50th eBook Final - PLAIN - 20th Nov

Victoria and Albert Museum



Our mission is to be recognised as the
world’s leading museum of art, design and
performance, and to enrich people’s lives
by promoting research, knowledge and
enjoyment of the designed world to the
widest possible audience.
The V&A Museum’s Visitor Experience
Programme consists of over 400 front-of-
house volunteers in various roles, such
as meeting & greeting, tour guiding or
supporting our families’ programme.

The programme allows the museum to
open to make the museum accessible to
community members and in exchange we
benefit from the enthusiasm and passion Lorna Smith
of volunteers.

I joined the V&A six years ago as a way for me to keep my brain active and
front-of-house volunteer. I had taken sharing my knowledge with colleagues
early retirement from work due to family and visitors has been both challenging
commitments and had recently completed and rewarding at the same time; lots to
a course in art history. An opportunity learn and remember!
arose in the museum and I jumped at the
chance to offer my services. It was one of Volunteering at the V&A is a huge part of my
the best decisions I have ever made! life. I am often involved with the recruitment
and induction of new volunteers and this
The V&A is the world’s leading museum I have two main roles in the museum, both gives me the opportunity to tell them what
of art and design, housing a permanent within the Visitor Experience department. I a wonderful journey they are about to
collection of over 2.3 million objects am a team leader and that involves looking embark on in a world-class institution with
that span over 5,000 years of human after front-of-house volunteers one day an amazing team of colleagues. What’s
creativity. The Museum holds many of per week. I am also a guide, providing not to love about that? Volunteering is my
the UK’s national collections and houses a range of tours to visitors and sitting on career now and I would recommend it to
some of the greatest resources for the the committee that looks after the guides’ anyone who wants to commit their time
study of architecture, furniture, fashion, interests. I adore both roles, interacting and energy to furthering the enjoyment of
textiles, photography, sculpture, painting, with visitors to the museum on so many everything the V&A has to offer. They will
jewellery, glass, ceramics, book arts, Asian different levels and hopefully making their get so much back in return.
art and design, theatre and performance. experience a truly enjoyable one!
When my friends and family ask why I
At the V&A, we are incredibly privileged volunteer, I simply reply, ‘Because being a
to be surrounded by some of the most friendly, helpful person makes me happy’
wonderful collections of art, design and ... simple, but true.
performance in the world. Learning about
the museum’s objects has been a fabulous

98 99

Westway CT



in the most cost-efficient way. We are
user-led, and have an innovative and
approachable team that are always open
to new ideas.

Firmly identified as a Social Enterprise,
we demonstrate that in delivering our core
aims we stimulate the local economy and
generate local employment opportunities.
We offer people the chance, through
volunteering and training, to improve their
employment prospects, advance within
their current employment and obtain useful
life skills and vocational training.
Mary has driven for us, undertaking a
whole day’s shift on a weekly basis, since Mary Ashby
the Volunteer Car Scheme started in
1994 and hardly takes time off. Allowing
for some holidays, we estimate that over I started volunteering when I stopped full- the car’s starter motor gave out while I was
this time she must have provided well time work and had some time to spare. I waiting to collect a client, the team brought
over 86,000 journeys! Not only does she felt that I wanted to give something back to me a replacement car within minutes so I
dedicate so much time, she is noted for the community, having had a very full and could continue my jobs with only a minor
the little touches that put our users at ease. happy life. I have always enjoyed driving, delay.
She is adored by her passengers and so working with Westway CT sounded just
highly admired by Westway CT staff for up my street. The best thing about volunteering is
her initiative, super-reliability, ever cheery knowing that I am performing a really
and friendly disposition and unswerving I volunteer with Westway as a driver for valuable service for our clients, who often
Westway CT is a community transport commitment to what she does. She is a people with mobility issues and those for tell me how much they appreciate what I
operator based in West London. We believe truly caring and generous person, with a whom using public transport is difficult am doing for them. For many of them, if I
providing transport and training services humane spirit. The last time she asked for or impossible. Using a vehicle provided couldn’t provide them with transport they
is a means to a broader aim: harnessing her schedule to finish earlier, it was so that by Westway CT, I collect our clients from would be stuck at home all day, which
community resources, meeting individual she could give blood! their homes and take them to wherever would be damaging to their health and
needs and creating social opportunities. they need to go – exercise classes, mental well-being.
Our aim is to increase disadvantaged shopping, doctors’ appointments, hospital
people’s independence, to enrich their appointments – and usually bring them The difference volunteering has made to
lives and improve their participation in back home afterwards. me is that it contributes to my own feeling
society by providing access to essential of self-worth, in doing something for the
services while being sensitive and helpful Westway CT are always very sake of others instead of just myself and
in meeting their transport needs. accommodating and helpful. Yousra and my family. Regular volunteering is a good
the other Transport Co-ordinators in the way of getting out and about and meeting
We aim to keep services as affordable as office sort out my duties a couple of days people; it can also provide structure.
possible for people with the least means, before I come in, and are always at the And because it benefits others as well as
offering quality and value for money, as end of the phone to answer questions or oneself, I believe volunteering is a genuine
services are delivered to a high standard deal with problems – for instance, when win-win situation!

