Kensington and Chelsea Over 50s Forum
We have a record since our inception in
1996 of helping older residents gain the
confidence to influence decision-making
processes.
Our diverse membership represents the
entire borough and currently stands at
over 1,900 members. We work to alleviate
loneliness and isolation and to bring
awareness of the culture and heritage of
the Borough of Kensington and Chelsea,
London and the UK to our members. We
relaunched the life-saving Message in a
Bottle scheme in 2017, which is supplied
to 42 independent pharmacies and 40
surgeries under My Care My Way. The
life-saving Message in a Bottle scheme Monique Lanson
is a simple idea designed to encourage
people to keep their personal and medical
details on a standard form and in a I decided to volunteer because I wanted to those attending enjoy themselves and to
common location – the fridge – where the help the Kensington and Chelsea Over 50s recognise the faces of the residents who
emergency services can see them. Forum (formerly known as the Kensington come to the events. It is very satisfying
and Chelsea Forum for Older Residents). to be able to see people leaving events
The Self-Care project is funded by the I found that the more volunteer work I do, happy and well-informed.
RBKC and helps to reduce unnecessary the more I become satisfied with the work
GP and hospital visits which cost the NHS and happier in myself. The best thing about volunteering is
over £2bn a year. contributing my share in helping others.
The Forum’s responsibilities are to reduce It makes me a better person and more
We are the Royal Borough’s largest We hold over 150 events throughout the loneliness and improve the welfare of older understanding. I have found a direction
independent older people’s forum year to support our Self-Care project and people by bringing information on health, in my life and feel that I am needed and
dedicated to creating an environment in to bring awareness of the heritage and security, history and heritage to them. The that I have made a contribution to my
which older people are active partners culture of the borough and of the UK to Forum enables members to find outings community.
in the decisions that affect their lives. We our members. We are the recipients of the and interests which enable them to go out
seek higher standards of housing, health, Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. and make friends. My role as Volunteer Volunteering is good for you because it
social care, transport, leisure facilities, Organiser involves helping at events and is satisfying to know that you are needed
safety and community services for the contacting and directing other volunteers, and that you are helping other people. It
older residents of the Royal Borough. and I have also helped distribute the helps you get experience that you can use
Message in a Bottle scheme throughout elsewhere.
the borough.
K&C Over 50s Forum always do their
best for the older residents, providing
useful information, entertainment, great
refreshments and a range of wonderful
activities. It is always a pleasure to see
48 49
Kensington & Chelsea Social Council
KCSC supports the voluntary and
community sector and the people of
Kensington & Chelsea. Our aim is to
enable them both to thrive. We believe
that social action is the root to the
empowerment of local people, so we work
with, and provide support for, any local
organisation or person who wants to make
a difference and we promote the results to
funders, decision-makers, and the wider
community.
Elisabeth works in our main office,
across our Admin and Organisational
Development and Health and Wellbeing
teams. Her support enables the teams to
strengthen the way in which they work, Elisabeth Mbemba
to understand our impact and identify
areas for improvement. Ultimately her
work enables KCSC to be accessible and I’m passionate about helping disabled first-hand how we make a difference. I
effective for anyone who may need our people, especially children, and would like like helping people in an organisation that
help. to become a Special Educational Needs works for community gain. It’s flexible,
professional in a SEND school. It wasn’t allows me to work at my own pace, and
When Elisabeth came to us she was very until I got to university to study towards that makes me feel that I can be myself, that
quiet, but also very determined. She’s goal that I was told I was dyslexic. I have a I’m useful just as I am.
taken the opportunity with both hands very good imagination, am creative, good
and made the very best of it – combining with my hands, and I can explain myself Giving back to the community while seeing
new skills with existing expertise. She’s well, but when it comes to writing my ideas what it takes to build these events has
a mother looking after her children, has down I find it a struggle. I prefer to record been great. It’s given me more confidence,
come through university and is now an myself than to write. and I believe in myself more. I was worried
indispensable part of our team – we admire about being judged, but I’m allowed to
her ability to turn her hand to whatever’s I finished university and had time on ask for help when I don’t know how to take
needed, her tenacity and focus, and she’s my hands. I wanted to do something to the next step. It feels like I’m being taught
a really lovely person to work with, too. encourage my brain to work and to get while doing a useful job – I’m helping them
experience in an office, especially getting to get something done, and I’m getting
used to IT. KCSC made that happen. I better at the same time.
volunteer with Joy of Sound, too.
If you want to love what you’re doing, and if
I work with KCSC’s database, making sure you have any spare time, give volunteering
it includes all our upcoming training and a try – you’ve got nothing to lose! It’s made
events. I make sure it includes feedback me feel good and given me some really
from all our attendees, so I get to hear useful experience!
50 51
Kensington & Chelsea Social Council
KCSC supports the voluntary and
community sector and the people of
Kensington & Chelsea. Our aim is to
enable them both to thrive. We believe
that social action is the root to the
empowerment of local people, so we work
with, and provide support for, any local
organisation or person who wants to make
a difference and we promote the results to
funders, decision-makers, and the wider
community.
