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The importance of celebration in a troubled time

Volunteers Week 2022

This year, National Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) coincides with an extended celebration of the 70th year on the throne of Queen Elizabeth II. Manifesting itself with a four-day bank holiday weekend, the country will no doubt dig deep into its reserves of unity to ensure a celebratory mood. Not only this, but these events have fallen in the month of June, which is dedicated to celebrating Communities.

National Volunteers’ Week (NVW) is all about gratitude and so it should be. If ever there was “a time to say thanks”, the theme of this year’s NVW, to volunteers and the groups that come together in our communities, it is now. The contribution of volunteers has ensured our society remained functioning over the past two years of peaks and troughs.

The thought of celebrating may not be appealing right now, while the demand for foodbanks reaches a new peak, being positive whilst millions of displaced Ukrainians look for safety and money is tighter than usual. Personally, whilst I understand this thinking, I believe greater hurdles calls for a greater need for trumpet blowing. June 2022 and the co-incidence of NVW, Communities Month and the Jubilee is one such occasion.

Groundwork London’s volunteering services in the London Boroughs of Kingston, Barnet and Waltham Forest will be celebrating National Volunteers’ Week to show our appreciation to volunteers who have dedicated their time and effort to support their communities. We are working with others to ensure “a time to say thanks” continues later into the month. Events will be held in each Borough to not only mark our appreciation but to be central in strengthening bonds that bind individual volunteers, volunteer-involving organisations and the statutory sector locally. Keep your eyes peeled it will be celebratory and if circumstances allow, fun.

 

You can find out more about how you can get involved in this year’s Volunteers ’Week on the official page here.

In the meantime, if you are looking to volunteer and start a new exciting journey today, you can discover all our available roles through Groundwork London’s volunteering services below:

Volunteering Kingston

Legends of the Forest, Waltham Forest

Volunteering Barnet

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Reflections on partnership

partnership

As National Volunteers’ Week 2022 looms on the horizon, I have found myself pondering the nature of partnership and specifically how adversity drives organisations (and people) to answers they otherwise would not have found. Specifically, from a Volunteering Kingston perspective, it manifested itself with the partnership that became Kingston Stronger Together (KST). As we tip-toe back to a world where pandemic viruses are not all-embracing and other issues become dominant in the media it is worth taking a moment to appreciate some of the gains made. 

The KST came together in late February/early March 2020 at the beginning of an unprecedented medical crisis. It started because the then Leader of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames (RBK) had a clear vision of genuine partnership for Covid-response and she found the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations willing collaborators. Civic leadership has changed since then and the individuals who were the core elements of that partnership also moved on but the mechanics of partnership remain.  

From Volunteering Kingston’s (Groundwork London) perspective the value in the KST came from the partnership approach and the utilising of resources that accrues from it. By engaging the VCS as equals rather than as sub-contractors (something at the time we hoped to be reflected in the conclusions to the RBK Voluntary Sector Commissioning process review) RBK had been able to garner almost unique levels of service delivery cooperation and ensure a communication cycle unpreceded within the borough. For just under two years, the partnership was central to safeguarding the local community. 

There was a sea of goodwill from within the community of Kingston borough which saw an initial rush of 1200 volunteers for Covid-response.

This, combined with the contribution of informal and spontaneous localised groups, was pivotal to supporting professionals in coordinating the various delivery tiers. Despite an over-supply of willing volunteers (which mirrored the experience of the NHS volunteers) the volunteer experience in the borough rose to new levels and looked like it would continue to do so for some time to come.  

About a year in, whilst others were looking ahead, we understood it was absolutely vital that the core elements of the KST/Hub approach were maintained. 

The organisation’s key to success was retaining the leadership element whilst remaining open to all civic and stakeholder contributors.

The response to Covid-19 demonstrated how co-operative and collaborative approaches can be enacted quickly and become efficient and effective. Between March 2020 to March 2022, the KST proved to work and, in some form or other, it must continue. 

