Volunteers' week 1-7 June 2022

Share your volunteering experience with us

• Share Brownie helper and Christmas Elf on Facebook Share Brownie helper and Christmas Elf on Twitter Share Brownie helper and Christmas Elf on Linkedin Email Brownie helper and Christmas Elf link

  Brownie helper and Christmas Elf

  by Roz Newman , about 4 years ago
  I joined my local Brownies group in Old Leake as a helper last September to get involved in my local community. Its great seeing the girls grow in confidence and learning new skills.

  
  

  I also joined our local community group that began during the pandemic and we had Santa's Sleigh travel around the village and give a small gift to every child who came out. It brought real joy and was fantastic to be part of.

  We are shortly having a Jubilee Celebration for the whole village with a free BBQ and afternoon tea along with stalls and visits from... Continue reading

  I joined my local Brownies group in Old Leake as a helper last September to get involved in my local community. Its great seeing the girls grow in confidence and learning new skills.

  
  

  I also joined our local community group that began during the pandemic and we had Santa's Sleigh travel around the village and give a small gift to every child who came out. It brought real joy and was fantastic to be part of.

  We are shortly having a Jubilee Celebration for the whole village with a free BBQ and afternoon tea along with stalls and visits from local lifeguards and all put together by volunteers.

  Its a great feeling giving to the local community
• Share Probably the best Brownie Unit in the world... on Facebook Share Probably the best Brownie Unit in the world... on Twitter Share Probably the best Brownie Unit in the world... on Linkedin Email Probably the best Brownie Unit in the world... link

  Probably the best Brownie Unit in the world...

  by Toria, about 4 years ago
  I'm an Adult Leader with the 1st Waddington RAF Brownie Unit. We are a busy, thriving group with a current roll call of 28 seven to ten year old girls.

  Meeting during the pandemic was a huge challenge as all our activities were carried out over Zoom meetings, however we ended up being in the fortunate position of ending 18 months online with more members than we started with.

  I've been with this unit for seven years, having previously been a Guide Leader for the ten to 14 age brackets. As part of The World Association of Girl Guides and... Continue reading

  I'm an Adult Leader with the 1st Waddington RAF Brownie Unit. We are a busy, thriving group with a current roll call of 28 seven to ten year old girls.

  Meeting during the pandemic was a huge challenge as all our activities were carried out over Zoom meetings, however we ended up being in the fortunate position of ending 18 months online with more members than we started with.

  I've been with this unit for seven years, having previously been a Guide Leader for the ten to 14 age brackets. As part of The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, we are the planet's largest voluntary organisation dedicated to empowering girls and women. Through activities and education we give girls a voice, enable them to make their own decisions, enable them to discover and grow in the world around them.

  There is so much more to Guiding than turning up on a Monday night and playing a few games. Our leadership team plans a comprehensive programme up to 12 months in advance. As a leader I have to undertake stringent training, including safeguarding and paediatric first aid courses.

  One of my favourite things to do is take the girls away on Brownie holidays. I'm in charge of the catering and love the challenge of feeding 35 fussy eaters on a minimal budget.
• Share Enjoyment from giving back on Facebook Share Enjoyment from giving back on Twitter Share Enjoyment from giving back on Linkedin Email Enjoyment from giving back link

  Enjoyment from giving back

  by Coach Puppy Walker, about 4 years ago

  Its great that all these stories of volunteering are being shared and recognised. I've always loved sport and since finishing as a player, I've gained and learnt a huge amount from volunteering as a coach of local community youth rugby, cricket and latterly American football teams. I also volunteer as a dog walker and fosterer with both my local RSPCA centre and Canine Partners, and so have kept my dog-walking fix alive since our own dogs passed. On the work side, I volunteer as a reviewer for my professional body and I'm a STEM ambassador to schools, looking forward to... Continue reading

  Its great that all these stories of volunteering are being shared and recognised. I've always loved sport and since finishing as a player, I've gained and learnt a huge amount from volunteering as a coach of local community youth rugby, cricket and latterly American football teams. I also volunteer as a dog walker and fosterer with both my local RSPCA centre and Canine Partners, and so have kept my dog-walking fix alive since our own dogs passed. On the work side, I volunteer as a reviewer for my professional body and I'm a STEM ambassador to schools, looking forward to supporting some face-to-face activities as well as the online events that evolved with lockdown.

  Volunteering can be many different things to many people: developmental, fulfilling, empowering and life-affirming, and it's great to work for an organisation in which many see and promote its value. I hope this initiative is also useful in getting more buy-in from those who just pay lip service.
• Share Volunteering at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life on Facebook Share Volunteering at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life on Twitter Share Volunteering at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life on Linkedin Email Volunteering at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life link

  Volunteering at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life

  by Debbie, about 4 years ago

  One day a week I volunteer at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life to help accession objects that have been donated to them. I really enjoy handling and documenting all the different objects. It satisfies my love of history and it draws on my previous experience working at this museum. I resigned from my position here to care for my late father and, being able to return as a volunteer, means that I can still see many of my old colleagues and help to support a place that means a lot to me.

