Why Volunteer?

When Jenny Bridger first arrived at Penniwells Riding for the Disabled (RDA), she wasn’t just looking for something to do. Having recently left hospital, Jenny was already involved in riding for the disabled and volunteering gave her a sense of purpose at a time when recovery felt uncertain. Penniwells became a place where she could channel her motivation into something positive, helping others while rebuilding her own confidence. So strong was that connection that Jenny chose to remain in Hertfordshire after leaving hospital, simply so she could stay involved. That was over ten years ago. “I wanted to prove that people in hospital can volunteer,” Jenny explains. While still an inpatient, she went out for the day, not for shopping trips or days out, but to volunteer at the yard. The Penniwells team were incredibly supportive, always ensuring someone was nearby if she needed help and allowing her role to grow gently and safely over time - at her own pace. She began with stable work and learning how the yard operated, gradually building confidence and understanding how each RDA group worked. As her confidence grew, so did her involvement - from fundraising challenges like marathons, abseiling and fancy-dress events, to creating sensory tracks and social media posting, and now with a hands-on involvement building wooden animals for the yard. “I’ll often take my screwdriver up to put things up for them,” she laughs. “Being able to get involved in as much or as little as possible - especially with my mental health - is really important.” That flexibility has allowed Jenny to remain involved through health appointments, setbacks and milestones alike. Sometimes she even travels with the group to competitions and shows. "Volunteers don't just give their time, they give people the confidence to believe in themselves. Volunteering fills a space in your heart that you didn't know was empty and we cannot do any of it without the support of our volunteers. The riders and volunteers both benefit from feeling very much part of the Penniwells Team and family, " says Sarah Healing, Penniwells Centre Manager. Beyond the stables, Jenny has supported Pony Club sessions on Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons, hoping to one day train as a leader for this group. She has encouraged riders to get involved in arts, crafts and creative writing and taken on the “extra bits” that busy staff don’t always have time for. Penniwells, part of the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), supports around 140 riders a week and requires many volunteers to support them. For Jenny, what the organisation has given her goes far beyond numbers. “I’m very grateful for what they give me,” she says. “They gave me a sense of security when I was moving into a new area and allowed me to start an independent life. It’s been a constant for me.” Jenny set herself a personal goal: if she could volunteer consistently for a year with no relapses or hospital admissions, she would consider moving into a more formal role. She achieved that - and went on to become a volunteer with Mind Network, where she works part time leading part of their experience team, helping to develop training whilst encouraging others to use their experiences to improve mental health services. Still, when times are hard, Penniwells remains her anchor. “When I’ve had major struggles, the first place I’ve gone back to is Penniwells,” she explains. “Being around animals is a huge passion for me, so if I don’t want to be there, that’s a sign I need to check in with myself.” One moment stands out above all others. Jenny formed a deep bond with a particular mare - so deep that she now has her tattooed on her back. “She told me to go home,” Jenny recalls. “She nudged me towards the stable door - like she was saying, ‘You’re not well enough to be here today.’ That horse represents RDA and Penniwells to me. It’s a space I can always go back to, even if it’s just for ten minutes.” That sense of safety and acceptance is central to Jenny’s experience. “There’s no demand, no pressure. It’s about what you feel comfortable with.” She strongly believes in the RDA motto - ‘It’s what you can do that counts’ - and believes it can be applied it to everyone, not just riders. “They’ll always find something you’re confident with. You don’t need experience; you can come and learn.” For Jenny, volunteering has been mutually beneficial. “Everyone helps out, regardless of ability or disability. It’s about showing people: you can do this .” Volunteering has also given her friendship, routine and community - things she didn’t have after spending four years in hospital. Penniwells’ inclusive, LGBTQ+-friendly environment helped her feel safe and confident, and for many people, she says, volunteering can be a stepping stone to work, part of a health plan, or simply a place to belong. “People volunteer for lots of reasons,” Jenny says. “Not just because they want to do something good - don’t worry about being judged for that. If it works for you and helps you, that’s fantastic.” She’s clear that charities benefit just as much as volunteers do and take real pride in the progress people make. “You might think you’re helping someone else, but actually, it’s about what it can do for you too. That gratitude flows both ways.” “I may never be able to work full time,” she reflects, “but if I can do things that make me feel like I’m doing something good, that matters.” For Jenny, volunteering has always been more than a role. “Volunteering is where I could be myself.” 