100 101

Westway CT



in the most cost-efficient way. We are
user-led, and have an innovative and
approachable team that are always open
to new ideas.

Firmly identified as a Social Enterprise,
we demonstrate that in delivering our core
aims we stimulate the local economy and
generate local employment opportunities.
We offer people the chance, through
volunteering and training, to improve their
employment prospects, advance within
their current employment and obtain useful
life skills and vocational training.
Mary has driven for us, undertaking a
whole day’s shift on a weekly basis, since Mary Ashby
the Volunteer Car Scheme started in
1994 and hardly takes time off. Allowing
for some holidays, we estimate that over I started volunteering when I stopped full- the car’s starter motor gave out while I was
this time she must have provided well time work and had some time to spare. I waiting to collect a client, the team brought
over 86,000 journeys! Not only does she felt that I wanted to give something back to me a replacement car within minutes so I
dedicate so much time, she is noted for the community, having had a very full and could continue my jobs with only a minor
the little touches that put our users at ease. happy life. I have always enjoyed driving, delay.
She is adored by her passengers and so working with Westway CT sounded just
highly admired by Westway CT staff for up my street. The best thing about volunteering is
her initiative, super-reliability, ever cheery knowing that I am performing a really
and friendly disposition and unswerving I volunteer with Westway as a driver for valuable service for our clients, who often
Westway CT is a community transport commitment to what she does. She is a people with mobility issues and those for tell me how much they appreciate what I
operator based in West London. We believe truly caring and generous person, with a whom using public transport is difficult am doing for them. For many of them, if I
providing transport and training services humane spirit. The last time she asked for or impossible. Using a vehicle provided couldn’t provide them with transport they
is a means to a broader aim: harnessing her schedule to finish earlier, it was so that by Westway CT, I collect our clients from would be stuck at home all day, which
community resources, meeting individual she could give blood! their homes and take them to wherever would be damaging to their health and
needs and creating social opportunities. they need to go – exercise classes, mental well-being.
Our aim is to increase disadvantaged shopping, doctors’ appointments, hospital
people’s independence, to enrich their appointments – and usually bring them The difference volunteering has made to
lives and improve their participation in back home afterwards. me is that it contributes to my own feeling
society by providing access to essential of self-worth, in doing something for the
services while being sensitive and helpful Westway CT are always very sake of others instead of just myself and
in meeting their transport needs. accommodating and helpful. Yousra and my family. Regular volunteering is a good
the other Transport Co-ordinators in the way of getting out and about and meeting
We aim to keep services as affordable as office sort out my duties a couple of days people; it can also provide structure.
possible for people with the least means, before I come in, and are always at the And because it benefits others as well as
offering quality and value for money, as end of the phone to answer questions or oneself, I believe volunteering is a genuine
services are delivered to a high standard deal with problems – for instance, when win-win situation!

