Volunteers Experiences

VOL_NTEE_
What is missing?
U.R.

What really goes on in the office at Craven Volunteer Centre? Here ’s an eyewitness account!

I joined the Volunteer Centre office two years ago, after finding the opportunity on do-it.org.uk. During my interview (a grand word for the very relaxed chat we had - coffee included), I learned that help was needed for this newsletter. I’d had a little experience in producing posters etc and managed to convince Dee that I was just the right person. Happily for me, I don’t think she realised how little my ’little experience’ actually was and I joined the Centre’s team.

I use that word deliberately, because that’s exactly what exists in the office: a team dedicated to every aspect of the Volunteer Centre’s work. Although I’m the amateur, I feel a useful member of the Coach Street staff and I’m sure that every other volunteer who helps in any capacity would echo these sentiments. We’re made to feel wanted and appreciated - which, for me at least, is an important part of volunteering work.

Now that I’ve written the good bits, what about the truth about my work? Well …. my job description did fail to mention one or two additional duties. Perhaps the kindest way to describe the extra-curricular activities is to say that they’re sometimes jobs that have been demanding attention for a VERY long time, or have been waiting for someone who knows the alphabet (and, therefore, can put bits of paper into better order). So yes, I do your newsletter but seem to have been persuaded (so gently that I didn’t notice it!) to do more. I really enjoy being here every week, so they must be doing something right.
Jean Wilson

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On Monday 21st February, 2009, I set off to Kettlewell on the bus from Skipton. Undeterred by the weather conditions, (very deep snow) I didn't care how long the journey took...as long as I ended up at the Youth Hostel.

A couple of weeks earlier, I had been talking with Dee & Val at the Volunteer Centre in Skipton. We were discussing the fact that I was (still) looking for work. As I was in the office, a call came through from Michael, the relief manager at Kettlewell Youth Hostel, asking for volunteers to help paint some of the dormitories. Feeling the need to escape from Skipton and clear my head, I contacted Michael and confirmed I'd be there to help.

On arrival at the Hostel, after a magical journey through the bright white dales, I was greeted by Michael and Alan Clarke, the manager of Haworth Youth Hostel. I was told that, out of the 12 volunteers expected, I was the only one to have made it due to the 'bad' weather!

Obviously, the more people, the more work gets done, but I didn't mind as it enabled me to talk in depth with Michael and Alan about the Youth Hostel Association. Over the next two days, we 'revamped' a dorm, ate together, drank at the local pub and went walking in the snow. The landscape and scenery were absolutely beautiful and I remember thinking how lucky I was to be in amongst it. The day I was due to leave, I told Alan I'd be very interested in working for the YHA, and did he have any jobs going at Haworth. I am now working at Haworth Youth Hostel as a Seasonal General Assistant. I cook, clean, work on reception and, in the process, meet people from all over the world.

Last week, my workmate, Stuart, and I danced the Macarena with 12 Spanish students. Next week, we have the Norwegian Football Team staying. Now that should be interesting!

When I first moved from London to Skipton nearly 4 years ago, I went to see Val, Dee and Annie for their advice and to offer any help I could. Since then I have been involved with the Good Neighbour Scheme and I take the photographs of young adults from Ermysted’s as they volunteer in the local community. Last year, I worked at Play Away, near Gargrave, as an Artist, running photographic workshops for 8 to 11 year old children. This opportunity came through Volunteer Centre Craven.

Val, Dee and Annie are absolutely wonderful women who have supported and encouraged me, from the minute we met to the present day. They are invaluable to the 'wellbeing' of Skipton and its people. When you walk though the Volunteer Centre's doors, expect many, many more to open for you.
Bella Wood

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My name is Carla Finnigan and I do my voluntary work at Airedale General Hospital in Steeton, taklng the Sweet Trolley round the wards one day a week. We are known as Airedale New Venture and have to wear a tabard and ID badge.

