Category: Volunteering

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“Being a trustee offers a real and important way of contributing to society”

Richard Williams
Chair of Trustees, Learn English at Home

 

Learn English At Home (LEAH) provides one on one English tuition to disadvantaged migrants and refugees in the SW London boroughs of Kingston, Richmond, and Hounslow.  Richard initially volunteered as a tutor with LEAH when he retired from his career in the Civil Service. He explained that the experience gave him a “real appreciation of the benefits LEAH brought to migrant communities in the area, and of the needs of and problems experienced by those communities”.

When the opportunity to become a trustee of LEAH arose, Richard jumped at the chance. We asked him about his experience of being a trustee, and more recently, the Chair of the Board. We asked Richard what it really takes to become a Trustee.

 

What do your responsibilities look like as a trustee?

My main role recently has been contributing to and chairing meetings about the charity’s work and its future strategy.  I chair the Board of Trustees and attend other committees – we run a Programme Development Committee, a Fundraising Committee, and a Finance Committee.  As well as contributing to the charity’s future strategy, I attend fundraising events, speak about the charity’s work to local stakeholders, and become involved in discussions with local stakeholders and funders.  I also line manage the charity’s Director.  I think one of the functions of the Chair is to raise the profile of the charity and to spread information about its work, and I always seek ways of doing more of this.

 

What has been the best thing about being a trustee?

It has been really good to work with a group of people who are genuinely committed to improving a lot of disadvantaged communities and promoting social cohesion in what seems a difficult time for migrants.  I’ve been impressed by the successes we have achieved, and by the stories our students bring about how improving their English has enriched their lives.

 

What hopes do you have for the Board’s future?

We are an inclusive Board, although hardly as diverse as our client communities.  I hope that we will be able to enrich the Board with new and more diverse talent in the coming months and years.

 

How has COVID-19 impacted on your role as a trustee this past year?  

This has indeed been a turbulent year. We have had to change the ways we work in so many ways.  I am proud of the way we have turned what was a face-to-face service into a remotely-delivered one, which continues to benefit many of our disadvantaged clients. Trustees have been very active in keeping abreast of this and acting as a critical friend to the Director as she has introduced these changes. Trustees’ meetings have also become virtual, which presents some challenges in managing a busy agenda. There is a plus side, however, our new ways of working have given us many ideas about how to deliver new and better services in the future, and thereby enrich the support we give to our students – and that can only be a good thing.

 

Would you recommend becoming a trustee to other people?

Being a trustee offers a real and important way of contributing to society and our local communities – the opportunity to develop and expand networks in the local community, and to develop links, and sometimes friendships with other people working with disadvantaged groups.  The work is interesting and although it takes some time and effort, it is very worthwhile.

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Planning your gap year? Why not consider volunteering?

Lots of young people are planning their gap years after a tumultuous six months. A lot of normal gap year rites of passage are not possible at the moment. Volunteering is a great way of making the most of your gap year – it helps you gain new skills and knowledge, as well as providing experiences that will last a lifetime.

Volunteering can also be flexible around other commitments, such as re-taking exams, finding a part-time job and caring for others.

Of course, we have all had to take precautions during this period. When volunteering you should have a discussion to mitigate any risks. There are also loads of roles you can do from home, from helping a charity’s social media to making phone calls to isolated people.

 

Supporting people and communities

During this period we have seen an astonishing explosion in volunteering from the NHS Responders Volunteers to the informal Mutual Aid groups that have sprung up. Volunteers in formal and informal groups have delivered shopping, medical supplies and provided a friendly ear on the phone.

Past few months have exacerbated and exposed many social issues. Black Lives Matter and the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on Black, Asian and other minority ethnic communities have encouraged many people to join antiracist campaigns. Loneliness and poverty have also been highlighted and many people have banded together in new and innovative ways to combat them.

If you want to make a difference and give your time to support the most vulnerable in society, you can search here for different causes.