Elisabeth works in our main office,
across our Admin and Organisational
Development and Health and Wellbeing
teams. Her support enables the teams to
strengthen the way in which they work, Elisabeth Mbemba
to understand our impact and identify
areas for improvement. Ultimately her
work enables KCSC to be accessible and I’m passionate about helping disabled first-hand how we make a difference. I
effective for anyone who may need our people, especially children, and would like like helping people in an organisation that
help. to become a Special Educational Needs works for community gain. It’s flexible,
professional in a SEND school. It wasn’t allows me to work at my own pace, and
When Elisabeth came to us she was very until I got to university to study towards that makes me feel that I can be myself, that
quiet, but also very determined. She’s goal that I was told I was dyslexic. I have a I’m useful just as I am.
taken the opportunity with both hands very good imagination, am creative, good
and made the very best of it – combining with my hands, and I can explain myself Giving back to the community while seeing
new skills with existing expertise. She’s well, but when it comes to writing my ideas what it takes to build these events has
a mother looking after her children, has down I find it a struggle. I prefer to record been great. It’s given me more confidence,
come through university and is now an myself than to write. and I believe in myself more. I was worried
indispensable part of our team – we admire about being judged, but I’m allowed to
her ability to turn her hand to whatever’s I finished university and had time on ask for help when I don’t know how to take
needed, her tenacity and focus, and she’s my hands. I wanted to do something to the next step. It feels like I’m being taught
a really lovely person to work with, too. encourage my brain to work and to get while doing a useful job – I’m helping them
experience in an office, especially getting to get something done, and I’m getting
used to IT. KCSC made that happen. I better at the same time.
volunteer with Joy of Sound, too.
If you want to love what you’re doing, and if
I work with KCSC’s database, making sure you have any spare time, give volunteering
it includes all our upcoming training and a try – you’ve got nothing to lose! It’s made
events. I make sure it includes feedback me feel good and given me some really
from all our attendees, so I get to hear useful experience!
50 51
Latimer Community Art Therapy
We offer clinical art psychotherapy
throughout primary schools in North
Kensington: within two weeks of the fire,
art psychotherapists had gone into nine
schools. This is now a commissioned
service offering accessible mental health
support to the wider community in eleven
schools.
LCAT recognise that not all children
and adolescents feel comfortable being
seen for therapy in schools, therefore
our community spaces are a vital part
of what we offer, giving accessible and
local mental health support. Therapeutic
support in the community has begun to
destigmatise therapy and allows people to Mirander Boyer
be seen where they feel comfortable.
We also offer clinical art psychotherapy I decided to volunteer as it is where my I enjoy having the opportunity to work with
to adults and older adults in North interests lie, in children and community, a range of people from my community and
Kensington. We have a partnership with being an ex-teacher. I thought it would be I hope that I have helped with their learning
Age UK and outreach to older adults in a great way to support the centre, staff and and independent growth.
their homes, offering art psychotherapy children.
to those unable to access other support. Volunteering for an organisation like LCAT
We also offer clinical supervision to local I volunteer with Latimer Community Art is incredibly rewarding and enables you to
organisations and those that have been Therapy (LCAT) as a homework support play a more active role in your community.
supporting the community, including and Silent Walk Steward, helping with
Latimer Community Art Therapy (LCAT) volunteers. This includes our monthly homework and providing general support.
has its home in the Henry Dickens respite group in partnership with the V&A.
Community Centre, which was taken over What I like best about LCAT is the feel
by local residents during the Grenfell fire. As well as the art therapy work, LCAT of the centre, and the way that they treat
Our aim to provide an inclusive, safe and also has a community team that runs children and families. I am impressed by
inspirational space, providing a range of community activities and events from their drive to achieve excellence. The best
adaptable activities and health, therapeutic the Henry Dickens Community Centre. thing about volunteering is being able to
and well-being services, designed in the Additional well-being activities, yoga, use my previous teaching skills to help
community, for the community, by the Pilates, heart-making, adult coffee and support children and young people.
community. mornings and community events have also
been developed in response to community
The art therapy service was formed as a needs.
response to the tragedy at Grenfell Tower,
by Susan Rudnik, an art psychotherapist
and also a resident of the Henry Dickens
estate. It grew organically to meet the
needs of the community.
52 53
Latimer Community Art Therapy
We offer clinical art psychotherapy
throughout primary schools in North
Kensington: within two weeks of the fire,
art psychotherapists had gone into nine
schools. This is now a commissioned
service offering accessible mental health
support to the wider community in eleven
schools.
LCAT recognise that not all children
and adolescents feel comfortable being
seen for therapy in schools, therefore
our community spaces are a vital part
of what we offer, giving accessible and
local mental health support. Therapeutic
support in the community has begun to
destigmatise therapy and allows people to Mirander Boyer
be seen where they feel comfortable.
We also offer clinical art psychotherapy I decided to volunteer as it is where my I enjoy having the opportunity to work with
to adults and older adults in North interests lie, in children and community, a range of people from my community and
Kensington. We have a partnership with being an ex-teacher. I thought it would be I hope that I have helped with their learning
Age UK and outreach to older adults in a great way to support the centre, staff and and independent growth.
their homes, offering art psychotherapy children.
to those unable to access other support. Volunteering for an organisation like LCAT
We also offer clinical supervision to local I volunteer with Latimer Community Art is incredibly rewarding and enables you to
organisations and those that have been Therapy (LCAT) as a homework support play a more active role in your community.
supporting the community, including and Silent Walk Steward, helping with
Latimer Community Art Therapy (LCAT) volunteers. This includes our monthly homework and providing general support.
has its home in the Henry Dickens respite group in partnership with the V&A.
Community Centre, which was taken over What I like best about LCAT is the feel
by local residents during the Grenfell fire. As well as the art therapy work, LCAT of the centre, and the way that they treat
Our aim to provide an inclusive, safe and also has a community team that runs children and families. I am impressed by
inspirational space, providing a range of community activities and events from their drive to achieve excellence. The best
adaptable activities and health, therapeutic the Henry Dickens Community Centre. thing about volunteering is being able to
and well-being services, designed in the Additional well-being activities, yoga, use my previous teaching skills to help
community, for the community, by the Pilates, heart-making, adult coffee and support children and young people.
community. mornings and community events have also
been developed in response to community
The art therapy service was formed as a needs.
response to the tragedy at Grenfell Tower,
by Susan Rudnik, an art psychotherapist
and also a resident of the Henry Dickens
estate. It grew organically to meet the
needs of the community.