It is now May 2022 and, as needs decline, not all physical manifestations of that partnership are still in play, understandably. However, the KST has made the concept of positive partnership a reality, supported by a massive body of work and experience. The VCS* side is still here and responding to needs. It is still the place where individual volunteers connect to be part of the whole, still being partnership personified. On reflection, it was a massive achievement!   

By Michael Green, May 2022. 

 

* Including Volunteering Kingston, Kingston Voluntary Action, as well as organisations such as the Foodbank and Voices for Hope and informal contributions from the Good Gym groups etc. 

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Barriers made gateways

When those of us in the Volunteer Services business think about barriers to volunteering we are inclined to think in big picture terms. Accessibility, diversity and ensuring a positive volunteering experience are all important issues to think about but do they reflect the reality of the individual?  

 Often for those of us professionally working in the Voluntary Sector and engaging with volunteers, we miss some of the nuances of what prevents people from putting themselves forward. The large number of people who have appropriate skill-sets but don’t seem to be able to take an intention to serve their community through action is a resource opportunity missed. Sometimes the barriers are smaller than you think, don’t require extensive training courses or attractive volunteering opportunity scopes and that begs the question what can be done to overcome them? The answer can sometimes be found in the human experience. 

 Let’s take my better half as an example. A very busy life, bookended between civic responsibility and parenthood and yet still keen to somehow do more. Whilst she has been a volunteer in various organisations for many years, the idea of stepping up a level was one she baulked at. Now, as much as I’d like to say my persuasive coaxing helped her grasp the nettle the reality is that it all came from her. In her own words, this is what allowed her to take that extra step: 

 “I took on my first voluntary board member role earlier this year. The organisation is a housing association for people with complex mental health needs. A lot of my volunteer roles have centred around mental health, an issue close to my heart, so it seemed an obvious step. 

 I was warmly welcomed by the other board members and officers and got stuck straight in. It is different to the more personal volunteering support I was used to, but just as rewarding. I’m looking at the financial sustainability of the organisation; the long-term vision and goals; the quality of services; better working with stakeholders and the community; and the set-up of the organisation itself. Because of my skill-set, I’ve joined a subcommittee looking at quality and compliance, including resident and stakeholder satisfaction. As a regulated service working with NHS and local authorities, there are multiple aspects to this work, but putting clients and service users first is a must for me. They come to us via various methods, but all of them need support and care to help them move on to more independent living. Their voice is vital in the running of the service, so we take time to listen to what they want and need. 

 I was worried that the time element would make it difficult for me, but that hasn’t been the case. We have board meetings every other month in the early evening, then there are a few emails and papers a week to read through, some mandatory training videos and occasionally an away day. I can fit this into my schedule without any problems and mostly work at a time that suits me and my family. 

 I know that by being a board member, I am helping shape the organisation to provide what the organisation and the clients need. The reward of joining a board comes in knowing that my work will help change their lives for the better and there is nothing more satisfying than that. I’m glad I made this step. I’m still doing the personal volunteering in other organisations, but this has given me the chance to help with wider changes that need to be made to give the best services to this vulnerable group of our community.” 

 I use this close to home example to show that even though my partner had access to someone like myself, with best practice and up to date volunteer stimulation skills, it was the ability to fit her new responsibilities within an existing busy life that drove this forward. Volunteering and the roles we create in its name isn’t a vacuum, it has to reflect the real-world experience of the community you are hoping to tap into. This is the case even more so in the current hybrid “nearly post-pandemic” age where reluctance has been increased. 

 The lesson for me, and I suggest for others, is that whilst it is very important to have a good policy framework for encouraging volunteers it is the capacity to be flexible that allows an individual to see where they can add their unique value. Talking to individuals can go a long way to opening up possibilities. Once a person is freed from the restraint they can quickly become an asset. Barriers become gateways and we all benefit.  

  

Michael Green. March 2022. 

