Written by: Chris Cloke, Communities 1st Volunteer
When you’re next having a beverage at the Communities 1st Coffee Cart in St Albans civic centre, don’t be surprised if your drink is served with a song and a smile! There is a lot of interest in singing amongst the volunteers at the cart. This is because Emma, a recent recruit, has a deep interest in music and singing. Her love for music matches her enthusiasm for volunteering on the Coffee Cart.
“I enjoy volunteering at the Coffee Cart for lots of reasons,” Emma explained to me. “It’s not just about serving delicious drinks, it’s also about building relationships with both the customers and the other volunteers. Of course, we chat and that can be fun! The other volunteers tease me, saying I should give them singing lessons!” Emma’s face lit up with a smile, as she remembered her supportive colleagues. There’s a warm glow, I thought, not only from the hot coffees and teas but also from the team who are supportive and work closely together.
Emma started volunteering some four months ago and, having completed her “barista” training, she now volunteers for two, four-hour sessions a week.
A life enriched by music
Music is important to Emma. I think she recognises the healing powers of music which should be harnessed. Emma, in her thirties, went to school in St Albans. After school she attended West Herts College, where she did a lot of singing. She then went on to the Brighton Institute of Modern Music. She has also travelled in Australia.
Emma considers her voice to be her main instrument. As a child she played the clarinet and she has recently taken up the ukelele, which she is still learning. I was impressed by this talent.
I felt Emma was a little nervous when we first met to discuss her experience of volunteering, but she shouldn’t have worried. She came across as having poise, charm, and humour. Importantly, she enjoys a mocha coffee.
The benefits of volunteering at the Coffee Cart
Looking to broaden her experience, it was suggested to Emma that she might like to volunteer for Communities 1st on the Coffee Cart at the civic centre.
“I’m so pleased that I followed their advice,” Emma told me. “To begin with, I didn’t know what to expect, but I soon found out! I have been anxious, but I now feel very comfortable. I enjoy volunteering and I look forward to my sessions.” She added, with a smile, “It gets me out of bed, out of the house, and into the community! It has helped give me a structure to my life and a routine which I like.”
Emma enjoys volunteering as a member of a team. “We work together and help each other out. We can have a joke together. We also get to know the customers. Being able to socialise is important to me.” Emma is full of praise for Communities 1st and their support for volunteers. “The Communities 1st people are all super supportive!” As well as valuing her fellow volunteers, Emma also appreciates Vanessa, her team manager, who she says is “kind caring, grateful, fair, and supportive.” Another member of staff has helped Emma set goals and an action plan.
Volunteering has given Emma confidence. “Because of the volunteering,” she explained, “I feel able to socialise. I had a fear of being around people but now I feel happier meeting the variety of people who come to our Coffee Cart. I can’t emphasise too much how volunteering has helped me.”
Future plans
Emma is happy volunteering on the Coffee Cart but for the future she would like to do a course on “Music Sound Therapy”. She explained, “This uses music and sound as a route to healing. I’d like to be able to help other people.” She’d also like to join a function band. “Hmm,” I thought, “A function band in the civic centre – perhaps the band could be called The Coffee Cart …”
Our talented volunteers
Having spoken to a lot of volunteers, I am often struck by the great talents that many have in music, the arts, performing, and many other areas. We don’t always know about these hidden gifts. Emma could be someone who is hiding her light under a bushel. There are many others. We need to build on these skills and experiences.