteering can lead to a job you love

The Big Clean: A Nationwide Effort to Tackle Litter

The Big Clean: A Nationwide Effort to Tackle Litter

The Big Clean is an annual event dedicated to making ...

GoVolHerts Spotlight Series Featuring Hertfordshire Health Walks

In this episode of our Volunteering Spotlight Series, we're talking to Hertfordshire Health Walks ...

Retail Volunteering: A Vital Contribution to the Charity Sector and Community

Retail Volunteering: A Vital Contribution to the Charity Sector and Community
Retail volunteering is an ...

GoVolHerts Spotlight Series

The Spotlight Series on our YouTube channel is a must watch for anyone interested in making a difference ...

"Upcycling means taking furniture that would go to landfill, which is extremely important for the environment."

The Upcycling department at Garden House Hospice Care is a fantastic place to volunteer, offering a creative ...

OPAL'S AWARD

Dedicated GoVolHerts volunteer Opal was recently recognised for her outstanding commitment and contribution in ...

"Volunteering has reinforced my belief in the crucial role of community support in empowering the next generation."

NYAS is a leading rights-based charity who provide advocacy and legal representation to children and ...

Connect & Grow Through Gardening and Contact with the Natural World

Triangle Community Garden: Volunteers Needed to Keep This Vital Space Thriving
Nestled in the heart of ...

“After Oliver speaks to his mentor Jamie he's like a bubble floating in the air. We call Jamie our human angel”

Safe Space Mentoring is available to 11-19 year olds across Hertfordshire in year 7 -13 (up to 25 years for ...

How to Become a Trustee

Step into a leadership role that makes a real impact! As a trustee, you’ll help guide decisions, support ...

Spread Love This Valentine’s Day: Befriend Someone in Need

Valentine’s Day is a time for love and connection, but not everyone has someone to share it with ...

"Volunteering has provided better insights into the challenges that young people face leaving the care system"

Caudwell Youth: Volunteer Case Study

Caudwell Youth mentors at-risk young people aged 11-24 years into ...

Empower Lives Through Mentoring

Discover Mentoring Opportunities with GoVolHerts

At GoVolHerts, we connect passionate individuals with ...

Why Volunteer? The Transformative Power of Giving Back

Volunteering isn’t just about helping others; it’s a powerful way to grow, connect, and make a lasting impact ...

"I do hope GoVolHerts continues to grow and help other groups as it has us."

At GoVolHerts, we love shining a spotlight on the amazing organisations that make Hertfordshire such a special ...

Volunteering at Christmas 2024

Thank you for your interest in volunteering this Christmas period.

GoVolHerts is a project that supports ...

GoVolHerts International Volunteers Day 2024 Campaign

We are proud to announce the release of our heartfelt film celebrating International Volunteers Day on ...

"It just felt amazing to give something back to somebody that was lonely."

Hertfordshire volunteer stories: Louise Garden House Hospice

GoVolHerts Volunteering Development Lead speaking at Hertfordshire Trustees' Conference 2024

Focus on Trustees - at the heart of community action

We're celebrating and promoting the work of Hertfordshire's trustees.

We're celebrating Befriending Week 1-7 November!

Every November, befriending services and supporters from across the UK and beyond come together to recognise ...

Volunteering at ParkPlay on Saturday mornings has been incredibly rewarding for my wife and me

ParkPlay is a simple community-focused initiative that transforms your local green spaces on Saturday mornings ...

New 'Shedders' needed at Letchworth Garden Shed!

The Letchworth Garden Shed lends out tools, games, appliances, baking equipment, and all sorts of kit for a ...

Tom, wearing glasses, smiles at the camera

"Volunteering is a great way to give something back to society."

At Garden House Hospice Care, we are passionate about reaching more people earlier in their journey to receive ...

Jenny Burrows has shoulder length brown hair and wears glasses, she smiles at the camera for this photo

I always go home feeling happy that I have made a difference and helped to brighten people’s day

Jenny Burrows has volunteered at Isabel Hospice for five years. She first worked at the hospice helping the ...

Peta Gardening Volunteer for Growing People wearing a hat and smiling among large daisies

I have made good, lasting friendships, and laughed a lot!

A beautiful story about one volunteer's growth from their first days volunteering, to now, where they offer ...

Happy older people holding hands and looking down at camera

Entertain the Young at Heart in Baldock

Baldock Young at Heart Club is a small friendly social club for older community members from in and around ...

Group of Befriending volunteers for Age UK

Everyone needs other people, but not everyone has someone

Almost 4 million people in the UK experience chronic loneliness, which can lead to other mental health issues ...

Why Volunteer?

To prepare for Volunteer's month, we wanted to share some insights into the value of volunteers and why people ...