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Celebrate the festive season by giving your time

 

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, people are often keen to volunteer at this time of year. Here are some great ways of giving back.

Giving time at the British Heart Foundation

The British Heart Foundation is looking for volunteers to help out at their shops in Kingston over the Christmas period as many of their regular volunteers are on holiday. Email burrowsj@bhf.org.uk to find out more.

Image: Asma volunteering at the British Heart Foundation shop in Kingston for Christmas

 

Support Oxfam Christmas with your time

Christmas is a very busy time for Oxfam shops with just a short window of opportunity to capitalise on people searching for perfect sustainable presents. The money raised funds Oxfam’s emergency and development work all over the world, for example providing clean water and sanitation to camps for displaced people.

The role will mainly incorporate:

* Offering great customer service

* Managing transactions through the till

* Receiving donations

* Keeping the shop floor looking beautiful

* Ensuring stock levels are maintained

No previous experience is required but enthusiasm and cheerful nature are essential.

Please pop into your nearest Oxfam shop or contact Judi via email (jthompson2@oxfam.org.uk) for further information. Roles are available in New Malden, Surbiton,  Kingston Town and Kingston Riverside.

 

Welcoming new arrivals

The Refugee Council are asking for people to write letters of welcome to families arriving from Afghanistan. Write your message of hope.

 

Raising money and awareness

If there is a cause that is particularly important to you, this season is a great way of raising money and awareness as people want to get together and think about others.

Some ideas:

* Hold a Christmas film viewing party – charge people to vote for their favourite film

* A Christmassy coffee morning to raise money for a cause

* Toy donation drive

* Fundraising walk or fun run

If you are collecting items to be donated, make sure that you check with the charities beforehand whether they have the capacity and space to receive the items and what they need. Generally, money, gift cards or brand new items are preferred.

 

Mitzvah day

Jewish people come together on 21st November this year for Mitzvah Day, the largest faith-led day of social action. Find out more here.

 

Involving your family in volunteering

If you want your children to be thinking of something other than what Father Christmas

* Contact your local residential service for older people and ask if they are interested in receiving letters/cards/drawings

* Get involved in some wintery micro-volunteering! Have a look at some activities here from The Conservation Volunteers

* Donating toys and books to charity shops

* Litter picking

 

Contact local groups and churches

Bigger charities that hold specific Christmas events (e.g. for people experiencing homelessness) will normally have their volunteering needs organised months in advance. However, smaller groups and churches may welcome an eager volunteer. So contact your local older people’s group, put a post in the communities’ WhatsApp group or pop down to your local church and find out how you can get involved.

 

Help Princess Alice Hospice raise vital funds as a Santa Fun Run volunteer

Support the Santas with your festive good cheer as they run around Bushy Park on 5th and 12th December or spread the word about the event. Find out more here.

 

Volunteering for your health and wellbeing

With lots of parties, treats and long movie marathons Christmas is not always the healthiest time of year. Volunteering is great for your mental health and you can also volunteer in ways that improve your fitness.

Join people from over the country to create a National Walking Network as part of SlowWays. Go for a walk in your local area and record it on the website.

Get involved with GoodGym and get fit while helping out with activities to support local charities.

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Trustees Week 2021 | Reflections of Cllr Liz Green

 

This Trustees’ Week, longstanding active volunteer, Cllr Liz Green shares her reflections on volunteering and becoming a trustee. 

Whilst I’ve been a volunteer in various organisations for many years, I took on my first voluntary board member role earlier this year. The organisation is St Martin of Tours, which is a housing association for people with complex mental health needs. A lot of my volunteer roles have centred around mental health, as it is an issue close to my heart, so it seemed an obvious step.

I was warmly welcomed by the other board members and officers and got stuck straight in. It was different to the more personal volunteering support I was used to, but it is just as rewarding. I’m looking at the financial sustainability of the organisation; the long term vision and goals; the quality of services; better working with stakeholders and the community; and the set of the organisation itself. Because of my skillset, I’ve joined a subcommittee looking at quality and compliance, including resident and stakeholder satisfaction. As a regulated services working with NHS and local authorities, there are multiple aspects to this work, but putting clients and service users first is a must for me. They come to us via various methods, but all of them need support and care to help them move on to more independent living and live the best life they can. Their voice is vital in the running of the service, so we take time to listen to what they want and need.