  One day a week I volunteer at The Museum of Lincolnshire Life to help accession objects that have been donated to them. I really enjoy handling and documenting all the different objects. It satisfies my love of history and it draws on my previous experience working at this museum. I resigned from my position here to care for my late father and, being able to return as a volunteer, means that I can still see many of my old colleagues and help to support a place that means a lot to me.
• Share Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project on Facebook Share Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project on Twitter Share Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project on Linkedin Email Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project link

  Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project

  by Matt, about 4 years ago

  I have been volunteering with the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project (hosted by Lincolnshire County Council) since December in a graduate volunteer role. This often involves helping with surveying, as well as other conservation work. I was able to receive a training budget so I can attend training courses suited to my interests. I have also been able to develop 'hands-on' environmental skills which will really help my CV.

  Overall, it has been a really great opportunity and I would recommend anybody interested in conservation to get involved and volunteer!

  
  

  I have been volunteering with the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project (hosted by Lincolnshire County Council) since December in a graduate volunteer role. This often involves helping with surveying, as well as other conservation work. I was able to receive a training budget so I can attend training courses suited to my interests. I have also been able to develop 'hands-on' environmental skills which will really help my CV.

  Overall, it has been a really great opportunity and I would recommend anybody interested in conservation to get involved and volunteer!

  
  
• Share Volunteering helped me find the job that was right for me! on Facebook Share Volunteering helped me find the job that was right for me! on Twitter Share Volunteering helped me find the job that was right for me! on Linkedin Email Volunteering helped me find the job that was right for me! link

  Volunteering helped me find the job that was right for me!

  by SamuelB, about 4 years ago

  The year is 2020 and little did I know that by volunteering, I would find my perfect job.

  I started off as an aspiring entrepreneur with the dream of starting my own business, I wanted to have the enjoyment of doing the the job of my dreams. Sadly I had no idea where to start. I was on Universal Credit and had been for quite some time, I'd been bouncing between jobs that I found didn't fit with my passions and aspirations. I had a flat to maintain, bills to pay and I felt lost. I find myself to be... Continue reading

  The year is 2020 and little did I know that by volunteering, I would find my perfect job.

  I started off as an aspiring entrepreneur with the dream of starting my own business, I wanted to have the enjoyment of doing the the job of my dreams. Sadly I had no idea where to start. I was on Universal Credit and had been for quite some time, I'd been bouncing between jobs that I found didn't fit with my passions and aspirations. I had a flat to maintain, bills to pay and I felt lost. I find myself to be quite ambitious and wanted a job that didn't feel like a chore. But what could I do?

  
  

  I fell into depression and the Job Centre became concerned with my mental health and wellbeing, I approached a doctor and told them how I felt. This was when I was told to attend a volunteer recruitment event in Mablethorpe. My Job coach said it wasn't mandatory to receive my benefits but however it would really help me find the job that was right for me.

  
  

  The following week I attended an event hosted by Lincolnshire Community & Voluntary Service (LCVS), I made it my goal to just sit down and explain to the Area Officer team how I felt. I explained to them that I wanted to fix my situation, I wanted a job that was right for me, and they were more than happy to help. They asked me about my passions and skills and they matched me to the perfect volunteering opportunity.

  
  

  They saw that I had a passion and skills for marketing and online promotion. I have always had a spark for social media and they just so happen to have an event coming up for Volunteers Week 2020. They wanted a volunteer to help run a dedicated ad campaign and they thought I was the perfect candidate.

  
  

  I was over the moon, I attended multiple meetings where I had to where smart clothes, I was always taught to dress for the job I want and not the job I have, so I had always wanted to where a suit to work. I had my laptop bag over my shoulder and I felt like great. I was in a job where I belonged and my confidence really started to shine.

  
  

  The campaign was a success and LCVS were so happy with my work that I was offered a contracted role as their Marketing agent. I continued to work on several other projects for the organisation. I could feel my old self coming back and now through networking and purposely placing myself outside of my comfort zone, I just knew that this was career route that I wanted to take. I was confident that Marketing and Communication was the right role for me.

  
  

  Just by chance an apprenticeship appeared on the LCVS website. It was for a Marketing & Communications Apprentice. It was like the universe was trying to serve me the exact opportunity I was hoping for and without hesitation I applied. Within days of applying for the role I was offered an interview and it wasn't long before I was sat in a room with the Executive Officers. What stood out to them was how passionate I was about this opportunity and most of all the previous experience I already had with working with the organisation. I got the phone call saying I got the job before I even made it home by bus.

