Communities 1st and our member organisations wouldn't be able to function without the support of wonderful volunteers! We rely on them for tasks such as befriending, driving, administration and more.
Because our volunteers kindly donate their time and efforts to helping the local community, we want to showcase their excellent work. Read about their experiences below.
Interested in volunteering?
If you're interested in volunteering, why not click here to find out more about what's available to you.
Alternatively, you can contact us directly on 01727 649950 or email volunteer@communities1st.org.uk.
Our telephone lines are open on weekdays (excluding bank holidays) from 9am - 4:30pm.
Business Support and Admin Volunteers
Volunteers supporting administration, management, volunteer brokerage, and more.
I'm convinced that volunteering is the natural thing to do
Patti is a volunteer broker for Communities 1st:
“I become involved after the volunteers have already been recruited and are on our data base. I will receive a request or referral from the staff, and I then set to work, searching the data base for available volunteers. This could be for telephone befriending or neighbourly walks. The volunteers will have indicated on their application what they are willing to do. I then liaise with the client and the volunteer. There may be several conversations. Then hopefully we can make a match.”
"I like to help and contribute from my experience. When I retired, I never thought I’d be doing this. Communities 1st made a good match for me and that’s what we want for all our volunteers and users.”
“I have been around volunteering for so long that I’m convinced that volunteering is the natural thing to do. Without volunteers, people would suffer so much more. I don’t believe the statutory services could step in and in any case, they haven’t got the resources. If Communities 1st didn’t exist, you’d need to reinvent it. Volunteers are vital and Communities 1st is essential in promoting, connecting, and delivering much needed services.”
Click here to read Patti's full story
It's invaluable to my professional development
Olivia, a young trustee for the Trestle Theatre Company in St Albans, shared her experience:
"Since I was very young, I have been going to Trestle Arts Base. I can remember spending joy-filled mornings prancing around with friends in ballet class and bugging my parents for every chocolate bar in the cafe. So fast forward 15 years, when I saw Trestle looking for trustees, I jumped at the opportunity. I didn't know much about what it meant to be a trustee, but I knew I wanted to be involved in such a brilliant organisation and building I had loved for years. After a few brilliant conversations with current board members and the leadership, and gaining an understanding of what my role would entail, I joined the board!
"Since becoming a trustee, I have learned a huge amount, from my fellow trustees, from the Trestle team and at every single meeting. I have been able to develop my awareness and understanding of strategy and governance, both of which are invaluable to my professional development. Realising my passion for youth leadership, I have also had the opportunity to set up a youth board, in order to help ensure that all our work as a board is informed by those we try to reach. Being a young trustee has been an incredibly rewarding experience and I would encourage anyone considering it to go for it!"
Made worthwhile by the appreciation of clients
Before Welwyn Hatfield CVS merged with Communities 1st, Julie volunteered booking car scheme journeys in the office:
"All the staff and volunteers are genuinely lovely people and a pleasure to work with. It is sometimes a challenging role but all made worthwhile by the appreciation of clients who really need the service and would otherwise struggle to get transportation to appointments and social visits.
"On a personal note, it has been a great help to get me through a difficult time in my life and has helped build my confidence and skills.
"I would highly recommend volunteering to anyone who has the time to spare and I'm sure they would find it rewarding and enjoyable."
We've all got each others' backs
Lesley and Mike, de Havilland Aircraft Museum trustees, took part in a video interview with us ahead of Trustees' Week 2023:
Lesley shared: "Being a trustee does bring quite a few hours per week extra than that you would normally do. But again, it's very rewarding because you're sitting behind the scenes as to how your organisation actually comes together. It's very rewarding knowing that you're going to make a difference.
"We've all got each others' backs. There's always someone to ask and there's always a back up, so you're never on your own."
Mike shared: "It's fun. I enjoy coming into the museum. I enjoy interacting with our visitors and the other volunteers. It's rewarding, particularly when we're working with either Duke of Edinburgh or work experience students."
"We had a coffee morning for a Downs Syndrome group. When that was over, I had a personal feeling that we had really helped somebody out. And I actually felt pretty good about being at the museum. We can make a difference!"
You will lose nothing and gain everything by volunteering
Ellie is a Young Adult Carer Volunteer for Carers in Hertfordshire:
“Being a younger volunteer coming into an organisation that has such a wide outreach and helps so many people can be daunting, but everyone has not only been kind, helpful, and supportive but they have also taken me under their wing and helped me grow, both as a volunteer and a person.
"I feel through volunteering at Carers in Hertfordshire I have gained so many life skills such as independence, organisation, patience, and collaboration that I may have not gained by just working a regular ‘9 to 5’ job. I feel so much more prepared for life thanks to Carers in Hertfordshire. The volunteers are like a family and their kindness pushes me to be a better person every single day.