I was worried that the time element would make it difficult for me, but that hasn’t been the case. We have board meetings every other month in the early evening, then there is a few emails and papers a week to read through, some mandatory training videos and occasionally away day. I can fit this into my schedule without any problems and mostly work at a time that suits me and my family.

I know that by being a board member, I am helping shape the organisation to provide what the organisation and the clients need. The reward of joining a board comes in knowing that my work will help change their lives for the better and there is nothing more satisfying than that. I’m glad I made this step. I’m still doing personal volunteering in other organisations, but this has given me the chance to help with wholesale changes that need to be made to give the best services to this vulnerable group of our community.

Would you like to become a Trustee for a local charity? Check out some of the active roles here or speak to our team to find a role that’s right for you.

 

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Top 10 Tips for Recruiting Volunteer Trustees

Looking to recruit volunteers? Here are some top tips

  1. Brainstorm all of the possible motivations for a Trustee for your charity whether that’s giving back, career development, passion towards the cause etc.
  2. Reach out to your networks, current and former volunteers, service users and their families, supporters and anyone connected to your organisation.
  3. Have a look at Reach Volunteering’s amazing resources on Trustee recruitment.
  4. Ensure that your recruitment is accessible – especially if you are a disability charity.
  5. Keep things up to date – terms like ‘Treasurer’ may be off putting to younger volunteers. Use terms like Finance Trustee instead.
  6. Have a look at Getting on Board services and resources.
  7. Think outside the box and remember that Trustees don’t have to be ‘pale, male and stale’.
  8. Make it clear – the difference the volunteer will make by volunteering for you.
  9. Offer to have an informal chat or visit with the Trustee.
  10. Get in touch with Volunteering Kingston for a one-to-one advice session.
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‘Getting on Board’ – opening up charity boards

This Trustees’ Week, Getting on Board is trying to open up charitys’ boards. Want to know how? Then read on to find out all about it.

About Getting on Board

Getting on Board is a trustee recruitment and diversity charity. It’s our guiding belief that diversity in the board of Trustees is key to effective decision making, better delivery of a charity’s services and the broader goal of creating a more equitable society.

Getting on Board supports people to become charity trustees, particularly those who are currently under-represented on trustee boards. The aspiring trustees we support include young people, women, people of colour, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, working class people, and people with lived experience of marginalisation.

We help charities in their mission to become more representative of the communities they serve by recruiting and retaining trustees from a diversity of backgrounds and lived experiences. This is fundamental because charities need access to the broadest possible talent pool to function at the highest level. This is only possible when diversity is preserved in every aspect of the trustee recruitment and retention process – not seen as a box ticking exercise that equates to lowering the bar.

To keep up to date with our training and programmes, please sign up for our newsletter.

 

Festival of Trusteeship

Getting on Board’s online Festival of Trusteeship will take place 1st-5th November 2021 and they are offering our registered volunteers a 50% discount. The Festival is packed with exciting events for people who want to become trustees, trustees who want to keep learning and developing, and for charity leaders who want to understand best practice in trustee recruitment and diversity. Use the code LOCAL50 to receive a 50% discount. The code also works on weekly passes, bringing the ticket fare down to £12.50 and allowing you to access as many of the 24 events as you’d like. Click here to explore all the scheduled events.

 

Training and resources for aspiring trustees

Learning from experts in a supportive group of likeminded individuals can make the process towards trusteeship easier and more enjoyable. All our training is designed to be easily accessible to all aspiring trustees and all programmes are excellent value for money.

If you’re an organisation that wants to train or support a number of aspiring trustees, you can find all you need here.