52 53
Latymer Community Church
Latymer Community Church has a vision
to follow Jesus, love people and make
disciples in Ladbroke Grove. An important
part of following Jesus is offering him our
time and talents and so we see volunteering
as a way of expressing our commitment
to God. We’re also very inclusive, and
so finding ways in which people can
participate in the life of Latymer by giving
their time to help out is also important
regardless of whether they share our faith.
Loving people is all about developing
community and creating a safe space
where people can build relationships
and have fun, so we organise a range of
regular activities and events for adults, Jeanette Joynson
young people and children, and there are
always lots of opportunities to volunteer.
We also encourage people to use their I started volunteering with the Latymer I love Latymer because it’s my church
talents to start something up: many of our Mission (now called Latymer Community family. It’s always friendly and very
groups have begun because someone Church) when I was only 14, back in the inclusive – it’s community-centred and
has a passion for something and wants to 1950s, starting by helping out with the everyone is welcome. The staff team is
share it with others. Sunday School and Junior Girls Club. easy-going and willing to allow you try out
Back then there was Boys Brigade and your own ideas.
Jeanette is our longest-standing church Girls Brigade, but you couldn’t join them
member and is well-known in the North until you were eight, so I helped with the Volunteering is so rewarding because of
Kensington community, especially for little ones. There wasn’t much for young the friendships you make, and it’s great
her work with children over the years; people to do and there was a lot of poverty, to know that you are giving something
despite being in her 70s, she continues to so the groups were much appreciated by back to the community. I feel fulfilled
volunteer with our Craft Club because she parents and children. when I see a project come together and
loves sharing her skills in making things. people in the group are proud of what
My faith has always been really important they have achieved. But our group is also
to me, and I see it as part of my calling to about being together and supporting each
give some of my time and money to serve other. I think everyone can benefit from
the church. I always want to be able to volunteering because in giving to others
share my faith and see people flourish in you receive back so much more.
their gifts, and to make good choices in
their lives. All my life until a couple of years
ago, I’ve volunteered with children and
young people, including as a Girls Brigade
Captain and 26 years with the Quest Girls
Club. I continue to lead the church’s Craft
Club for adults, which I’ve been doing for
ten years now.
54 55
Latymer Community Church
Latymer Community Church has a vision
to follow Jesus, love people and make
disciples in Ladbroke Grove. An important
part of following Jesus is offering him our
time and talents and so we see volunteering
as a way of expressing our commitment
to God. We’re also very inclusive, and
so finding ways in which people can
participate in the life of Latymer by giving
their time to help out is also important
regardless of whether they share our faith.
Loving people is all about developing
community and creating a safe space
where people can build relationships
and have fun, so we organise a range of
regular activities and events for adults, Jeanette Joynson
young people and children, and there are
always lots of opportunities to volunteer.
We also encourage people to use their I started volunteering with the Latymer I love Latymer because it’s my church
talents to start something up: many of our Mission (now called Latymer Community family. It’s always friendly and very
groups have begun because someone Church) when I was only 14, back in the inclusive – it’s community-centred and
has a passion for something and wants to 1950s, starting by helping out with the everyone is welcome. The staff team is
share it with others. Sunday School and Junior Girls Club. easy-going and willing to allow you try out
Back then there was Boys Brigade and your own ideas.
Jeanette is our longest-standing church Girls Brigade, but you couldn’t join them
member and is well-known in the North until you were eight, so I helped with the Volunteering is so rewarding because of
Kensington community, especially for little ones. There wasn’t much for young the friendships you make, and it’s great
her work with children over the years; people to do and there was a lot of poverty, to know that you are giving something
despite being in her 70s, she continues to so the groups were much appreciated by back to the community. I feel fulfilled
volunteer with our Craft Club because she parents and children. when I see a project come together and
loves sharing her skills in making things. people in the group are proud of what
My faith has always been really important they have achieved. But our group is also
to me, and I see it as part of my calling to about being together and supporting each
give some of my time and money to serve other. I think everyone can benefit from
the church. I always want to be able to volunteering because in giving to others
share my faith and see people flourish in you receive back so much more.
their gifts, and to make good choices in
their lives. All my life until a couple of years
ago, I’ve volunteered with children and
young people, including as a Girls Brigade
Captain and 26 years with the Quest Girls
Club. I continue to lead the church’s Craft
Club for adults, which I’ve been doing for
ten years now.
54 55
Midaye Somali Development Network
uniting people that have common needs
and goals. Subsequently, the organisation
grew, created new services, developed
links and partnerships to meet the present
needs of the community.
Midaye now offers a wide range of
services including support and outreach
services, health and well-being services,
development and education services.
Our Vision is for every BME resident of
West London to have the peace, joy
and freedom to find personal fulfilment,
well-being, happiness and economic
freedom. Our Mission is to help improve
the quality of life for disadvantaged, Muna Noor
isolated and marginalised Somali refugees
and vulnerable individuals within ethnic
minority communities in West London, My reason for volunteering was to get Volunteering has given me the strength
irrespective of age, religion, gender, or myself into work after a long time of studying to believe in myself, getting involved in
race. To ensure all West London residents and being a full-time mother. I volunteered something new that I did not think I would
receive and experience equal access with Midaye Somali Development Network, be able to be a part of. That was a very big
to education, health and well-being helping non-English-speaking clients with challenge for me. It’s also great to make
services, living conditions, legal justice, reading, writing letters, translating, and the clients believe in themselves and give
recreational opportunities and socio- calling organisations on their behalf. them the opportunity to learn more and join
economic advancement. our community and the facilities available
I really like my role; it makes me feel that I am to them.