"If you are a young person thinking about volunteering, I would say go for it. You can choose how much you do or how flexible you are. You really will lose nothing and gain everything by volunteering!”
Click here to read more Cares in Hertfordshire volunteer experiences.
Community Support Volunteers
Volunteers supporting shopping, befriending, welcoming and more.
I would say it's definitely worth it
Eve volunteers with Mind in Mid Herts:
"Volunteering is important because of the difference it makes to other people's lives. A lot of the people I speak to weekly don’t have a lot of family or speak to many people and really appreciate even just a short conversation as this might be the only contact they get that day. I've had a lot of the users that I call say how grateful they are for my calls and how much they look forward to it every week. I think that taking some time out of your day to make another person even slightly better on a down day is a worthwhile thing to do.
"I would recommend other people to volunteer because not only does it make other people's day, but it gives you the chance to speak to so many people who all have different stories to tell! It’s been lovely getting to know some people as we speak weekly. It also doesn’t have to be strenuous or take up much time at all so if you can spare a few hours I would say it's definitely worth it."
Talking and listening are so important
Penny volunteers with Communities 1st as a telephone befriender:
"I worked as a district nursing sister. As a nurse I’ve been talking to patients in their own homes for some 38 years! Talking and listening are so important. I’ve learned that you can often tell by their voice if they’re okay. I will follow up my hunches, ask how they are, and they will often open up. I’ve got a good understanding of family relationships and the importance of the family’s history. This can all be useful when it comes to telephone befriending."
“I enjoy these calls. I feel that I can talk to people and that they can talk to me. People who are living alone or elderly really appreciate a call. It shows that someone is thinking about them, and they are not forgotten. A phone call can really be a highlight of their week. It’s amazing the number of people who have not got any family. I truly believe that telephone befriending can help someone stay in their own home.
"When I’ve made the call, I feel that I have cheered someone up. I have the time to help, and I find it very satisfying to do so.”
Volunteers can improve the environment
Colin volunteers with Communities 1st as an International Recruit Buddy:
“Communities 1st will ask me to meet and welcome the recruits when they arrive in the country. Sometimes I show them around the town. I might show them the way to get to the hospital. I will answer their questions."
“Volunteering is important in so many ways. Through volunteering people take more control over their communities. Volunteers can improve the environment. But at the end of the day, we can’t do without volunteers because statutory services can’t do everything. But it is so much more than simply doing a job. So often volunteers give part of themselves and their experience and so enrich other people’s lives – as well as their own! Volunteering is like working but not working. You’re doing it out of choice and not necessity. You never know from one day to the next who you’ll be encountering.”
We are very blessed with the people that we have coming into our country
Linda has volunteered in many roles with Communities 1st, including helping Afghan refugees:
"I get so many benefits from volunteering. I like to be doing something and to have an aim in life. I’m not working any more, but I strongly believe that when you retire you shouldn’t retire from life. Through volunteering I have met lots of lovely people. It helps you to get out and stops you feeling lonely. As a joke, I often tell people that volunteering keeps me off the streets.
“It was a privilege to meet some of the [Afghan refugee] families. When they arrived, they had so little, they were living in hotels, and usually spoke little English. But they were friendly and so nice. I often felt very sorry for the families because it so often seemed to rain! Dreadful! They weren’t used to our weather.
"We are very blessed with the people that we have coming into our country. It is good to learn about their cultures.”
Community Transport Volunteers
Volunteers helping with community transport services, driving and passenger support.
You feel part of a team working for a common good
Husband and wife team Mike and Helen volunteer with Communities 1st in a variety of roles, including working together on the Shopper Bus:
Mike says: "When you’re driving it is useful to have another pair of hands. Things don’t always go to plan and another helper can help. For example, you can’t always find somewhere to park so it’s good if someone can stay with the passengers while I go off and park. It is nice when Helen and I can work together and share the experience. The passengers seem to like it too. When Helen’s not on the bus they’ll ask ‘Where’s Helen? Is she alright? Give her my best?’ That’s very nice because you feel part of a team working for a common good."
Helen says: "We’ve taken older people on day trips. Mike will drive and I’ll help. We go to the place, agree what people want to do, and then have lunch, usually in a pub! Everyone seems to have a good time - and we do too."
I really enjoy the challenges of the big vehicles
Robin has volunteered with Communties 1st driving nurses to people's homes for vaccinations, delivering food bank parcels, and taking passengers on day trips:
"I really enjoy the challenges of the big vehicles although I was a bit nervous to begin with! I had never driven the large vehicles before, even though I had the right driving licence. I had a practice run, which went well, and I was off."