  
  

  I'm now in my second year of the apprenticeship and finish it completely in less than 3 months time of writing this blog. I have learnt so much from my volunteering experience and I always say that I am a product of my own organisation " A Case study in myself"

  If I didn't originally take up that volunteering opportunity I would never have got to where I am today. I now look forward to each working day doing the job I love. The job that is right for me.
• Share Lincoln Castle Volunteers on Facebook Share Lincoln Castle Volunteers on Twitter Share Lincoln Castle Volunteers on Linkedin Email Lincoln Castle Volunteers link

  Lincoln Castle Volunteers

  by Lincoln Castle , about 4 years ago

  At Lincoln Castle we really couldn't do what we do without our brilliant volunteers.

  Our team of lively, positive volunteers help turn our visitors' day out into a walk through 1000 years of history. They make the grounds of the Castle look fantastic at all times, they make sales in the shops, clean tables in the café and provide a warm, friendly welcome and an outstanding goodbye to all our visitors.

  Our volunteers make sure each and every visitor to Lincoln Castle leaves with a marvelous memory . Thank you.

  
  

  At Lincoln Castle we really couldn't do what we do without our brilliant volunteers.

  Our team of lively, positive volunteers help turn our visitors' day out into a walk through 1000 years of history. They make the grounds of the Castle look fantastic at all times, they make sales in the shops, clean tables in the café and provide a warm, friendly welcome and an outstanding goodbye to all our visitors.

  Our volunteers make sure each and every visitor to Lincoln Castle leaves with a marvelous memory . Thank you.

  
  
• Share Given an Hour Campaign on Facebook Share Given an Hour Campaign on Twitter Share Given an Hour Campaign on Linkedin Email Given an Hour Campaign link

  Given an Hour Campaign

  by Employed volunteer, about 4 years ago

  The Give an Hour Campaign is being run through the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and I got involved because of their question 'Could you open the eyes of a young person to an exciting and fulfilling career that they didn't know about?'. Yes, I wanted to do something to support young people and my employer's approach to supported volunteering enabled this. I spent 4 sessions in a Lincoln school, working with year 11 pupils to share my unique career journey and explore ideas to help combat distractions, value themselves and their skills and swot up for interviews. It was... Continue reading

  The Give an Hour Campaign is being run through the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership and I got involved because of their question 'Could you open the eyes of a young person to an exciting and fulfilling career that they didn't know about?'. Yes, I wanted to do something to support young people and my employer's approach to supported volunteering enabled this. I spent 4 sessions in a Lincoln school, working with year 11 pupils to share my unique career journey and explore ideas to help combat distractions, value themselves and their skills and swot up for interviews. It was an experience I would like to repeat and our Employer Supported Volunteering Programme can help that happen.
• Share Girlguiding on Facebook Share Girlguiding on Twitter Share Girlguiding on Linkedin Email Girlguiding link

  Girlguiding

  by Emma Elkington, about 4 years ago
  I volunteer outside of work with girlguiding UK. I run a rainbow group of 20 girls aged 5-7 years. We meet on a Thursday evening. I've been doing this for 5 years now and have made some great friends over the years. This year I will be joining a Guide group and going to Poacher international Jamboree at the Lincolnshire Showground.

  I volunteer outside of work with girlguiding UK. I run a rainbow group of 20 girls aged 5-7 years. We meet on a Thursday evening. I've been doing this for 5 years now and have made some great friends over the years. This year I will be joining a Guide group and going to Poacher international Jamboree at the Lincolnshire Showground.
• Share Chalk Streams Volunteers on Facebook Share Chalk Streams Volunteers on Twitter Share Chalk Streams Volunteers on Linkedin Email Chalk Streams Volunteers link

  Chalk Streams Volunteers

  about 4 years ago

  Hello, I work for the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project, which is hosted by Lincolnshire County Council, and we really couldn't do what we do without our brilliant volunteers!

  
  

  Chalk streams are a globally rare type of habitat and our volunteers help in loads of different ways, by carrying out surveys (think grown-up stream dipping but with some serious ID skills involved!), surveying Lincolnshire's rare blow well sites and helping the Project maintain chalk stream sites around the Lincolnshire Wolds area.

  Our volunteers make a real difference to these delicate habitats and have improved the environment for wildlife and people. Thank... Continue reading

  Hello, I work for the Lincolnshire Chalk Streams Project, which is hosted by Lincolnshire County Council, and we really couldn't do what we do without our brilliant volunteers!

  
  

  Chalk streams are a globally rare type of habitat and our volunteers help in loads of different ways, by carrying out surveys (think grown-up stream dipping but with some serious ID skills involved!), surveying Lincolnshire's rare blow well sites and helping the Project maintain chalk stream sites around the Lincolnshire Wolds area.

  Our volunteers make a real difference to these delicate habitats and have improved the environment for wildlife and people. Thank you!!!!!!