Why Volunteer?

At GoVolHerts, we are continually inspired by the incredible individuals who choose to give their time, skills, and passion to support charities across Hertfordshire. We are delighted to showcase Melissa, a dedicated volunteer who discovered her trustee role through GoVolHerts and has since made a remarkable impact in her community. Melissa’s journey is a wonderful reminder of how volunteering can open unexpected doors, foster personal growth, and strengthen the organisations at the heart of our communities. 1. What motivated you to apply for a trustee role, and how did GoVolHerts help you find the right opportunity? “When I left my role running an international organisation in 2024 I knew I would have more time to commit to voluntary work alongside a new career, it was important to me that it was something in my local community and I wanted to use my skills from serving on Boards & Committees in a different way. My sister has worked in social care and the charity sector for years as an professional and as a trustee and guided me to check out GoVolHerts for opportunities. The GoVolHerts website made it really easy to find, filter, research and contact an organisation all in one portal.” 2. Can you describe your first few weeks as a trustee and any surprises or highlights you experienced? “Initially as a prospective trustee I was invited to meet with the organisation’s CEO & Chair, we had a long, informal chat about the charity, my skills and background and where I could add value from what they had seen on my CV, I was invited to attend a meeting and ask questions then made the decision to join and was voted in. I was able to really hit the ground running by helping to update the trustee induction process, I did a lot of reading of the organisations documents and policies, and spent time visiting the services and staff to better understand how everything fit together. There is a huge amount of information and resources available online to support becoming a trustee, I was surprised how many online forums, LinkedIn groups, etc. there were that gave advice. Having access to training through HCF did a lot to relieve my nerves about the weight of my duties.” 3. How has your trustee role allowed you to make an impact in your community? “Since becoming a trustee I have been able to support and promote many of our fundraising initiatives; networking and using social media to drive attention to our campaigns and rebranding has helped us to attract donations and grants that allow us to run our services even through challenging times. There have also been opportunities to support clients directly with our keyworkers, such as joining them on homeless outreach walks or providing second hand furniture for our HMOs, the feedback from our clients made it clear how hard our staff work and the confidence and reassurance they get from Resolve.” 4. What advice would you give to someone considering applying for a trustee position through GoVolHerts? “Take your time to review the different options available, find a cause that really speaks to you and consider what skills you can bring from your own personal/professional life. Speak to someone you already know about their time as a trustee and reach out to the organisation you’re considering, spend time chatting with them and ask questions, be curious! Visit the organisation in person if possible to see how they work and what they do. Lastly – GO FOR IT!” 5. Has being a trustee changed the way you view volunteering or community work? If so, how? “I feel much better informed about changes and decisions being made at local and national level that impact the provision of services in my community, I now realise how much I can benefit in building my own knowledge and skills as part of the board while also serving the community. Since working with Resolve as a trustee, I can see how varied the options are for ways to support a charity as a volunteer. Being a trustee also helped me to pursue working in the charity sector as my day job too!” Melissa’s story is a testament to the power of volunteering, not just to support others, but to transform our own lives. We are proud to have helped her find a meaningful trustee role, and we hope her journey inspires others to explore the many opportunities available. To find volunteer roles, click here .

As part of Trustee Week 2025, we’re celebrating the incredible people who volunteer their time, expertise, and passion to guide charities and make a difference in their communities. Trustees play a vital role in shaping the vision, governance, and impact of charitable organisations and this week, we’re shining a light on their contributions. Today, we’re featuring Loretta Anderson, who serves as Chair for both The Centre in the Park and the Margaret Lloyd Playgroup. Loretta shares what inspired her to become a trustee and what she’s learned along the way. What inspired you to become a trustee, and what motivates you to keep giving your time and expertise? I am passionate about the charities I chair. The Centre in the Park and the Margaret Lloyd Playgroup. I felt (and still feel) that I have something to offer them from a fundraising and governance perspective. What impact do you feel your organisation has made in the community since you’ve been involved? Margaret Lloyd Playgroup – The years I have been involved has given thousands of parents of small children, many who live in flats, a safe and affordable place for their pre-school children to thrive.The Centre in the Park – is a purpose-built day centre for high needs elderly residents. They are able to socialise have good food and lots of stimulating activities that enable them to stay longer in their own homes. If they live with carers it gives the carer much needed respite from their caring duties. What have you learned about leadership, collaboration, or decision-making through your trustee role? I have learnt that leading a good board is about listening to others, teamwork, communication, and most of all that you all care about the charity and the beneficiaries you work for. What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a trustee for the first time? Read the charities aims and objectives, to make sure they are a cause that you want to support. If possible ask to visit the charity to talk to beneficiaries/users before deciding if you really want to help. Finally, go for it, as it is very rewarding! Trustees like Loretta remind us of the huge difference dedicated volunteers make every day, guiding organisations, supporting communities, and helping charities to thrive. We have lots of exciting trustee roles available, visit our website to find out more and see how you can get involved!

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