"I’d often seen the skyline of St Paul’s Cathedral but never been inside. Until, that is, I drove someone to Moorfields Eye Hospital and while they were being treated, I took myself off to the cathedral for a visit. Magnificent!"
"You get to know the people that you drive. You chat and find out how they are. That’s very nice. I feel part of the wider team and I would encourage anyone to think about becoming a volunteer driver. For the right person, it’s hugely rewarding.”
There is no pressure on you to do a job
Andy volunteers with Communities 1st in a variety of roles:
"I might take people to hospital, I sometimes drive the Shopper Bus, and I might take groups on outings. A couple of weeks ago, I delivered a laptop! I’ve done a couple of trips for the International NHS Recruits at the Lister Hospital. I also did a one-off shop for a couple when they missed the Shopper Bus! I like doing a little drive or a job. Helping and seeing the difference that you make really does make you feel good.”
"Being a volunteer suits me. It fits in with the rest of my life. I’m pleased to be able to give something back. When my mum and dad were alive, several people helped them and now it’s my time to help others. I know that just a small amount of support can keep older people going.”
Health Support Volunteers
Volunteers helping with health inequalities and care services, and during the COVID pandemic.
Good for your own mental health
In Communities 1st, V is for volunteer, vaccinations and valuable:
"When COVID hit I wanted to do my bit and help others. I wanted to give something back and help make someone’s life easier. I really couldn’t stay at home. My husband, who is very supportive, was working from home during the pandemic so I also wanted to be able to give him some peace and quiet.
"To begin with it could be quite stressful. There was a lot happening and I was concerned that I didn’t want to pass on COVID. But we took all possible steps to keep everyone safe.
Volunteering "is good for your own mental health, and you realise how lucky you are. I am a social person and I like the social contact. I just like talking! It really is a win, win situation. I would definitely recommend becoming a volunteer as it does you good to do good."
I wanted to be in the action!
Elly volunteered with Communities 1st during the pandemic in various roles:
"To begin with, I helped with the recruitment of volunteers – carrying out telephone interviews, checking their suitability, and following up references. All very important. We were responding to a massive number of applications and because of the huge need for volunteers we wanted to turn things around quickly.
"But I wanted to help out in the vaccination centres doing whatever was needed to get everyone vaccinated - I wanted to be in the action! I loved it! There was such a strong sense of community. We worked hard and often went home exhausted, but I felt that I had really played a part in the almighty nationwide push to overcome the pandemic.
"I did a wide range of jobs. Helping with car-parking and directing traffic. Directing people to the right place to get the appropriate form for their vaccination. Sometimes the people turning up hadn’t been out for a very long time, so all the volunteers and staff tried to make the experience positive. They were very appreciative – which was important to the volunteers. Plus, I really enjoyed wearing the high vis jacket!
"As a volunteer, you want to help people, but you also want to do something for yourself. That is important and very valid.”
It's been a good learning opportunity
Coral volunteered with Communities 1st as an International Recruit Buddy:
"The Buddy scheme is a great idea. You need an outgoing personality. I would certainly encourage others to come forward and help make a difference. It is reassuring [for International Recruits] to know that if you are feeling low you have a buddy that you can contact.
"It’s been a good learning opportunity and I’ve been pleased to trade stories. I have learnt a lot. I feel I have made three friends and I’d love to stay in touch."
This is right up my street
Georgie volunteered with Communities 1st as a health inequalities volunteer and social media influencer:
"Communities 1st organised a Health and Cancer Awareness event in Borehamwood. There were lots of stalls and it was good to bring organisations together so we could learn from each other. We had great attendance from members of the community. I spoke about breast cancer. I spoke to a lot of women – and men. After my talk a lot of people came up to me, saying they had no idea that young people could get cancer, and wanting more information. Since then, I have talked to a number of groups. I’ve also done quite a lot of pop-up stalls.
"It is brilliant that Communities 1st is helping to tackle health inequalities and I am thrilled to play a part. I think my experience has influenced the organisation. I am determined that I should use my experience of cancer so that fewer young women don’t have to go through what I did.”
"I’m in this for the long haul. I know it makes sense. I have lots of plans for working with Communities 1st and look forward to developing our relationship."
Click here to read Georgie's full story
Click to watch Georgie's Volunteers' Week Q&A and Volunteer Ready Q&A vlogs created as part of her volunteering role.
Read more
The stories on this page are just a few of the volunteering experiences that have been recorded by Communities 1st since 2021! If you would be interested to read more, please click the link below.