Midaye Somali Development Network Muna joined us in 2015 to help deliver our achieving something. I have met different
is a grassroots community organisation long-standing, volunteer-run outreach and kinds of people in the community, learned The more we give, the happier we feel.
providing well-respected advocacy support service which provides information new skills, taken on new challenges and Volunteering increases self-confidence,
and holistic support services for BME and advocacy support for members had fun helping others. by doing good for others and the
communities living in West London. of ethnic minority communities in West community. This provides a natural sense
London. As her experience as a volunteer I like the fact that Midaye is open to all of accomplishment and gives volunteers a
Midaye was formed in March 2002 by a grew, she progressed to help with other community members, not only people from sense of pride and identity.
group of local women, mainly mothers, who projects, including our FGM community the Somali-speaking community. Anyone
wanted to provide additional educational engagement project which works to who needs support and information can
support for their children. However, they develop a community-based momentum just walk in and they are always welcomed.
quickly realised that the needs of the for ending the practice of FGM.
community were far more extensive and My role is different every day and I really
diverse. The organisation changed its enjoy meeting people with different
name to Midaye, which means unity: languages and cultures. In my opinion, the
best thing about volunteering is achieving
different skills and gaining confidence.
56 57
Midaye Somali Development Network
uniting people that have common needs
and goals. Subsequently, the organisation
grew, created new services, developed
links and partnerships to meet the present
needs of the community.
Midaye now offers a wide range of
services including support and outreach
services, health and well-being services,
development and education services.
Our Vision is for every BME resident of
West London to have the peace, joy
and freedom to find personal fulfilment,
well-being, happiness and economic
freedom. Our Mission is to help improve
the quality of life for disadvantaged, Muna Noor
isolated and marginalised Somali refugees
and vulnerable individuals within ethnic
minority communities in West London, My reason for volunteering was to get Volunteering has given me the strength
irrespective of age, religion, gender, or myself into work after a long time of studying to believe in myself, getting involved in
race. To ensure all West London residents and being a full-time mother. I volunteered something new that I did not think I would
receive and experience equal access with Midaye Somali Development Network, be able to be a part of. That was a very big
to education, health and well-being helping non-English-speaking clients with challenge for me. It’s also great to make
services, living conditions, legal justice, reading, writing letters, translating, and the clients believe in themselves and give
recreational opportunities and socio- calling organisations on their behalf. them the opportunity to learn more and join
economic advancement. our community and the facilities available
I really like my role; it makes me feel that I am to them.
Midaye Somali Development Network Muna joined us in 2015 to help deliver our achieving something. I have met different
is a grassroots community organisation long-standing, volunteer-run outreach and kinds of people in the community, learned The more we give, the happier we feel.
providing well-respected advocacy support service which provides information new skills, taken on new challenges and Volunteering increases self-confidence,
and holistic support services for BME and advocacy support for members had fun helping others. by doing good for others and the
communities living in West London. of ethnic minority communities in West community. This provides a natural sense
London. As her experience as a volunteer I like the fact that Midaye is open to all of accomplishment and gives volunteers a
Midaye was formed in March 2002 by a grew, she progressed to help with other community members, not only people from sense of pride and identity.
group of local women, mainly mothers, who projects, including our FGM community the Somali-speaking community. Anyone
wanted to provide additional educational engagement project which works to who needs support and information can
support for their children. However, they develop a community-based momentum just walk in and they are always welcomed.
quickly realised that the needs of the for ending the practice of FGM.
community were far more extensive and My role is different every day and I really
diverse. The organisation changed its enjoy meeting people with different
name to Midaye, which means unity: languages and cultures. In my opinion, the
best thing about volunteering is achieving
different skills and gaining confidence.
56 57
Migrants Organise
Our Community Programme provides
holistic and ongoing support for vulnerable
migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in
London. Our approach combines a number
of strands including welfare and destitution
support, specialised immigration advice,
group activities and one-to-one mentoring
support. Taken together, we aim to improve
people’s practical and living situations,
develop their resilience and well-being,
and improve wider community integration
and cohesion.
Our work in the Community Programme is
highly specialist and intensive. We spend
significant time with each individual,
providing comprehensive support Kezia Pearce
to address complex interconnected
needs. We focus primarily on vulnerable
individuals including victims of torture and Like everyone I had been watching the I really like the way that Migrants Organise
trafficking as well as those who suffer from growing refugee crisis across the world, addresses the needs of asylum seekers
physical and/or mental illness. Many of especially intensified by the civil war in and refugees by directly working with and
those we help are also destitute and at risk Syria. I donated money and food where I supporting individuals, whilst combatting
of homelessness. could but wanted to do more. With young the political and cultural issues around
children, I could not go to the point of immigration with their advocacy work
The Community Programme has gained crisis or give as much as I might. Following and activism. The dedication of the staff
a reputation in the sector for providing Grenfell, my thoughts turned to those who is astounding. They trust me but are very
extensive integrated support to vulnerable struggled closer to home. I realised how supportive when I lack experience to deal
Migrants Organise is a charity focused on migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. much of a difference I could make within with an issue. They are fun to be around
giving a voice to migrant communities and We have built strong partnerships with my community. and incredible role models, and truly
supporting positive integration. We believe lawyers, mental health professionals, appreciated by everyone they work with.
that if refugees and migrants are given half migrant organisations, local authorities, I am a volunteer support worker for Migrants
a chance, and provided with help at the arts and cultural organisations over the Organise, who support and advocate for The best thing about volunteering is feeling
start of their journeys, they can rebuild years, which provides added value to our asylum seekers and refugees. I started like a small effort can have such a positive
their lives and make a positive contribution service. working with individuals to try to find impact on people’s lives. Volunteering has
in their communities. solutions for their daily needs, from filling in empowered me to feel that I can contribute
forms to accompanying them to hearings to my community and that contribution,
and interviews. I am currently focused however small, can make a difference. Try
on finding and applying for individual volunteering, it does make a difference to
grants for those who are destitute or need you and to those around you.
financial help to begin to find stability and
move forward with their lives.
58 59
Migrants Organise
Our Community Programme provides
holistic and ongoing support for vulnerable
migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in
London. Our approach combines a number
of strands including welfare and destitution
support, specialised immigration advice,
group activities and one-to-one mentoring
support. Taken together, we aim to improve
people’s practical and living situations,
develop their resilience and well-being,
and improve wider community integration
and cohesion.