 

Upskilling

Of course, volunteering is not only about others, but it can also help you gain new skills and experience in advance of further studying.

That could be gaining experience with children or supporting adults, getting admin or marketing experience for your first office job, or in an area of interest such as theatre or the environment.

When applying for your volunteer role, make sure that you are clear about what you want to learn and what skills you want to gain with the organisation. As you are helping them, they should support you in gaining the skills or let you know if that is not possible.

 

Adventure

Travelling around the world may not be possible at the moment, but you can still get a taste of adventure and widen your horizons before you get back to studying or start your career.

You might consider full-time volunteering, which involves moving to another part of the country having accommodation and other expenses paid for. Find out more at full-time volunteering.

You might want to set up your own group to show your initiative and explore an area you are interested in. The Library Service can help you with this.

 

Support and advice

If you want any support or advice about volunteering please get in touch. You can reach us through

Call: 0300 365 9980

Email: enquiry@volunteeringkingston.org.uk

Web: www.volunteeringkingston.org.uk

Facebook: @volunteeringkingston

Twitter: @vol_kingston

Visit Story Map to learn more about Volunteering Kington.

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Got an idea for a group or club?

There is a great opportunity emerging from the RBK Library Service. They are inviting individuals and groups to use their library spaces to share skill sets and passion that others would find useful or enjoy. If you have an idea that you would like to share with others but are unsure how to go about it or where to hold it, then read on further to find out more.

The RBK Library Service can offer you the space for free and support you with the setting up and promotion of your idea. Whether it is learning new skills, sharing passion, a one-off or a long term venture, they are keen to hear from Kingston residents who are fourteen and over.

As social distancing is the present priority, initially they can offer a virtual room to develop your idea with the intention of bringing it into the physical space once it is safe to do so.

Some examples of groups that have been set up are craft groups, a book club and Ki Gong. You could also set up a group to support a cause that is important to you, such as the environment or tackling loneliness. Whatever your idea, please contact Giselle at giselle.monbiot@kingston.gov.uk to speak further about this.

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Volunteers’ Week 2020 round-up

That’s a wrap! We’ve come to the end of another amazing Volunteers’ Week. It may have taken on a different format to our usual volunteering fairs and celebrations, however, it was just as memorable! The #TimeToSayThanks theme felt very fitting for both the volunteers who have been present all year round and those who have stepped up to help in the COVID-19 response. What has really been highlighted during the week is how much the organisations we work with appreciate their volunteers – their dedication really does make the world go round! 

Throughout the week we heard different Kingston volunteer stories. Ailsa, who after attending our previous volunteering fair, began volunteering for Kingston Churches Action on Homeless, and now works as their Volunteer Coordinator. For us, it’s so lovely to be able to hear the stories of volunteers that we have placed throughout the year. We also heard how volunteers for Kingston Association for the Blind have adapted in the last few months. Alex, who usually exercises with a visually impaired man every week, has taken to chatting with him regularly, as well as running errands for other members of the KAB community.  

We shared our #TimeToSayThanks video in Kingston – with lots of organisations taking part, including a special message from Ian Thomas, the CEO of the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames. It was great to see so many faces in the video! 

We also shared a series of blogs on our website on various topics relating to volunteering in the current climate. Check out our Volunteers’ Week blog series for a look back on what we shared throughout the week.

Kingston Stronger Together also had a shout-out on BBC Radio London, thanking local volunteers for their dedication in the last few months. 

So as we say goodbye to Volunteers’ Week 2020, it’s important to recognise the dedication and impact made by volunteers year-round.  Thank you for being a part of Volunteers’ Week!

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Saying thanks to the volunteers from Kingston Association for the Blind

For this Volunteers Week, we heard from volunteers from Kingston Association for the Blind (KAB), who spoke about their experiences for Volunteers’ Week.

