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.
Karen
Our first volunteer, Karen, is a retired nurse who has experience of volunteering in a range of different roles and organisations, including H.U.G.S charity shop (for RUH), National Trust at Lacock Abbey, Share and Repair, and as Secretary at Box WI. Read on to hear more about Karen's experiences, motivations and advice.
What motivates you to volunteer?
I enjoy helping people, sometimes passing on knowledge for them to be able to fix things in the future (share & repair). Talking to people, mixing with all sorts of people including other volunteers. Getting out and about. Different experiences in different places.
What have you learnt from your experiences?
It is worth giving things a go and you virtually always get something nice out of the experience, either finding really nice people to share the experience with.
Have there been any stand alone moments or stories from your volunteering that you'd like to share?
When I went to help at Bath University Students Union with my sewing machine, there were so many broken jeans zips, we couldn’t possibly have fixed them all in the time there, so I had my quick unpick and I showed everyone how to unpick the zips where to buy a quick unpick and to bring them back to be fixed at any share and repair cafe. Some of the students took photographs and hopefully will remember how to fix things in the future.
There are so many lovely moments the cosy spaces I helped at too, where we literally made about 15 draught excluders in a very short space of time, I couldn’t believe it.
I also help with children’s events and that is very rewarding- seeing their enthusiasm and motivating them is priceless.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start volunteering?
Give things a go, and if the first experience isn’t right for you then try something else, the opportunities are endless.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
Comments