100 101

Westway Trust Gardens



Westway Trust was formed in the early 70s,
following the completion of the Westway
Flyover, to manage the 23 acres along and
underneath the road. The Trust manages all
the facilities, offices, workshops, business
units, sports facilities, event units and
cultural spaces. Any monies generated
are channelled back into the community
through all the events, clubs, associations
and education and cultural programmes
that we promote and support.
We exist to work together with the local
community to enable North Kensington
to thrive, dedicating ourselves to the
well-being of this vibrant community. We
work with over 60 member organisations, Simon Coulon
ranging from community groups and
residents’ associations to schools and
sports clubs. When I first started volunteering I did not The best thing about volunteering is that
have much gardening experience and it when I had gained sufficient gardening
North Kensington is a special place for was for something to do and to get back in experience the Trust recommended me
those who live, work and visit here. The to a work routine. As I learned more about to an employment agency who they use
strong sense of community, identity and gardening, I began to enjoy it. regularly. I was then able to get paid work
heritage is obvious to all, and a source of with them through the agency, covering for
great local pride. It is the role of Westway The Westway Trust is a community- the garden staff while on holiday, when off
Trust to support North Kensington in its based charity and I worked as a volunteer sick or when they needed extra help in the
drive to create its own bright future and to gardener alongside the garden team, gardens.
The Westway Trust is a community-based this end we make community investments, doing the same work they did. I have
charity. We manage three community support local businesses and not-for- also been involved in an afternoon Volunteering has helped me to get back
gardens, two children’s play areas and profit activity, organise and support arts gardening group for adults recovering into work and to learn new skills – and I
other green spaces on behalf of the local and culture events, provide adult learning from mental health problems at the Trust’s ended up being paid for something I
community. We also run workshops and services and underpin supplementary plant nursery. I am now responsible for enjoy doing. I get a lot of pleasure from
education programmes for Arts, Culture, school provision. welcoming new people to the group and gardening and it gives me a focus and
Languages, Supplementary schools, Eco- showing them how to do the various tasks. purpose.
Clubs, support local projects, associations,
clubs and many other groups. The garden team are very supportive Volunteering worked for me, so it may work
and happy to teach me new things. They for someone else.
We have an ongoing gardening volunteer accept that I may have a bad spell, from
programme and we encourage anyone to time to time, and are always happy for me
come and give volunteering a go. to continue volunteering when I am able.






102 103

Westway Trust Gardens



Westway Trust was formed in the early 70s,
following the completion of the Westway
Flyover, to manage the 23 acres along and
underneath the road. The Trust manages all
the facilities, offices, workshops, business
units, sports facilities, event units and
cultural spaces. Any monies generated
are channelled back into the community
through all the events, clubs, associations
and education and cultural programmes
that we promote and support.
We exist to work together with the local
community to enable North Kensington
to thrive, dedicating ourselves to the
well-being of this vibrant community. We
work with over 60 member organisations, Simon Coulon
ranging from community groups and
residents’ associations to schools and
sports clubs. When I first started volunteering I did not The best thing about volunteering is that
have much gardening experience and it when I had gained sufficient gardening
North Kensington is a special place for was for something to do and to get back in experience the Trust recommended me
those who live, work and visit here. The to a work routine. As I learned more about to an employment agency who they use
strong sense of community, identity and gardening, I began to enjoy it. regularly. I was then able to get paid work
heritage is obvious to all, and a source of with them through the agency, covering for
great local pride. It is the role of Westway The Westway Trust is a community- the garden staff while on holiday, when off
Trust to support North Kensington in its based charity and I worked as a volunteer sick or when they needed extra help in the
drive to create its own bright future and to gardener alongside the garden team, gardens.
The Westway Trust is a community-based this end we make community investments, doing the same work they did. I have
charity. We manage three community support local businesses and not-for- also been involved in an afternoon Volunteering has helped me to get back
gardens, two children’s play areas and profit activity, organise and support arts gardening group for adults recovering into work and to learn new skills – and I
other green spaces on behalf of the local and culture events, provide adult learning from mental health problems at the Trust’s ended up being paid for something I
community. We also run workshops and services and underpin supplementary plant nursery. I am now responsible for enjoy doing. I get a lot of pleasure from
education programmes for Arts, Culture, school provision. welcoming new people to the group and gardening and it gives me a focus and
Languages, Supplementary schools, Eco- showing them how to do the various tasks. purpose.
Clubs, support local projects, associations,
clubs and many other groups. The garden team are very supportive Volunteering worked for me, so it may work
and happy to teach me new things. They for someone else.
We have an ongoing gardening volunteer accept that I may have a bad spell, from
programme and we encourage anyone to time to time, and are always happy for me
come and give volunteering a go. to continue volunteering when I am able.