Alex P is a Volunteer Eye Buddy for Kingston Association for the Blind (KAB) and they go out for exercise with a visually impaired man every week. During lockdown “unfortunately our usual routine has been temporarily suspended, although we still stay in touch. I’ve joked with my buddy that I need to find someone else to take me on my weekly walk and he’s always in good spirits – luckily he has family who can help him to remain safe and stocked up with food.”

Some of the members of KAB are self-isolating entirely to protect themselves or on the shielded list. Alex P has been dropping off phone cards from the post office from one member, so she can continue to stay in contact with her sister abroad. Alex P says “It’s a pretty simple task but it can make a big difference to someone, who’s no doubt finding this period a lot more difficult than me. And personally, it feels satisfying to know that I’m helping out – because even the small things will add up.”

Another Alex and KAB volunteer was due to help at their first Ten Pin Bowling Group for Kingston Association for the Blind (KAB) when the COVID 19 lockdown kicked in. He says “Naturally, it was frustrating to be locked away from everyone but it quickly dawned on me that I was in a very privileged position. I’m young, relatively safe and have lots of free time to help those in need, who really cannot leave their homes.”

“Then KAB got in contact with me to see if I could help a visually impaired elderly lady near me, doing a food shop and prescription pick-up. Again, I was nervous – will I buy the right thing? What if they haven’t got what she wants? What if I’m not being hygienic enough? These worries went quickly as I got into a routine, ringing up weekly to catch up. I learnt a bit more about Maureen and we get on very well – we’ve found out a lot about each other. One day, we wish to sit down and share a cup of tea and a biscuit, but for now, we’ll just have to keep going how we are – and that’s okay.”

Maureen says “what a lovely young man Alex is and how lucky his parents are to have him!”

James N has been volunteering for KAB for three years taking members out on a tandem bike, providing exercise and freedom. As this has been on pause during this period he has been relaxing in his hammock, enjoying the quiet roads and keeping fit on his bike for when he can return to volunteer.

Sally H has been a Volunteer Eye Buddy with a lady called Catherine for sixteen months. She says “we have grown very fond of each and have a good rapport.” During the Lockdown, while she couldn’t meet with Catherine they have kept in regular contact. “Although her family have bought her ‘Alexa’ and she now has talking books and enjoyed Pride and Prejudice, she says it’s no substitute for me and she still wants me back!! Phew!” Sally has also bought and delivered get well gifts for two friends of Catherine who have been unwell.

With the easing of some restrictions, Catherine and Sally have discussed meeting in Catherine’s garden (while obviously obeying social distancing rules and taking care of hygiene). Sally says “It will be lovely to see her again”.

We think it’s #TimeToSayThanks to these wonderful volunteers, who have volunteered all year round, and made such a difference.

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Kingston’s community response to COVID-19

We have all been affected by COVID-19 in some way.   With all the stress, isolation and tragic losses of this time, one thing which has been heart-warming has been the way that the community has rallied round to support the more vulnerable members of society. Whether it’s people starting up local informal groups to hundreds of thousands signing to be an NHS Responder, Kingston volunteers have gone the extra mile.

During a time of crisis, people come together, and close to home in Kingston, we have seen how very quickly groups of individuals organised themselves to help others. This has renewed our appreciation for the people who give up their time to help others.

Are you keen to join the local pool of COVID-19 responders? We need your support now and as we transition volunteering needs for the long term. Here are some of the ways to get involved in your community:

A creative synergy

Specialist groups, such as Sewing for Kingston, have been making essential kits for key workers to help make wearing PPE more bearable. They are also making pairs of hearts for patients in hospitals who cannot have visitors but can feel connected, in spirit, with their family members.

Feeding people in need

Voices of Hope have supported thousands of hungry people during this period. They usually run projects to reduce social isolation through choirs for people dealing with trauma. With the support volunteers, they rapidly transformed into a food hub, preparing over 10,000 hot meals for those unable to do so. They have also provided a delivery service to as many of the 18,000 people aged over 70 in Kingston as possible.

Kingston Foodbank has been feeding people during this period and is always looking for new donations.