Our work in the Community Programme is
highly specialist and intensive. We spend
significant time with each individual,
providing comprehensive support Kezia Pearce
to address complex interconnected
needs. We focus primarily on vulnerable
individuals including victims of torture and Like everyone I had been watching the I really like the way that Migrants Organise
trafficking as well as those who suffer from growing refugee crisis across the world, addresses the needs of asylum seekers
physical and/or mental illness. Many of especially intensified by the civil war in and refugees by directly working with and
those we help are also destitute and at risk Syria. I donated money and food where I supporting individuals, whilst combatting
of homelessness. could but wanted to do more. With young the political and cultural issues around
children, I could not go to the point of immigration with their advocacy work
The Community Programme has gained crisis or give as much as I might. Following and activism. The dedication of the staff
a reputation in the sector for providing Grenfell, my thoughts turned to those who is astounding. They trust me but are very
extensive integrated support to vulnerable struggled closer to home. I realised how supportive when I lack experience to deal
Migrants Organise is a charity focused on migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. much of a difference I could make within with an issue. They are fun to be around
giving a voice to migrant communities and We have built strong partnerships with my community. and incredible role models, and truly
supporting positive integration. We believe lawyers, mental health professionals, appreciated by everyone they work with.
that if refugees and migrants are given half migrant organisations, local authorities, I am a volunteer support worker for Migrants
a chance, and provided with help at the arts and cultural organisations over the Organise, who support and advocate for The best thing about volunteering is feeling
start of their journeys, they can rebuild years, which provides added value to our asylum seekers and refugees. I started like a small effort can have such a positive
their lives and make a positive contribution service. working with individuals to try to find impact on people’s lives. Volunteering has
in their communities. solutions for their daily needs, from filling in empowered me to feel that I can contribute
forms to accompanying them to hearings to my community and that contribution,
and interviews. I am currently focused however small, can make a difference. Try
on finding and applying for individual volunteering, it does make a difference to
grants for those who are destitute or need you and to those around you.
financial help to begin to find stability and
move forward with their lives.
58 59
Natural History Museum
stories in order to create advocates for the
planet. As a National Museum we engage
audiences across the country, working
with regional partners to inspire young
people to take an interest in science.
Having our location in the borough
of Kensington and Chelsea, we are
particularly keen to engage local
audiences both in terms of our volunteer
make-up and of our visitors. Working with
community groups and organisations such
as the Volunteer Centre Kensington and
Chelsea helps us to do this.
The Museum is a trusted source of
knowledge about the natural world. Alex Holding
Our unique influence derives from our
extraordinary collection, our passionate
and enthusiastic volunteers and staff and Having some free time, I decided to apply to There are many good things about
our pioneering international research. volunteer with the Natural History Museum volunteering but I enjoy working as part of
All of these are essential to foster and because I love wildlife and the natural a team, making friends and exchanging
enhance public enthusiasm for the stories world, and thought I would be happy useful knowledge and experiences with
that we tell. being in such beautiful surroundings. them. I also feel valued, and that I am
doing something worthwhile with my time.
The Learning Volunteer Programme which As a Volunteer Learning Activator, my
Alex is an integral part of is a cohort of role involves using specimens from the I learn something new every day as
over 80 dedicated volunteers who come Museum’s collections to engage with volunteer – whether it is from my own
The Natural History Museum is the guardian from diverse backgrounds but all share a visitors in the Museum galleries and to team, our science experts, or the visitors
of one of the world’s most important natural passion for learning and the natural world. enthuse them about the natural world. I I meet. It has blossomed into a whole new
history collections. Through our unrivalled They enthuse and inspire visitors in our really enjoy the happy atmosphere around world for me. I try to bring the importance
expertise and by opening up access and galleries with real specimens from animal me, from colleagues and visitors. Doing of respecting and nurturing wildlife, and
participation for all, we are unlocking skulls to insects and crocodile skins to something you enjoy is always easy world issues such as conservation and
answers to the big issues facing humanity lavas. The quality face-to-face and hands- and fun, but our managers put lots of climate change, to the attention of visitors.
and the planet. on activities which the Learning Volunteers effort into mentoring and training us, and I can only hope that this has made a
deliver increase opportunities for visitors generally enhancing the daily experience difference to them. There is such a good
The Natural History Museum is a world- from all backgrounds to enjoy and engage of volunteers. feeling of reward and contentment to be
class visitor attraction and a leading meaningfully with the Museum’s exhibitions had from helping others, no matter what
science research centre with a globally and collections and become advocates for type of volunteering you do.
important collection of over 80 million the planet themselves.
specimens from the natural world. The
Museum’s purpose is to challenge the way
people think about the natural world – its
past, present and future – through the use
of authentic specimens and compelling
60 61
Natural History Museum
stories in order to create advocates for the
planet. As a National Museum we engage
audiences across the country, working
with regional partners to inspire young
people to take an interest in science.
Having our location in the borough
of Kensington and Chelsea, we are
particularly keen to engage local
audiences both in terms of our volunteer
make-up and of our visitors. Working with
community groups and organisations such
as the Volunteer Centre Kensington and
Chelsea helps us to do this.
The Museum is a trusted source of
knowledge about the natural world. Alex Holding
Our unique influence derives from our
extraordinary collection, our passionate
and enthusiastic volunteers and staff and Having some free time, I decided to apply to There are many good things about
our pioneering international research. volunteer with the Natural History Museum volunteering but I enjoy working as part of
All of these are essential to foster and because I love wildlife and the natural a team, making friends and exchanging
enhance public enthusiasm for the stories world, and thought I would be happy useful knowledge and experiences with
that we tell. being in such beautiful surroundings. them. I also feel valued, and that I am
doing something worthwhile with my time.