Three other ladies work on Tuesdays with me: Win is my ’partner in crime’ and Eileen has Margaret as hers! Four of us are needed to cover both upstairs and downstairs.

After we’ve all met up (and had a brew and a natter before we start work at one o’clock), the most important thing is to make sure that the trolleys are stocked up with lots of goodies - sweets, biscuits, newspapers and magazines, drinks and toiletries - before we set off. Then it’s ’Wagons Roll’ or, in our case, ’Trolleys Roll’!

I prefer it when we’re busy, as it makes it all seem worthwhile, but you can’t make people buy if they don’t want to! On our return, we’re always ready for that second brew before we count up the money and enter it in the book.

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Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today, because if you do it today - and you like it - you can do it again tomorrow.

This is very true of volunteering, because you are putting some brightness into someone’s life. To make a decision today stops you putting it off altogether, as ‘tomorrow’ never seems to arrive.

A few years ago, I noticed an advert in the Town Hall, asking for drivers to help with the Home Library and Information Service. This entailed taking library books to folk who had difficulty getting around, probably poorly-sighted or disabled. Large print books, talking books and CDs are all available. I can assure you that it is a very rewarding “occupation”. Calling once a fortnight, you may have six people to see who really look forward to the visit and some chat. This is a yardstick for most opportunities embracing people with disability or sight problems and loneliness.

Also, Contact the Elderly is an organisation whereby host families open their homes once a month for tea and social chat - probably for a couple of hours. Again, reading for the blind (The Craven Cassette) reaches 100 plus listeners. These items, together with Newsletters such as this, give a host of opportunities.

It’s like a different meal. Try it … you might like it!!

Gordon Howard

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Gemma Nicholson, Volunteers Co-ordinator for the Carers’ Resource, spent two months volunteering in South Africa …..

It’s not every day you have breakfast on a balcony overlooking the beach with a small pod of whales in the distance, not for me anyway. My volunteering experience took me out of work, out of the country, past Europe and on to the silky sands of the South African coastline. My first six weeks was spent teaching surf lessons to “street kids” and disadvantaged teens from the many poverty stricken townships. More than that, I was teaching valuable life lessons about working for rewards and getting involved in a healthy activity. Most children agreed this was a much better alternative than ending up in jail (a highly dangerous place in South Africa, even by prison standards); of course there were always those that thought the school was an excellent source of wetsuits and leashes that could be sold on the street for their next meal.

Surfing is something that I’d tried before and loved. I’m a strong swimmer and love the water so when there was a chance to take some time out and surf for six weeks, I jumped at it. Being useful and part of a worthwhile project was an added bonus. I was under no illusions – I knew my being there wasn’t going to change the world, but to see someone whose daily battle was finding someone safe to sleep conquer a wave and ride to the shore was exciting. Finally, he had won a battle. Just writing about it now takes me back to that feeling.

Of course there were the usual challenges that come with volunteering abroad – culture change, personal safety, getting ripped off at a market, shark alarms (ok, that one’s specific to me) – but when you couple that with the skills you learn, the things you experience and the friends you make, you always come out on top.
Now, I knew I would have trouble coming back to an English winter straight from the beach, so I weaned myself away with another project inland.

My last two weeks were spent feeding and playing with lion cubs just outside Johannesburg. We had a team of seven volunteers, responsible for cleaning enclosures, feeding cubs aged two weeks to six months, supervising tourists and keeping the giraffe out of the car park. I learned a lot about different animals, and the friends I made there are for life.

For the most part, this was a chance to do something I’ll probably never get. I suppose that’s what volunteering abroad gives you.

So here I am, back in the real world as a volunteer coordinator, of all things! I still carry the scars from the lion scratches and the memory of riding waves alongside seals.

For anyone thinking about volunteering abroad, I can highly recommend it. Do your research, pick something you know you’ll enjoy and take an open mind. Even if it’s not what you expect, you’ll have the experience forever.