✦  Our Charity Board Leadership Programme will teach you what makes an effective, strategic and responsible trustee. If you’re ready to take up a trusteeship and need help getting the process over the line, this is the programme for you. Many delegates find a position within weeks of completing the course (some even find a position while the course is still ongoing!). Our flagship six-week programme runs six cohorts a year and costs £875 per person.​

✦  If you’ve decided that you want to become a trustee, have a working knowledge of what being a trustee involves and are looking for some one-to-one help with your trusteeship position research and applications, then Board Match one-to-one is right for you. You can find out more here.

✦  Are you between 18-30 years old? Do you want to make an impact to a cause or community you’re passionate about? Getting on Board’s Future Trustees programme teaches you everything you need to know about what being a trustee involves and the steps to take so you can become a trustee too.

✦  There is also our regular, one-hour ‘What is a trustee and how do I become one?’ webinar, giving you an introduction to what trustees are, what they do, and top tips on how to become one.

 

As well as support from Getting On Board, you can always speak to Volunteering Kingston about all aspects of getting involved in volunteering and trusteeship.

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Getting on Board – Festival of Trusteeship

Trustees’ week is an annual event to showcase the great work Trustees do and provide opportunities for everyone to get involved and make a difference. This year, we want to thank all the Trustees for playing a vital role, volunteering their time and for coming together to make important decisions in local communities through the causes and charities they believe in.

 

What is Festival of Trusteeship?

Getting on Board’s online Festival of Trusteeship will take place 1st-5th November 2021 and they are offering our registered volunteers a 50% discount. The Festival is packed with exciting events for people who want to become trustees, trustees who want to keep learning and developing, and for charity leaders who want to understand best practices in trustee recruitment and diversity. Use the code LOCAL50 to receive a 50% discount. The code also works on weekly passes, bringing the ticket fare down to £12.50 and allowing you to access as many of the 24 events as you’d like. Click here to explore all the scheduled events.

 

About Getting on Board

Getting on Board is a trustee recruitment and diversity charity. Its guiding belief is that diversity in the board of Trustees is key to effective decision making, better delivery of a charity’s services and the broader goal of creating a more equitable society.

Getting on Board supports people to become charity trustees, particularly those who are currently under-represented on trustee boards. The aspiring trustees they support include young people, women, people of colour, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, working class people, and people with lived experience of marginalisation.

Getting on Board’s objective to recruit and retain trustees from a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experiences is fundamental to its vision because charities need access to the broadest possible talent pool to function at the highest level. This is only possible when diversity is preserved in every aspect of the trustee recruitment and retention process as against a box ticking exercise that can equate to lowering the bar.

To receive regular updates on training and programmes straight to your inbox, you can sign up to receive newsletters from Getting on Board.

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How to support families arriving from Afghanistan

The news from Afghanistan is extremely concerning and has prompted an outpouring of generosity and offers of help from people across Kingston. During challenging and uncertain times, it is very heartening to hear that so many in our community want to support.

Kingston’s response

Kingston is currently preparing the groundwork to welcome families from Afghanistan via the Home Office resettlement schemes. The council, Refugee Action Kingston and the Migrant Advocacy Service are working together to support refugees and the families of staff who worked for British organisations.

To find out more about the resettlement plans and schemes for newly arriving families from Afghanistan, visit the below pages here:

 

Donations and fundraising

You can help Refugee Action Kingston by becoming a regular supporter.

If you aren’t in the position to donate money, you can:

  • Share posts asking for funds on social media.
  • Hold fundraising coffee mornings/BBQs.
  • Ask friends and family to donate instead of birthday presents.
  • Donate items (check the website to see what is currently needed). You could also collect items on your street and offer to transport them in one go.

 

Check the Refugee Action Kingston website for donations they are seeking at the moment – if there are other items you have to give away, contact us at Volunteering Kingston and we can find the best place.

You can also offer items and housing via this government website.