The Learning Volunteer Programme which As a Volunteer Learning Activator, my
Alex is an integral part of is a cohort of role involves using specimens from the I learn something new every day as
over 80 dedicated volunteers who come Museum’s collections to engage with volunteer – whether it is from my own
The Natural History Museum is the guardian from diverse backgrounds but all share a visitors in the Museum galleries and to team, our science experts, or the visitors
of one of the world’s most important natural passion for learning and the natural world. enthuse them about the natural world. I I meet. It has blossomed into a whole new
history collections. Through our unrivalled They enthuse and inspire visitors in our really enjoy the happy atmosphere around world for me. I try to bring the importance
expertise and by opening up access and galleries with real specimens from animal me, from colleagues and visitors. Doing of respecting and nurturing wildlife, and
participation for all, we are unlocking skulls to insects and crocodile skins to something you enjoy is always easy world issues such as conservation and
answers to the big issues facing humanity lavas. The quality face-to-face and hands- and fun, but our managers put lots of climate change, to the attention of visitors.
and the planet. on activities which the Learning Volunteers effort into mentoring and training us, and I can only hope that this has made a
deliver increase opportunities for visitors generally enhancing the daily experience difference to them. There is such a good
The Natural History Museum is a world- from all backgrounds to enjoy and engage of volunteers. feeling of reward and contentment to be
class visitor attraction and a leading meaningfully with the Museum’s exhibitions had from helping others, no matter what
science research centre with a globally and collections and become advocates for type of volunteering you do.
important collection of over 80 million the planet themselves.
specimens from the natural world. The
Museum’s purpose is to challenge the way
people think about the natural world – its
past, present and future – through the use
of authentic specimens and compelling
60 61
North Kensington Law Centre
NKLC was founded in 1970 as the first ever
Law Centre in England to provide North
Kensington communities and beyond
with access to justice through high-quality
legal casework and representation.
Our mission exists to empower all
members of the community to understand
and assert their legal rights and hold
authority to account.
Our vision is for a just and fair society
in which access to justice is a right that
is exercised for all, poverty does not
exist, discrimination is challenged and
ultimately reduced, equality of opportunity
is achieved. Mozes Salvatore
Our objectives are to provide high-quality
specialist casework to the community, My desire to volunteer for North This enables the most disadvantaged in
a level of advice that is accessible to all, Kensington Law Centre (NKLC) stems Kensington to receive access to justice.
to empower service users to exercise from my aspiration to achieve social
their legal rights through self-advocacy, justice for those on the margins of society. As an Immigration and Asylum paralegal, I
to identify gaps in provision and to meet Law centres like NKLC epitomise the core conduct research into objective evidence
changing needs, hold power to account reason why justice matters – ensuring and case law in asylum cases concerning
and challenge injustices on a broader access to justice for the most vulnerable clients who are LGBT, victims of domestic
scale. in our society, often at the most frightening violence, unaccompanied minors, those
time of their lives. classed as modern-day slaves and victims
of sex trafficking. Further, I draft Pre-Action
I volunteer as an Employment paralegal, Protocol letters, witness statements,
Immigration and Asylum paralegal supporting representations to accompany
and I am the project manager of applications. Recently, I did this for two
Project: Empower (PE), which works in clients, father and daughter, who were
collaboration with NKLC. PE provides free victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. This
weekly employment triage/advice, delivers led to the successful exemption for both
legal education workshops and conducts from the Life in the UK test on grounds of
policy research on matters that affect the PTSD and allowed these vulnerable clients
poor and disadvantaged. to focus on recovery, rather than their
immigration status.
As an employment paralegal, I assist
the employment lawyer with a variety of The NKLC team is what makes it the great
casework. This coincides with my PE role, to volunteer there. Volunteering helps you
where I manage and supervise volunteers give something back to the community
at the employment drop-ins. I conduct and is a great way to make new friends
legal research and provide free advice. and professional connections.
62 63
North Kensington Law Centre
NKLC was founded in 1970 as the first ever
Law Centre in England to provide North
Kensington communities and beyond
with access to justice through high-quality
legal casework and representation.
Our mission exists to empower all
members of the community to understand
and assert their legal rights and hold
authority to account.
Our vision is for a just and fair society
in which access to justice is a right that
is exercised for all, poverty does not
exist, discrimination is challenged and
ultimately reduced, equality of opportunity
is achieved. Mozes Salvatore
Our objectives are to provide high-quality
specialist casework to the community, My desire to volunteer for North This enables the most disadvantaged in
a level of advice that is accessible to all, Kensington Law Centre (NKLC) stems Kensington to receive access to justice.
to empower service users to exercise from my aspiration to achieve social
their legal rights through self-advocacy, justice for those on the margins of society. As an Immigration and Asylum paralegal, I
to identify gaps in provision and to meet Law centres like NKLC epitomise the core conduct research into objective evidence
changing needs, hold power to account reason why justice matters – ensuring and case law in asylum cases concerning
and challenge injustices on a broader access to justice for the most vulnerable clients who are LGBT, victims of domestic
scale. in our society, often at the most frightening violence, unaccompanied minors, those
time of their lives. classed as modern-day slaves and victims
of sex trafficking. Further, I draft Pre-Action
I volunteer as an Employment paralegal, Protocol letters, witness statements,
Immigration and Asylum paralegal supporting representations to accompany
and I am the project manager of applications. Recently, I did this for two
Project: Empower (PE), which works in clients, father and daughter, who were
collaboration with NKLC. PE provides free victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. This
weekly employment triage/advice, delivers led to the successful exemption for both
legal education workshops and conducts from the Life in the UK test on grounds of
policy research on matters that affect the PTSD and allowed these vulnerable clients
poor and disadvantaged. to focus on recovery, rather than their
immigration status.
As an employment paralegal, I assist
the employment lawyer with a variety of The NKLC team is what makes it the great
casework. This coincides with my PE role, to volunteer there. Volunteering helps you
where I manage and supervise volunteers give something back to the community
at the employment drop-ins. I conduct and is a great way to make new friends
legal research and provide free advice. and professional connections.