Gemma Nicholson
Gary’s Surf School: www.garysurf.com
Lion Park: www.lion-park.com

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A Volunteers Perspective
October 2007

Robert Wildeman

Having had to give up a 32 year career in the baking industry, it was time to change direction by using skills gained from part time college classes in computer skills. Unfortunately lack of experience and confidence in any other type of job meant it was impossible to even reach an interview stage at any job which I applied for.

I signed up with the Craven Volunteer Bureau to find some voluntary work where I could find and gain the experience necessary.

I was lucky to join Drystone Radio, a community radio station in South Craven broadcasting on the internet and also for a limited time on FM in December last year. I started on administration jobs in the office thus learning all about the running of this radio station. As time progressed I became involved with the website publishing and editing of stories, writing and producing radio programmes, converting and editing music of all genres onto the broadcasting computer. I also arranged for people to be interviewed on a wide range of subjects that affect people in the community. I also attended events and reporting on them for the website, thus making me more aware of what goes on around me in my local area. I have met some amazing people who dedicate themselves to their organisation and the running of these events.
My confidence has progressed to the stage where I took a bookkeeping course and have now become employed on a part time basis at an Accountants office in the continuing progression of training.

I have also become involved with the Good Neighbour Scheme where I help people who are unable to get out for themselves and do their shopping .These people are always appreciative of what I can do for them and I have a great sense of satisfaction when I leave them knowing I have brightened up their day.

I say to anyone who has any spare time to become involved in their own voluntary community projects as they will gain a great sense of satisfaction and join the many others who give their time selflessly for the benefit of others.

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A Volunteer’s Experience

JULY 2007

This time last year, I had just returned home from hospital following a 5 month ‘stint’ suffering from an acute episode of severe clinical depression. Although better than I had been, I was far from well and small everyday things posed a hurdle to me constantly. Little things, such as walking the dog or visiting the local shop, took a major effort and I was at an all-time low.

However, with the help and support of the team at the Craven Centre, I began on the long road to full recovery. A major part of this recovery was when I became involved with the Craven Volunteer Centre.

Together with a support worker, I was introduced to the ‘girls’ at the centre, who scoured their files in order to ‘match’ me with suitable volunteer work - the possibilities were endless!

For the past few months I have been doing volunteer work as an Admin Assistant 2 days a week. Initially I found it difficult, as I had been out of a work environment for a lengthy period of time. However, I am now thoroughly enjoying my work and look forward to my days in the office.

My self-worth, self-esteem and most of my self-confidence have all returned, all through being involved in my voluntary work.

Whatever your circumstances, I believe there is a great sense of achievement to be had by becoming involved as a volunteer. Why not give it a go? It’s a great feeling to be helping out and there really is something for everyone out there. Even a few hours a week can make an enormous difference.

Ann Greene - Volunteer

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After attending a talk by Richard Surman (Walks for Health) I joined the Monday Walking Group and, after 3 years of helping with this group and watching it grow, I trained as a Leader and took on my duties earlier this year.

My latest project after retiring from work, I took delivery, on July 13th, of a Guide Dog Puppy, just 6 weeks old, for puppy walking. Some of you have already met Paige in Skipton as she gets around with me quite a lot and is a bit of a celebrity now. I will have her with me for 10—12 months, getting her used to all the things we take for granted like travelling on buses, trains, cars etc, crossing roads and learning to ignore distractions. Paige must learn to use Pelican crossings, go shopping in supermarkets and go into cafes. She must get used to all the noises of everyday life before she goes in for her final training.

I am now about to use my Reflexology working with the team from Manorlands at the new Day Centre which has just started at Skipton General Hospital on Wednesdays for the Craven people.

At times I do get tired but I would much rather keep busy helping others as we never know when we may need some help. Rewards! Lots of new friends and the occasional lift you get when something nice and unexpected happens.

Think about it. Everyone can do a little so why not join us.

