In celebration of Volunteers' Week, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible volunteers helping communities and charities across Bath & North East Somerset. In order to champion the contribution of our volunteers, and give recognition for all they do, 3SG has spoken to several local volunteers to hear their stories. Each day over Volunteers' Week (June 3rd - 7th), we will be sharing a unique volunteer story.
On behalf of all charities, community groups and Third Sector organisations of Bath & North East Somerset - Thank You to all those who give up their time to volunteer. We hope by sharing these spotlights, we can highlight your efforts and inspire others to get involved.
In Day Three's feature, we'd like to showcase the amazing work and volunteer practices of local volunteer-led organisation, RSVP West.
RSVP West
RSVP West are part of Volunteering Matters, a national charity which aims to build strong communities. RSVP West recruit retirees who help out at local schools by supporting children to gain confidence and skills in their reading.
We spoke to Joan, RSVP West's B&NES Schools Organiser, to find out more about their volunteer practices and aims.
Tell us a little bit about your organisation?
RSVP West supports volunteers through a number of projects. The one operating in B&NES recruits retirees who see the importance of reading and enjoy the company of children enabling them to develop their skills in reading and enjoy books.
How are volunteers involved in your organisation?
RSVP West has no salaried staff. It is entirely run by volunteers to staff the office, fund raise , develop communications and organise projects including the Schools Project. Organisers recruit and place volunteers in schools as well as train and support them.
How many volunteers does your organisation have?
650 in total, 95 school volunteers, 20 in B&NES. Volunteers are essential to our organisation's work.
What kind of tasks, duties and activities do your volunteers typically take on?
Our reading volunteers commit to a limited but regular amount of time in a local school to help children gain confidence, skill and enjoyment of reading.
What do you think motivates your volunteers to get involved?
Our school volunteers typically gain pleasure from being with young people as well as from reading themselves. They recognise reading as a crucial life skill and want to help enrich pupils' futures.
Do you offer any volunteer benefits and rewards?
Our volunteers have insurance cover, free training including a Handbook. They can opt to receive a twice yearly Newsletter, attend coffee networking meetings and an annual lunch. They also receive a thank you card after 5 and 10 years of service.
Do you have any tips for recruiting and retaining volunteers? Anything that works for your organisation?
As a charity with limited funds, we are unable to pay for advertising. Word of mouth and advertising in free newspapers tend to work regarding recruitment, and the reward initiatives above help retention. Volunteers enjoy meeting others at the social events too.
What advice would you give for fellow organisations/ Volunteer Managers? Retaining volunteers has become crucial particularly since COVID, and hence keeping in touch and showing appreciation are vital.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start volunteering?
It is essential to find an activity that you enjoy and can carry out on a relatively individual basis. Schools are very busy places and one needs to find satisfaction from being with and supporting pupils .
What is your favourite thing about volunteering?
As a volunteer organiser , I very much enjoy recruiting new volunteers who are keen to help increase literacy especially with those pupils who are struggling to learn.
You can find out more about RSVP West here: https://rsvp-west.org.uk/
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If your organisation is also seeking volunteers in Bath & North East Somerset, we would recommend firstly advertising on the B&NES Community Volunteer Service.
Make sure you're utilising multiple avenues and spreading you r message far and wide. Facebook groups, like-minded organisations, community noticeboards are just a few places to start.
For inspiration on rewarding and incentivising your volunteers, check out our blog post here.
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Interested in becoming a volunteer?
The B&NES Community Volunteer Service (https://bathneshealthandcare.nhs.uk/wellness-community-volunteer-services/become-a-volunteer/ ) (run by HCRG) holds weekly drop in sessions at local libraries, as well as virtual 1-2-1’s.
Upcoming drop in sessions:
Bath Library Thursdays at 10-12pm: 6th June and 4th July
Midsomer Norton Library Wednesdays at 10-12pm: 26th June and 31st July
Keynsham Library Mondays 10-12pm: 24th June and 29th July
To book a virtual appointment to discuss your volunteering interests with an advisor, please call the team on 0300 247 0050 or email bathnes.volunteerservices@hcrgcaregroup.com
You can also subscribe to 3SG's monthly Community Newsletter, and 3SG's Volunteer Whatsapp group, to be kept up to date with new, local volunteer opportunities, on a monthly basis.
Check out our Volunteer page for more information, and where else to find opportunities.
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