62 63
Notting Dale Community Champions (VCKC)
The aim of the Community Champions
project is to improve the health and well-
being of local residents and communities.
We do it by organising activities like yoga,
chair-based exercise, cycling or walking
– to name just a few. We also promote
various health campaigns and support
community events – anything that brings
people together and reduces social
isolation.
The idea is simple: people often respond
better to various health messages if they
receive them from their loved ones, friends,
neighbours... that lovely lady at the school
gate, or that man you often sit next to in
church. Many of those people can actually Matan Sowatskey
be Community Champions!
We train local residents and offer them I’ve volunteered for twenty years, since my provide individual support to participants
skills, so they are confident enough to son was a baby. I started at his nursery, who needed it.
approach others and talk about ways of and carried on through his primary and
staying healthy, respond to crisis situations secondary stages. I went back to work, and The team at the Volunteer Centre were
or signpost to services. Sometimes they returned to volunteering when I became practical and kind; they understood the
are simply that friendly person who would unwell – I had a long-term repetitive strain vulnerabilities those of us affected by the
ask a lonely neighbour how they are and injury. fire were experiencing.
have a cup of tea with them. Sometimes it
is something really small, but the difference The fire had just happened. I needed Volunteering lets me give back to the
it makes is huge. to help my community and I went to the community, and made me get out of the
Volunteer Centre looking for the right role. house when I needed to. Being unwell
What is so inspiring about Community I’m a skilled event manager, so it seemed for an extended period was hard, and
Champions is their passion and like a good fit to volunteer as a Community volunteering helped me get back on my
commitment, and this fantastic sense of Champion. I knew I wanted to go back feet without the pressure of going straight
togetherness when people volunteer for a to work once I’d recovered, and I hoped into paid work. It’s helped me keep my
good cause. that I would be able to get an up-to-date skills up-to-date and, ultimately, it led
reference when the time came. to a really fulfilling job with the Volunteer
Centre. I still help people in the place that
My role involved planning and managing I live, but now I have an income so I can
health and well-being events supporting keep doing it.
people affected by the fire, alongside
the professional programme manager. Volunteering keeps you well, gives your life
I managed other volunteers, ensuring meaning and direction, and ensures you
events ran smoothly and everyone stay connected to the people around you.
attending got the most out of them. This It’s an investment in your future success,
enabled the programme manager to as well as giving life a purpose right now.
64 65
Notting Dale Community Champions (VCKC)
The aim of the Community Champions
project is to improve the health and well-
being of local residents and communities.
We do it by organising activities like yoga,
chair-based exercise, cycling or walking
– to name just a few. We also promote
various health campaigns and support
community events – anything that brings
people together and reduces social
isolation.
The idea is simple: people often respond
better to various health messages if they
receive them from their loved ones, friends,
neighbours... that lovely lady at the school
gate, or that man you often sit next to in
church. Many of those people can actually Matan Sowatskey
be Community Champions!
We train local residents and offer them I’ve volunteered for twenty years, since my provide individual support to participants
skills, so they are confident enough to son was a baby. I started at his nursery, who needed it.
approach others and talk about ways of and carried on through his primary and
staying healthy, respond to crisis situations secondary stages. I went back to work, and The team at the Volunteer Centre were
or signpost to services. Sometimes they returned to volunteering when I became practical and kind; they understood the
are simply that friendly person who would unwell – I had a long-term repetitive strain vulnerabilities those of us affected by the
ask a lonely neighbour how they are and injury. fire were experiencing.
have a cup of tea with them. Sometimes it
is something really small, but the difference The fire had just happened. I needed Volunteering lets me give back to the
it makes is huge. to help my community and I went to the community, and made me get out of the
Volunteer Centre looking for the right role. house when I needed to. Being unwell
What is so inspiring about Community I’m a skilled event manager, so it seemed for an extended period was hard, and
Champions is their passion and like a good fit to volunteer as a Community volunteering helped me get back on my
commitment, and this fantastic sense of Champion. I knew I wanted to go back feet without the pressure of going straight
togetherness when people volunteer for a to work once I’d recovered, and I hoped into paid work. It’s helped me keep my
good cause. that I would be able to get an up-to-date skills up-to-date and, ultimately, it led
reference when the time came. to a really fulfilling job with the Volunteer
Centre. I still help people in the place that
My role involved planning and managing I live, but now I have an income so I can
health and well-being events supporting keep doing it.
people affected by the fire, alongside
the professional programme manager. Volunteering keeps you well, gives your life
I managed other volunteers, ensuring meaning and direction, and ensures you
events ran smoothly and everyone stay connected to the people around you.
attending got the most out of them. This It’s an investment in your future success,
enabled the programme manager to as well as giving life a purpose right now.
64 65
Nova New Opportunities
Nova is a charity that focuses on increasing
the social cohesion and mobility of
the community. We offer employment
advice and guidance as well as Maths,
English and ICT courses at seven venues
throughout Kensington and Chelsea.
Our mission is to help those living on the
margins of society and who are finding it
difficult to make a go of their lives. We help
people from diverse backgrounds move
forward with their skills, confidence and
employability, such as those who have
missed out on educational opportunities,
women returning to work, the long-term
unemployed, minority ethnic groups and
migrant and refugee communities. Tieu Pham
Tieu volunteered on two maths
programmes, How to Measure Up and I arrived in England, back in the 70s, as Volunteers are essential and we are always
Budgeting and Managing Money, a year- a child refugee, one of the Vietnamese treated as part of the team.
long programme designed to improve ‘Boat People’. It was much easier for kids
understanding of mathematical concepts, like me to dive in and get on but I saw I always get a kick out of a learner
as well as the numerical skills the how hard it was for my parents to adapt understanding something for the first time
participants develop while doing various to a completely alien country, culture and – that smile and the ‘a-ha’ moment. It’s
maths problems. However, the main aim language. I always had the idea that I was lovely, the realisation of their own potential.
of the course is to help learners to think going to be involved with adult education I also like the ego-boosting idea that I’m
analytically and acquire reasoning ability. at some point in my life because the part of something bigger than myself, a
educational barriers adults face can global net of linked hands.