Val Smith

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By Tina Brocklebank
Tina Brocklebank recounts her experiences with Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association (written in April 2003)

It’s hard to imagine a more male dominated world than that of Mountain Rescue teams. Funnily enough it wasn’t this that drew me – a 32 year old single woman – to try and join.

I had recently moved to Yorkshire from the south, and knew nobody in Yorkshire at all. In hope of inspiration I turned up at the Volunteer Bureau to see what I could join to get to meet people. As I am into the whole ‘Outward Bound’ world, the page that informed me about the ‘Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association’ caught my eye. A chance to meet like-minded people, I thought! I turned up at the ‘Hut’ (the UWFRA base), clothed in my best Fleece covering a layer of nervous apprehension. I had picked the night when everyone was there-the Annual General Meeting. The meeting had just started and I stood outside for a while deciding whether I should go in or not … I plucked up courage and tried to creep in without being noticed to the only empty seat …which meant I had to walk past everyone. I think I had failed. I felt conversation come to a halt around me, and I could hear them thinking, ‘Who is she? Why is she here?’

A year on I have just attended my second AGM – most people know who I am - well they would as I am one of only 10 women out of 111 members. It’s not all been easy, I have lost count how many people have asked me (as we go into a cave or onto the moor) “Have you got your handbag?”. Or, “Oh dear, look at your hair”, but I think they are slowly realising that I can take the banter along with the rest of them. I am keen to show that I am more than capable of learning what I need to know, to show that I am worthy enough to be elected a Full Member. I have made it to the dizzy heights of Probationer; now I have to be observed on practices and call-outs to see if I can make the grade.

It’s not all outdoor stuff in all weathers; I have spent a lot of time helping with the fundraising and behind the scenes work maintaining equipment and learning about what does what. We have a lot of laughs and there is the odd beer in the pub after ‘Hut Nights’ every Monday, when we can get to know each other, swap stories and learn from others’ experience. The serious side is being called out to help look for someone; like recently we spent 9 hours searching for a mother of two who had gone missing. Then I doesn’t matter whether you are male or female. I like the fact that I am in a position to help people, I have already learnt so much from the other members and am proud to be part of ‘the team’. And hey…guess what? At the AGM I was elected AssistanttSecretary …not bad for a girl.

Tina Brocklebank

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By Brian Goodall

Why would someone volunteer? I am sure that there are many reasons known to the reader, the most obvious I suspect are charity supporters or people who wish to occupy some of their spare time, certainly very laudable reasons.
My reasons were different, selfish even. I spent over 35 years in international transport; from my first days at London Airport I had worked in a time-pressured environment and for the last 20 years in senior management of a global shipping company. Then my life was changed under the umbrella of euphemisms, restructuring, rationalisation, empowerment of staff, reducing management layers. There it’s obvious is it not? Redundancy.

Ego or arrogance read on and decide all I know was that for many years I loved the work, was successful and, I believe, respected and popular. Now I was sick! I mean really sick.

Adapting and accommodating new processes and technologies, being ready to respond with forecasts and accounting data, prophesising trends, absorbing e-mail overload whilst still trying to be approachable and available took their toll.

A heart attack simply motivated me to get well as soon as possible, to get back to work and prove that I was still as effective a manager. 5 years later a bi-pass operation simply motivated a repeat performance. Then a take-over resulted in my departure and it was not amicable! The image I tried to put forward hid a complete loss of confidence however illogical after years of success I doubted my abilities. A close bereavement was also hidden behind my camouflage of personality and achievement, in a lesser role I still registered success and yet I still questioned my past, failings?

6 months after losing my mother I grieved, and yes I was guilty of not being there when I should have been. I admitted to my doctor I was not well, a day later I discovered just how much of an understatement that was as I spiralled into depression.

I will not labour with that illness you either understand the effect or not, I didn’t, but I do now. Two years of reassessment of life’s values, a public face reluctant to venture out, shy of meeting anyone past or present, family or friends, a dark and gloomy pit!