View overlooking Hitchin Market Place with gazebos and buildings

Hertfordshire Volunteer Fair and Big Help Out Event, 7 June, Hitchin

The Hertfordshire Volunteer Fair and Big Help Out Event organised by GoVolHerts returned to Hitchin Market ...

North Herts Community Conference on 21 May

Designed for Chief Executives, organisers and leadership representatives of VCFSE groups which are based or ...

Herts Inclusive Theatre are looking for volunteers!

Herts Inclusive Theatre (HIT) is a charity with a mission to make theatre inclusive to all. Running weekly ...

Older people on a walk in the countryside

Hertfordshire Health Walks

"We are delighted to launch our new Hertfordshire Health Walks May – August 2024 Timetables.

There are ...

Willow Foundation Volunteer Story

We are very fortunate to have some amazing volunteers who dedicate their time to support our mission ...

April News

Read all the latest news, updates and information from GoVolHerts and across the county

Register to attend ...

GoVolHerts Newsletter

In this Month's edition, find out about upcoming events, spotlighted opportunities, Volunteer Stories and news ...

Ali Crook serves up pizza for Caudwell Youth

Ali Crook - Caudwell Youth Volunteer

Ali Crook is a Volunteer Mentor for Caudwell Youth, and she took some time to answer some questions about what ...

Virtual Volunteer Fair

GoVolHerts Virtual Volunteer Fair 28 Feb 2024

Claire Edwards Volunteer for Wimpole outside the house on a sunny day with a view over the garden

Short-term volunteering at Wimpole

Last year we experimented with short-term volunteering at Wimpole to bring in enough people to keep the House ...

GoVolHerts - Celebrating 2 Years

We are celebrating 2 years since the official launch of the GoVolHerts website platform in February 2022 ...

ELSA Get Work Ready days

We are a not-for-profit based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire. We facilitate bespoke career-focused event programmes ...

The Berkhamsted Walk raising funds for The Children's Society

We'd love walkers to register and if anyone wants to sign up to volunteer on the day then we'd be happy to ...

2 photos, left image shows a well stocked charity shop and the right image shows Sara-Jane wearing a cap, glasses and blue top. She is on a boat, and is smiling.

I am passionate about sustainability and I have loved being a small part of supporting local efforts

Sara-Jane sent us her story about her experiences volunteering with Garden House Hospice:

I knew about ...

2024 January newsletter

Facing 2024 together
As the remnants of the Christmas festivities have now passed and all the decorations ...

Volunteer Ruth, a lady with blonde hair and glasses, wearing a black top and cream gilet smiles at the shop counter at the Isabel Hospice shop

New Year? New You! Volunteer for Isabel Hospice

The varied Volunteering opportunities at the Isabel Hospice

Photo of Jim wearing glasses with a grey beard, smiling at the camera, with the word Stagenhoe in the background

Jim possesses a genuine passion for making a positive impact

I had the pleasure of meeting Jim, a wonderful individual who dedicates his time and energy as an activities ...

Image of Volunteer George, 87 year old male, helping resident with multiple sclerosis

George's dedication and selflessness are a shining example

George has become an invaluable asset here at Brainkind (Formerly Sue Ryder) Stagenhoe, using his carpentry ...

Ruth, blonde haired lady with glasses stands at the customer counter in Isabel Hospice shop

"I am part of a team again. I have purpose and am making a difference"

Meet Ruth - a volunteer at Isabel Hospice Shop in Cuffley

When Ruth Salter left her busy and social role ...

There's a real feeling of togetherness and friendship

"I have been a volunteer for one of the adult groups at HIT for over 3 years now. From the very start I was ...

Edwin, refugee from Honduras Volunteering for Sue Ryder/Brainkind

“I am very grateful that I can help Stagenhoe and give back to the community."

It is truly heart-warming to see the impact that volunteering can have on individuals and communities ...

"I love talking to people on the phone and meeting all the different people"

Meet the lovely Margaret, a volunteer for Waterways Experiences.

What prompted you to join Waterways ...

“I want to help the local community”

Leecliffe Big Local is a resident led charity funded by the National Lottery and Local Trust, and has been ...

"I find that being there at callers worst time is very rewarding and I have learned so much"

Meet Christine, a volunteer call-taker with Family Lives. Christine lives in Radlett and works as a Lecturer ...

"It gives such a wonderful sense of satisfaction, and you really do feel you've made a difference to their lives"

Meet Helen, Volunteer Trustee and Secretary at Young Careers Crew.

Young Carers Crew (YCC) is an ...

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

We caught up with Ray, founder at Green Care at Norton - a wonderful social and therapeutic gardening project ...