Helping our newest Kingston residents

Growababy Kingston has been delivering baby formula, nappies and baby food for those in need during this challenging time.

Kingston Stronger Together

In Kingston, Over 1,200 volunteers have signed up and they are supporting with food deliveries, driving and befriending people by phone.

This astonishing volunteering mobilisation, informal and formal, shows that volunteers are a key part of the response to the crisis.

As we move slowly from the current period into the recovery period, we can take comfort in the instinct that people give their time to help others. We will be telling volunteer stories throughout Volunteers’ Week. Join us in saying thanks to these heroes this Volunteers’ Week, tell us about a volunteer that has made a difference in your community, either an individual, a volunteer organisation or a local neighbourhood initiative. Tag us in your thank you messages so we can share it with others and use the hashtag #TimeToSayThanks.

This post is part of our Volunteers’ Week blog series.

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How to get involved with volunteering from home

As much of our country has turned to working from home, many volunteering opportunities have gone digital too. Volunteering from home and micro-volunteering are not new concepts, however, they have become even more popular in recent months.  

Micro–volunteering is a bite-sized task or activity, often on a one-off basis and no strings attached, allowing volunteers to donate their time in short, efficient bursts. It could be anything from signing a petition, donating food to a food bank, creating something crafty for a cause in need, taking part in a #twominutelitterpick … the list of possibilities is endless.  

In a time when outside activities are limited, volunteering from home has never been as important and rewarding. Here’s why: 

  • It’s accessible – anyone can volunteer from the comfort of their own home. 
  • It’s achievable – you can give just a few hours, without the worry about travelling or over-commitment. A small act of generosity goes a long way. 
  • It’s flexible – your volunteering can easily fit in around other commitments, it’s a good option for people who work full time and/or have families or caring responsibilities. 

We want volunteering to be accessed by as many people as possible. There are plenty of easy ways to start volunteering from home, here are just a few ideas: 

  • Consider supporting or starting an online campaign for a cause you feel strongly about. Help create social media posts to help spread the word. 
  • If you speak more than one language, offer your skills to organisations that may need support with translation, teaching and training.  
  • Become a befriender! Offer to call someone who may be isolated once a week for a friendly chat. This can be done through organisations such as Age UK or simply with a neighbour or friend. 
  • Dust off your knitting needles or sewing machine and support various causes in need. The NHS is currently in need of scrubs. 
  •  Volunteer for an organisation you care about. You can offer to support them from home with admin, phone calls or social media. 

Have a look at these websites for more ways to volunteer from home 

  • The United Nations has a whole host of online volunteering opportunities, including translation, art and design, teaching and training roles.  
  • Support blind and low-vision people by providing visual assistance through Be My Eyes app.  
  • Join Loving Hands to donate blankets for new-borns, shawls for the elderly or coats for dogs.  
  • The Wildlife Trust is promoting 30 days of random acts of wildness. Download your free pack and do one wild thing a day throughout the whole month of June. 

Volunteering Kingston will be sharing micro-volunteering activities to take part in throughout the week on our social media pages. Follow @vol_kingston for daily ideas for you to get involved. Let us know what you’re doing at home this week Volunteers’ Week using the hashtag #IVolunteer. 

This post is part of our Volunteers’ Week blog series, words by Alice Gray. Alice is a Volunteer Brokerage Coordinator at Groundwork London.

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Kingston Volunteers’ Week – Our time to say thanks 

National Volunteers’ Week is a chance for organisations across the country to recognise the contribution of their volunteers. This Volunteers’ Week Volunteering Kingston are saying Thank You to all the volunteers who have stepped up to support the Kingston community response to COVID-19, as well as the many dedicated volunteers who have contributed many hours of volunteering to local charities and organisations over the years who would love to be helping at the moment but aren’t able to do so because of social distancing guidance. We will be sharing stories about the fantastic Kingston volunteers throughout the week on our social media pages Twitter: @Vol_Kingston Facebook /VolunteeringKingston use the hashtags #TimeToSayThanks and #KingstonStrongerTogether.