102 103

Westway Trust Learning



The Westway Trust Learning Team offers
30 adult learning classes a week, supports
a network of 18 local supplementary
schools and runs a small social enterprise
pop-up crèche and nursery.

Our Adult Learning programme provides
English for second or other language
speakers and courses that help people
get jobs.

Our nominee, Reza, suggested and
established a newsletter for all our adult
learners run by volunteer learners. In
participating in its production, learners’
language skills are improved and it is
also a useful resource for communicating Mohammadreza Rajabi
important and useful information to current
and prospective learners.
I’m originally from Iran and came to London From the time I started I have found
in 2014. Before I moved to England, I everyone kind and very polite. This is a
was a journalist and ran my own tourist good community for me. I never feel there
magazine. is a difference between volunteers and
staff. We are all treated equally. When
When I finished my Entry 3 English class we all come together the result is a great
five years ago, I was invited to volunteer newsletter.
with the Westway Trust. I thought it would
be a great idea to produce a newsletter for The newsletter is my hobby. I’m very happy.
Westway Trust is the charity that manages learners, to provide them with information Many of the learners like the newsletter
the 23 acres of land under the Westway and to help improve their speaking, and it is also used in classes as a resource
flyover in North Kensington for the benefit reading and writing. for learning. I tell learners: all of us here are
of the community. from different countries. We try to have a
Westway Trust provides English classes community as one. So everyone needs to
We work together with our community to for speakers of other languages in different have information about other people and
enable the local area to thrive by providing community venues. A group of volunteers their countries. This is Step 1. Step 2: all
community investments, delivering learning organise the newsletter with some admin of us are living in London and will become
services, providing arts and culture and help from Westway. As a founder member British, so they should look everywhere
sports opportunities, and working with of the newsletter group I helped create for information about the country they are
over 60 member organisations ranging the ground rules, I write articles and living in that is good to share.
from community groups and residents’ encourage learners to write articles too.
associations to schools and sports clubs.






104 105

Westway Trust Learning



The Westway Trust Learning Team offers
30 adult learning classes a week, supports
a network of 18 local supplementary
schools and runs a small social enterprise
pop-up crèche and nursery.

Our Adult Learning programme provides
English for second or other language
speakers and courses that help people
get jobs.

Our nominee, Reza, suggested and
established a newsletter for all our adult
learners run by volunteer learners. In
participating in its production, learners’
language skills are improved and it is
also a useful resource for communicating Mohammadreza Rajabi
important and useful information to current
and prospective learners.
I’m originally from Iran and came to London From the time I started I have found
in 2014. Before I moved to England, I everyone kind and very polite. This is a
was a journalist and ran my own tourist good community for me. I never feel there
magazine. is a difference between volunteers and
staff. We are all treated equally. When
When I finished my Entry 3 English class we all come together the result is a great
five years ago, I was invited to volunteer newsletter.
with the Westway Trust. I thought it would
be a great idea to produce a newsletter for The newsletter is my hobby. I’m very happy.
Westway Trust is the charity that manages learners, to provide them with information Many of the learners like the newsletter
the 23 acres of land under the Westway and to help improve their speaking, and it is also used in classes as a resource
flyover in North Kensington for the benefit reading and writing. for learning. I tell learners: all of us here are
of the community. from different countries. We try to have a
Westway Trust provides English classes community as one. So everyone needs to
We work together with our community to for speakers of other languages in different have information about other people and
enable the local area to thrive by providing community venues. A group of volunteers their countries. This is Step 1. Step 2: all
community investments, delivering learning organise the newsletter with some admin of us are living in London and will become
services, providing arts and culture and help from Westway. As a founder member British, so they should look everywhere
sports opportunities, and working with of the newsletter group I helped create for information about the country they are
over 60 member organisations ranging the ground rules, I write articles and living in that is good to share.
from community groups and residents’ encourage learners to write articles too.
associations to schools and sports clubs.