"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"

Meet Dave Gilpin, Volunteer at Citizens Advice Broxbourne.
Dave volunteers as an Adviser at the Monday ...

"Take a step into the unknown, you will be so glad you did!"

Meet Jane, Volunteer at Link Up Club in Knebworth

Link Up Club has been going for 40 years and has been ...

"To be able to help others in their situation helped me to move forward with my own"

Meet Roxie, a Volunteer for SADA Survivors Against Domestic Abuse. Roxie Volunteers at the Drop In Service and ...

"I love doing events and engaging with the local community as you get to hear some great stories and meet fantastic people"

Meet Margaret Smith, Volunteer Recruitment Coordinator at Age UK Herfordshire

Did your journey to ...

"The sense of belonging to an organisation such as the National Trust is special. They support you and make you feel part of their team"

Meet Kim, a Volunteer at Wimpole Estate.

Please tell us more about yourself and your volunteering work ...

Volunteering is a great way to help people feel involved with community action, but it is also beneficial for mental health too!

Meet Phoebe Coles, Volunteering Coordinator at Guide Dogs (Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Essex- including ...

"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"

Meet Opal Reid, Volunteer at North Herts & Stevenage CVS - GoVolHerts and Community Transport

I am an ...

"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"

Meet Jenny, volunteer for Penniwells Riding for the Disabled and Garden Manager at the Random Cafe.

What ...

Mentoring with MCR Pathways changed Peters life for the good.

Following the pandemic and 25 years working at a senior level in global mobility, Peter's outlook on life ...

“When I came to Sue Ryder my depression lifted almost immediately. Interacting with people there was such a big help.”

Meet Alex Longmore, resident at Sue Ryder Neurological Care Centre Stagenhoe

When Alex Longmore, 44, ...

"Sue Ryder Stagenhoe was like our home, we were one big family"

Meet Rex, Volunteer at Sue Ryder Stagenhoe
Rex has pledged the same amount of time to Sue Ryder Stagenhoe ...

"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"

Meet Kai Zakaria, Staying Connected Coordinator for North Herts & Stevenage CVS & Volunteer at ...

"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"

Meet Eva Nagy, Support Coordinator for Reach Out, North Herts & Stevenage CVS & Volunteer at British ...

"We need you to help keep the helicopters flying!"

Meet Sue Akers who kindly volunteers for the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance.

Please tell us a little ...

"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"

Caudwell Youth mentors at-risk young people aged 11-24 years into new futures over a period of 2 years ...

"Improving number skills can have a positive effect in many ways"

Meet Polly, one of the incredible team of volunteer Number Ninjas, located across the county of Hertfordshire ...

"I have loved learning new skills and being part of a team. I have met and worked alongside some lovely people"

Meet Maria, she volunteers for the Waterways Experiences - who enable everyone, regardless of age, physical ...

"It has helped to give me a sense of purpose, provided mental and physical rewards as well as teaching me valuable skills"

Who do you Volunteer for and what is your role?
Hi, my name is Sue and I volunteer for Stevenage & ...

"Volunteering with the Family Support Service helped me to get an understanding of the roles within the service and reinforced my desire to work with families & young children/babies"

Meet Chelsea, a volunteer with the Family Support Service

Chelsea applied to volunteer with the Family ...

"It is a privilege to work with such a band of friendly, caring and interesting people"

This is Rosemary and she kindly volunteers for The Red Shed in Stevenage.
The Red Shed provides garden ...

"I can’t recommend volunteering enough - make new friends and feel good!"

Julie Fewings volunteers with the Countryside Rights of Way team and also Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline ...

"I hope that by volunteering...I will make a positive contribution to society."

Citizens Advice North Hertfordshire (CANH) is an independent local charity and a member of the national ...

"Volunteering is such a large factor in improving wellbeing, it is a chance to meet new people...while helping the community."

Tina is a Trustee for North Herts and Stevenage CVS, we found out why she loves volunteering.

Tell us a ...

"Volunteering has given me so much pleasure - it's added interest and challenge to my life."

Marian is an inspiring volunteer who volunteers for a range of organisations in lots of different ways ...

"You can get a lot of satisfaction from helping other people and making a small difference to their lives."

Tell us a bit about yourself
Although past the state pension age I still work part-time in IT and I ...

“It felt incredibly good to be helping the local community and spending our precious time doing something worthwhile outdoors.”

At the beginning of June, we celebrated Volunteers' Week and many organisations chose to mark the occasion ...

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

In May 2022, Jarvis Contracting held a company-wide event to help communities across Hertfordshire ...

"I would recommend volunteering as it is so rewarding. You are part of a team and everyone is friendly."

Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a primary school teacher who taught for twenty years and more recently ...