The Volunteering Kingston team want to say a huge thank you to all the volunteers supporting the most vulnerable members of their communities: from communities and faith groups coming together and communities setting up neighbourhood volunteer initiatives, neighbours checking in on each other and kids transforming their windows into beautiful artworks to brighten up the commute of a key worker.  You are all making a huge difference!

If you are one of the 1200+ people who signed up as a volunteer to support the COVID-19 response, Thank you! If you have been unable to get onto a shift because of the high number of volunteers wanting to help, there are still many things you can do, simply calling a friend or relative who may be isolating goes a long way. Throughout the week we will be sharing ideas of how to volunteer from home so keep an eye on our social media pages for that. And remember that by simply staying at home you are also doing your bit to keep others safe.

Watch our Volunteers’ Week Thank You video.

Thank you from everyone at Volunteering Kingston and Kingston Stronger Together.

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Ailsa’s life-changing experience as a KCAH volunteer

Ailsa lives in Thames Ditton and had worked in the hospitality industry for eighteen years since she left school. Having fallen out of love with working in pubs, she wanted to do something rewarding. She registered with Volunteering Kingston and then learnt, through the newsletter, about the Volunteers’ Fair in during Volunteers’ Week 2019. 

She found all the organisations she spoke to interesting, but she was most impressed by Sophie and Megan at Kingston Churches Action on Homelessness. She thought they were the most inspiring because they were so clued and passionate about supporting vulnerable people. She hadn’t really thought much about homelessness before, but now she was excited to start volunteering. 

Before the Night Shelter opened in September Ailsa volunteered supporting Sophie with the preparations. She emailed potential volunteers and sought donations for food and sleeping bags. Her biggest achievement was managing to source a meal from a different restaurant each night for the thirty guests who attend the shelter. She was excited to get involved and looking forward to meeting the guests and making a difference. 

As she says, coming to Volunteering Kingston’s Volunteers’ Week Fair changed her life. She quit her job the day the night shelter opened and was offered work with KCAH as the Office Coordinator. 

Volunteering as the Night Shelter Assistant was Ailsa’s first time, but now she’s a convert, encouraging friends and family to volunteer. She’s found that volunteering was the only thing that helped her move on from a low phase. She describes it as ‘food for the soul’. 

During the COVID-19 period working with KCAH, she’s had some of the most stressful days of her life, as well as the most rewarding. She now coordinates volunteers, and they’ve been driving, putting food parcels together and staff the hotel where 60 rough sleepers are now staying.  

When asked about the best thing about volunteering, she says that it’s “meeting a lot of people who are trying to make a positive change in the world. It’s upped my faith in people.” Asked to sum volunteering up in three words, she says: “incredible; life-changing.” 

If you’d like to learn how volunteering can change your life, find out more here.

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Doing good makes you feel good

Mental Health Week 2020 is upon us and with everything going on in the world, it is important we take some time to reflect on our mental wellbeing. 

The theme for this Mental Health Awareness week is Kindness. Acts of kindness like simply checking in on an isolated friend or neighbour is time well spent.  

It is also important to remember to be kind to yourself. The NHS recommends 5 top tips to look after your own mental wellbeing: 

  • Connect with others 
  • Keep a regular routine and set goals 
  • Manage your social media and news intake 
  • Do things you enjoy & try something new 
  • Look after your body by staying hydrated, eating well and getting daily exercise 

Volunteering is another excellent way to boost our mental wellbeing as it: 

  • Provides routine and structure. 
  • Increases self-esteem and confidence 
  • Imparts a sense of fulfilment 

     

There are so many ways we can help ourselves by helping others, this is a great opportunity to volunteer to support the most vulnerable members of our community. Whether that is with a local organisation through the Kingston COVID volunteering scheme or simply picking up the phone and calling a friend or relative to see how they are feeling. Find out more about how you can get involved in volunteering in your borough.