Youth volunteering plays a vital role in building stronger communities, offering young people the chance to develop skills, experience, confidence and a sense of purpose while giving their time to something meaningful. At Growing Resilience in Teens (GRIT), volunteers are included as part of their community, helping to create stable foundations within their structure, raise funds and support the mission of enabling young people to thrive. GRIT is a charity based in North Hertfordshire that supports the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 11 to 24. Through group programmes, workshops and one-to-one coaching, GRIT helps young people build confidence, resilience and learn practical tools to cope with life’s challenges, empowering them to feel stronger and more in control of their futures. We spoke to one of GRIT's volunteers, Albert, who manages their Vinted account, not only raising vital funds needed for the charity, but also creating awareness of what the charity do, collecting donations, listing them and posting them. What first inspired you to start volunteering at GRIT and what motivates you to continue? I was actually one of GRIT’s young people back in 2019, so I already knew what a great charity they are. Years later, I was encouraged by the Jobcentre to look into volunteering. They recommended to check out GoVolHerts so I did and I saw GRIT were looking for someone to run their Vinted account and it immediately stood out to me. I’d already been selling on my own Vinted account, so it felt like a perfect match. Volunteering now feels like a full-circle moment and a way to give back. Can you share a moment or experience in your role that was especially rewarding or meaningful? There isn’t one big standout moment. Aside from photographing, packaging and sending items most of the work I do is from my laptop in bed but seeing sales come through and knowing they’re helping fund GRIT’s work is always a good feeling. What is the best part of your volunteering role and why does it stand out to you? The flexibility really stands out to me. Being able to volunteer in a way that fits around my routine while still making a meaningful contribution makes the role enjoyable. How has volunteering changed you or made a difference to your life? Volunteering has given me a sense of purpose. It’s nice having something to focus on that feels productive and worthwhile, rather than just filling time, and knowing it’s actually making a difference. Is there anything you’d like to say to other young people considering volunteering? You don’t have to be perfect or have it all figured out to volunteer. If you’re good at something already, there’s probably a way to use it and still keep it enjoyable. Albert is a great example of how volunteering doesn’t always look the same — and how small, consistent actions can make a big difference. By organising and running GRIT’s Vinted account, Albert helps turn donated items into vital funds that directly support GRIT’s work with young people. His role shows how creativity, organisation and commitment can be just as powerful as being front-and-centre, and how youth volunteering can fit around individual strengths while still making a real impact. See more of GRIT's volunteer opportunities here .

Margaret was referred to Reach Out by a GP Link Worker. Reach Out support those facing potential loneliness who are medically vulnerable, having recently left hospital or being at risk of hospital admission. They do this by connecting clients with a befriender, for companionship, getting out and about and some regular connection. At the time, Margaret was living with mild cognitive impairment and receiving support from the frailty team. Like many people in similar situations, Margaret was spending a lot of time on her own so it was felt that having a befriender could offer her companionship, reassurance and perhaps even give her the confidence to get out and about again. Enter, Sharon. Sharon is a volunteer at Reach Out and upon asking if she would be happy to be matched with Margaret, she didn’t hesitate. After learning about Margaret’s mild cognitive impairment and that things might take time, Sharon was keen to help, if anything, it made her even more determined to help. Their first contact was a phone call… which lasted 45 minutes! They had plenty to talk about and an immediate connection. When they first met in person, they got on really well, but Margaret understandably struggled at first to remember who Sharon was and when she would be visiting. Sharon came up with a simple but brilliant plan. She photocopied her Reach Out ID badge and left a copy by Margaret’s diary, so Margaret could check each day who was coming and when. It worked a treat. Before long, Margaret was ready and waiting when Sharon knocked on the door, knowing exactly who to expect. Soon, their visits began to include trips out together - something Margaret now looks forward to enormously. These days, they love nothing more than heading out for a Coke, some peanuts and a good old chin wag. Being able to get out of the house has made a real difference to Margaret’s mental health and feelings of loneliness. As Sharon explains: "Margaret spends a lot of time in her flat on her own and really looks forward to my visits so she can have a change of scenery and to do something different. Most times I take a picture and send it to her so she'll have something to remind her of where we've been and what we've done." Margaret worries about her memory and Sharon’s weekly visits have become a reassuring constant in her life. Sharon has also been mindful of how Margaret experiences her memory loss. Margaret can remember the distant past but struggles with more recent events and has shared that some people can be abrupt when she repeats herself, which causes her anxiety. " I tell her it does not matter ,” Sharon says, “e veryone forgets things and it’s okay to be told things more than once. We keep things light and relaxed, have a giggle and always have fun during my visits . Sharon encourages Margaret’s independence and always speaks positively to her, helping to build confidence rather than anxiety. And the impact goes both ways. " I am pleased to be able to make a difference and help someone who is alone ," Sharon says. " I look forward to the visits. It’s helped me gain insight and understanding of dementia so I can support people better and not cause distress ." She adds that the visits help her too, " I struggle to relax, so it’s good to sit and chat and eat cake. When I leave, Margaret shouts ‘Love Ya’ - and my heart hurts ." Volunteers like Sharon, who give their time, compassion and creativity to support vulnerable people in our community, make such a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Stories like Sharon and Margaret’s remind us why befriending is so important, particularly during seasons when people may feel more isolated. If you’d like to read more about the impact of befriending and why it matters now more than ever, you can explore our other blogs on befriending and community connection. Or explore some of our befriending opportunities here - Could you be a befriender? | GoVolHerts

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