With help and most of all my wife, family and Alan I began to climb out of the pit. The hardest hurdle was accepting that as a person who had existed by virtue of putting a personality (mine) on all my social and business interfaces I was now totally lacking in self-confidence. I knew that to regain some of my self-esteem it was important to find a means to regain that confidence.

A vacancy at the Craven Museum looked a possibility; I was not successful but was offered casual and voluntary work. I accepted.

Somebody wanted me, thought I was of value, and could contribute. That is what I thought; the reality was probably more realistically that after a long period of staff shortages staff was now available to allow some holidays to be taken.

I had not analysed the work I wished to do, I simply had looked for a door to pass through back into society, volunteering was an option when a full-time position was not. I had no leaning towards museums indeed I probably felt, as I believe many do, that they are somewhat intellectual, places of quiet and considered thought. Well Craven Museum is not, it’s full of the vibrancy of recent social history and when the visitors come in they inevitably start with a laugh as they recall the lifestyle of their childhood. Children too delight at the basic entertainments of a bygone era or revel in the history of the region. However we sit on the first floor with limited ability, or budget, to promote ourselves. Fortunately however we now have a ground floor gallery and I fell lucky in being asked to attend to two winter events, the Clem Roebuck Art Exhibition and the Family Learning Day, the opportunity to meet with, talk too, and encourage visitors to “Go upstairs to the Museum”, was a chance not to be missed!

Suddenly I was a different person, I liked meeting people again, I enjoyed the satisfaction that having followed my request to “Go upstairs”, (Sometimes a bribe, sometimes an order) most if not all took time to say “Thanks, what a surprise”, I felt that I had helped to make somebody’s day, and that helped me.

I loved the variety of the Art Exhibition so many different pictures encouraged a wide variety of opinion, not all complimentary, but invariably people wanted to talk about something and yes I was there!

I also met members of Skipton Music Society, local History groups, learnt a little of everything every day, something to talk about, to discuss, to make people feel welcome.

Change happens a vacancy again at the museum, this time when I applied I got the job, now I’m off the social, I have regained my self respect, I have life in proportion and I love meeting people of all types and I love it, just like my day’s at London Airport when I got paid for doing a job I loved now however the mortgage is paid off!

Volunteering then for me was an opportunity, a means to regain my health and well-being, to the reader perhaps an alternative reason but indeed worthwhile.

So, thank you to all those who took time out to say “Good Morning”, or “Thanks it was very good”, and for the children (and grandparents) who colour pictures for Brian’s Award Board, especially to Craven Council for facilitating a volunteer work opportunity, those who thought I could do something for the Museum but of course mostly my wife who believes in me.

Brian Goodall

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Volunteering - A Success Story

I got into volunteering by meeting Val and Annie at a social fund-raising event, Annie won a prize and I was asked to deliver it to her at the Volunteer Bureau and we got talking ….

I’ve been on some interesting free training courses, such as Mental Health Awareness and also a course about Community Development. These courses brought me together with a new group of people, gave me an opportunity to learn something new and gain a fresh perspective on life. Furthermore, I gained confidence through the group work and working as a team.

I was wanting to build up my confidence again after a period of unemployment and wanted to ‘get out there’, to meet new people, broaden my horizons and share some of my skills and strengths with others.

I have served refreshments at Skipton Music and Skipton Library Circle. I have made badges at the Waterways Festival (thoroughly enjoyed that!) and have been a helper at the Booster Club in a local Primary School - which was extremely interesting and fulfilling.

Volunteering opens doors. The voluntary work at the school brought me into contact with the Extended Schools Co-ordinator and she put me forward for a vacancy which arose in another school. That part-time post gave me a referee, as well as a reference and recent work experience: which then made me more confident when filling out application forms for other jobs. It’s a joy to be at the heart of the community. I have now applied for a job working with the public.

Why volunteer? The interest, enjoyment and stimulation of a new challenge and the enrichment of your life in unexpected ways...

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