I spent yesterday afternoon at The Forum in Norwich. This is National Volunteers' Week. Voluntary Norfolk were organising an event to showcase the work of volunteers across the county - and encourage more people to join in. I was tasked with welcoming visitors and explaining what I did, and how they could help
Here are Chris, Voluntary Service Team Manager, and Fiona, Volunteer Co-ordinator. Two great people who 'manage' me [or try to!]
- a 16 year old just doing GCSEs [who had been advised at school that having 'voluntary/community work' on her CV would be advantageous when she did her Uni applications]
- a young stay-at-home Mum who was looking for something 'useful' she could do for a couple of hours each week whilst Gran looked after the baby
- a chap in his 40s who had been ill but was hoping to return to work next year, and felt a small voluntary post would be a good way back in to having a regular routine
- a sprightly great gran in her late 70s who has just moved house, and wanted to 'feel useful' again.
It was a tiring but positive afternoon. Not everyone has the time, or the opportunity to volunteer. But it is so rewarding. Thank you to all the drivers, teamakers, dogwalkers, befrienders, school governors, locomotive restorers, charity shop staff, toddler group leaders, and more. You are superheroes!
Thank you for volunteering. Volunteers do so much in their communities.
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DeleteI volunteered in my local hospice charity shop for the last eleven years.I gave it up last year at the age of 80 because of getting to and from with no direct public transport.The thought of another winter of getting wet both ways was too depressing. I found it most rewarding and still miss it.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn , thank you for your commitment. I am sure you are really missed. I hope you can find some other way of helping.
DeleteWhere would we be without all the volunteers? Maybe volunteering would be a better way back into work for people than the rather threatening-sounding offerings by job centres... you all seem to be such cheerful encouraging folk.
ReplyDeleteIt was a bit bizarre, I was given a sheaf of leaflets and told to stand on the right by the door and give them out. It was like being on the "Church Welcome Team" - so I just stepped forward, smiled, and said "Good afternoon, welcome to the Forum" and handed each person a leaflet. The guy on the left side didn't seem to be doing as well. The organiser came over and commented on my "success" and said "have you done this sort of thing before?you seem a natural " I decided not to enlighten her, I just said "thanks. Years of practice"
DeleteYou and Bob are wonderful people who give your time so generously and, I'm sure, inspire others to do the same. JanF
ReplyDeleteThose are very kind words Jan, thank you
ReplyDeleteMy entire career after having our son was volunteering, as there weren't too many jobs available at the time, and circumstances made it difficult to commit to full time employment. I wrote a lot of publicity, worked in the library, co-ordinated a volunteer driver team, headed two or three major projects, drew a weekly cartoon for a pittance, got involved as a citizen scientist with moths and butterflies and I still sing in the funeral choir. Now I'm less visible in the community and appreciative of others who volunteer.
ReplyDeleteI am sure there are many people who are grateful for all your service
DeleteThe work of volunteers is so important!! Thank you for your impact! X
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DeleteTo all those who volunteer, in whatever capacity, a huge heartfelt "Thank you". ❤️
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