104 105

Acknowledgements Funders



Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea is grateful to the many people and The Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea is grateful for the financial support of:
organisations without whom this book, and the celebration of the achievements of
volunteers and voluntary agencies over the last half-century, would not have been Campden Charities
possible: National Lottery Awards for All
The City Bridge Trust
National Lottery Awards for All The Mayor of London and Team London
The Westway Trust The Kensington & Chelsea Foundation
Tristram Hunt, Caterina Bisquert, Sorcha Peaston, Bethan Korausch The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
and the staff and volunteers of the V&A • Adult Social Care and the Adult Services team
Bambos Charalambous and the team at Awards of London • City Living Local Life and the councillors of the Chelsea Riverside,
Gil and the team at The Printhouse Notting Hill Pembridge and Notting Dale wards
Zara Fadaei and the team at Cake Create Bakery • Community and Maternity Champions and the Public Health team
Andrew Croxford • Corporate Grants and the Community Engagement team
Elena Zeniou and her positive waves The Tudor Trust
Eunice Ackerson and her many tabs The Westway Trust
Jonathan Brennan and the little people at Aptalops West London Clinical Commissioning Group
Rachel Wade
and the many other providers of financial support since 1969.






































106 107

Acknowledgements Funders



Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea is grateful to the many people and The Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea is grateful for the financial support of:
organisations without whom this book, and the celebration of the achievements of
volunteers and voluntary agencies over the last half-century, would not have been Campden Charities
possible: National Lottery Awards for All
The City Bridge Trust
National Lottery Awards for All The Mayor of London and Team London
The Westway Trust The Kensington & Chelsea Foundation
Tristram Hunt, Caterina Bisquert, Sorcha Peaston, Bethan Korausch The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
and the staff and volunteers of the V&A • Adult Social Care and the Adult Services team
Bambos Charalambous and the team at Awards of London • City Living Local Life and the councillors of the Chelsea Riverside,
Gil and the team at The Printhouse Notting Hill Pembridge and Notting Dale wards
Zara Fadaei and the team at Cake Create Bakery • Community and Maternity Champions and the Public Health team
Andrew Croxford • Corporate Grants and the Community Engagement team
Elena Zeniou and her positive waves The Tudor Trust
Eunice Ackerson and her many tabs The Westway Trust
Jonathan Brennan and the little people at Aptalops West London Clinical Commissioning Group
Rachel Wade
and the many other providers of financial support since 1969.






































106 107

Image Credits



1, 2, 13, 18, 20, 27, 31-33, 41-42, 49, 55, 69 Stock picture
57, 62, 65, 67, 73-74, 77, 93, 95, 103 70 Positively Putney
Eunice Ackerson 71 Octavia Foundation
4 Will Whittaker 72 Open Age
6-7 Volunteer Centre 75 O. Omikunle
8-9 Abundance Arts 76 Portobello Business Centre
10 Action Disability Kensington 78-79 The Reader
& Chelsea 80-81 Royal Borough of Kensington and
11 Glenda Joseph Chelsea Libraries
12 Age UK Kensington & Chelsea 82-83 Royal Brompton and Harefield Arts
14-15 Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Women’s 84-85 Royal Trinity Hospice
Centre 86-87 Rugby Portobello Trust
16-17 Chelsea Theatre & Community 88-89 Solidarity Sports
Centre 90-91 Spectra London
19 ClementJames Centre 92 St Mary Abbots Rehabilitation and
21 Volunteer Centre Kensington & Training (SMART
Chelsea 94 L. Schepes
22-23, The Dalgarno Trust 96-97 Turning Point
24-25 Deafblind UK 98-99 Victoria and Albert Museum
26 O. Omikunle 100-101 Westway CT
28-29 Equal People mencap 102 Westway Trust Gardens
30 Royal Parks 104-105 Westway Trust Learning
34-35 The Harrow Club
36-37 Hestia Design & illustrations by Aptalops.com
38-39 Joy of Sound
40 Volunteer Centre Kensington &
Chelsea
43 Kensington Citizens Advice
44-45 The Kensington & Chelsea
Foundation
46-47 Kensington and Chelsea Mind
48 Kensington and Chelsea Over 50s
Forum
50 Kensington & Chelsea Social Council
51 Volunteer’s own
52-53 Latimer Community Art Therapy
54 2Pos.org
56 Midaye Somali Development Network
58-59 Migrants Organise
60 Hildrey Studio
61 Natural History Museum
63 North Kensington Law Centre
64 Notting Dale Community Champions
66 Nova New Opportunities
68 Ealing Advice

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