 

Volunteers with the right skills and expertise

Over 400 people approached Refugee Action Kingston to offer support in the wake of developments in Afghanistan. The families, refugees and locally employed staff, need expert support and volunteers with specific skills. Dari and Pashto speakers, mental health professionals and mentors will be needed.

Even if there is not an immediate need for a specific offer of support,  the skills and time being offered will be needed in the future as our new community members rebuild their lives in Kingston.

You can find out more about volunteering here:

* Sign up to hear more about volunteering opportunities from Refugee Action Kingston.

* Register on the Volunteering Kingston website here.

* Sign up for the training programme with the Migrant Advocacy Project to become an advisor for vulnerable migrants.

* Refugees at Home and Room for Refugees – offer a room to a refugee if you have space in your home.

* Volunteer with the Refugee Council.

* If you would be interested in providing housing or fostering children, you can register your interest on this government website.

 

Small actions you can do that make a big difference

* Donate items to Care4Calais – note that the Kingston drop off is currently closed. You could offer to collect donations for your local WhatsApp group and drive to the nearest place.

* Write to your MP regarding support for refugees.

* Share donation links and volunteer opportunities on social media.

* Write a letter of welcome and support to families arriving in Kingston. Include as much as you like, including drawings and pictures, and your wish to welcome new families to the wonderful borough of Kingston.

Letters, drawings and photos can be sent to :

Refugee Action Kingston
Siddeley House 50 Canbury Park Rd
Kingston upon Thames KT2 6LX

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Volunteering through adversity: Ruth’s story

Ruth has dipped in and out of volunteering since her late teens, but it wasn’t until 2021 that it started featuring so prominently in her life. Suffering from mental health issues, Ruth had to resign from her full-time job as a hospital administrator back in 2016. The following years were marked by a series of difficulties, including temporary accommodation away from her community and intensive therapy. Ruth managed to continue therapy throughout the pandemic, which she says she’s incredibly grateful for. Ultimately, she would get referred to Volunteering Kingston and start her latest volunteering journey.

Ruth started volunteering with Kingston Snowflakes in February 2021 and has received a different task to execute every week. The group’s ultimate goal is to “make the world a better place” with every small action, and for Ruth it was an opportunity to once again start contributing towards society in a small but accessible way. “I was really, really overjoyed I was able to do something,” she explains. “Especially when things were at their worst this January with lockdown and the new (coronavirus) variants. Being able to make the tiniest bit of a difference and reach out to someone gave me enrichment. Like you’ve got meaning and purpose to actually make a difference.”

Her goal had been to start volunteering with a regular role when her therapy ended back in April, but the experience with Kingston Snowflakes was so rewarding that Ruth soon took up a second volunteer role at the Chatty Café Scheme, where, once a week, she speaks to a vulnerable adult who is experiencing loneliness and self-isolation. She didn’t stop there though. She also started volunteering at the Hogsmill Community Garden and at the Scope charity shop in Tolworth. Very quickly, Ruth was engaging with four different volunteering roles.

“My priorities in life have become a lot more black and white,” she says. “I’m very clear on what’s important to me. I’m not going to leave it behind this time. My time is being filled with meaningful things. I’m still unwell, but I’m starting to stretch my muscles again, getting myself back into a routine – a meaningful routine.”

Overall, she struggles to characterise the experience of volunteering, saying “a positive impact” is possibly not sufficiently emphatic to convey just how much it has transformed her life. “That’s possibly the understatement of the century!” she says with a laugh.

But when it comes to volunteering as a general concept, she’s resolute: “People don’t understand that a lot of jobs are completely voluntary. If people didn’t do them, they just wouldn’t get done. And when you find yourself touched by adversity, you start to see that most of the help you get is from charities and nowhere else. Basically, a lot of the good stuff that happens in this world happens because of volunteers.”

Do you feel inspired by this story? Would you like to volunteer and help make a difference in your community? Check out the current openings here.

 

This article was written by Dany Rubbo, Comms Volunteer at Volunteering Kingston.