Learning these skills helps students to appear so implacable.
think critically about the world around Having spent two hectic decades in
us and look for solutions to everyday I am, first and foremost, a maths tutor industry, volunteering has been like
problems. at Nova. I help adults from a range of watering a part of me I didn’t realise was
backgrounds to become more comfortable rather parched, and seeing fresh growth in
with everyday numerical challenges and, myself. I hope that the learners I meet will
hopefully, to have fun doing so. I am also make friends not only with numbers, but
a member of Nova’s Development Board, also with people they may not otherwise
and I am on the Board of Trustees. I love have met. Every positive connection
the fact that I have first-hand experience of makes us stronger.
the charity through all the levels.
No one can really tell you what you will get
I think of Nova as a cuddly toy with out of volunteering because everyone is
laser-beam eyes. It is consistently open, unique. The one sure thing is that if you
embracing and supportive of its users, don’t try, you will never know. What further
but with a relentless focus on our mission. motivation do you need?
66 67
Nova New Opportunities
Nova is a charity that focuses on increasing
the social cohesion and mobility of
the community. We offer employment
advice and guidance as well as Maths,
English and ICT courses at seven venues
throughout Kensington and Chelsea.
Our mission is to help those living on the
margins of society and who are finding it
difficult to make a go of their lives. We help
people from diverse backgrounds move
forward with their skills, confidence and
employability, such as those who have
missed out on educational opportunities,
women returning to work, the long-term
unemployed, minority ethnic groups and
migrant and refugee communities. Tieu Pham
Tieu volunteered on two maths
programmes, How to Measure Up and I arrived in England, back in the 70s, as Volunteers are essential and we are always
Budgeting and Managing Money, a year- a child refugee, one of the Vietnamese treated as part of the team.
long programme designed to improve ‘Boat People’. It was much easier for kids
understanding of mathematical concepts, like me to dive in and get on but I saw I always get a kick out of a learner
as well as the numerical skills the how hard it was for my parents to adapt understanding something for the first time
participants develop while doing various to a completely alien country, culture and – that smile and the ‘a-ha’ moment. It’s
maths problems. However, the main aim language. I always had the idea that I was lovely, the realisation of their own potential.
of the course is to help learners to think going to be involved with adult education I also like the ego-boosting idea that I’m
analytically and acquire reasoning ability. at some point in my life because the part of something bigger than myself, a
educational barriers adults face can global net of linked hands.
Learning these skills helps students to appear so implacable.
think critically about the world around Having spent two hectic decades in
us and look for solutions to everyday I am, first and foremost, a maths tutor industry, volunteering has been like
problems. at Nova. I help adults from a range of watering a part of me I didn’t realise was
backgrounds to become more comfortable rather parched, and seeing fresh growth in
with everyday numerical challenges and, myself. I hope that the learners I meet will
hopefully, to have fun doing so. I am also make friends not only with numbers, but
a member of Nova’s Development Board, also with people they may not otherwise
and I am on the Board of Trustees. I love have met. Every positive connection
the fact that I have first-hand experience of makes us stronger.
the charity through all the levels.
No one can really tell you what you will get
I think of Nova as a cuddly toy with out of volunteering because everyone is
laser-beam eyes. It is consistently open, unique. The one sure thing is that if you
embracing and supportive of its users, don’t try, you will never know. What further
but with a relentless focus on our mission. motivation do you need?
66 67
Nucleus Community Action
In 1971, Inner London Educational
Authority funded a research project to
assess young people’s needs in Earl’s
Court. For many of our clients, one thing
quickly leads to another, such as losing
a job leading to falling into debt, leading
to being made homeless. It soon became
clear that, if we wished to work to combat
poverty and its effects, we needed to
develop advice services to enable people
to take control of decision-making when
faced with major life events: losing the roof
over their heads, losing their jobs or being
refused basic needs.
To provide this holistic approach, we
have developed expert knowledge of the Thirza Muggleton
law and of the practical issues round our
major areas of work: debt, housing and
welfare benefits. Nucleus currently offers Thirza has been volunteering with us for Thirza has helped Nucleus with disability
generalist advice and assistance, including over 15 years and during that time she has benefits, with immigration and asylum
representation in social welfare law. helped thousands of clients. cases and homelessness cases, prepared
to spend as long as it takes to ensure
We have volunteers working at all levels, She has volunteered to help us provide clients’ concerns are heard and dealt with
from helping with strategic development support and additional help to the most to their satisfaction.
to helping deliver advice and support. vulnerable. She is particularly patient with
They work with and are integral to all of those most vulnerable clients, especially if Thirza is a very capable, intelligent woman.
our advice teams and services. Without their case does not have legal merit. Over the years she has developed and
volunteers, Nucleus could not deliver the mastered her ITC skills. She has tackled
services or support which we currently She ensures she spends as much time cases and gained knowledge in a range
provide. as needed to ensure clients experience of social welfare law areas including
a caring and compassionate service, debt, benefits, immigration and housing.
We are indebted to their time, their en- making sure clients understand what are Using this wide base of knowledge,
ergy and commitment to fighting poverty. often complex legal decisions, and that she has proved to be brilliant at helping
they know their rights and options. assess vulnerable clients with multiple
interconnected issues. In doing so she has
She provides a humane client-focused often been able to tackle the deficiencies
service when they need it most, and helps and issues due to the system not having
busy, time-pressed caseworkers deal with an overarching client-centred purpose.
the most demanding cases.
68 69
Nucleus Community Action
In 1971, Inner London Educational
Authority funded a research project to
assess young people’s needs in Earl’s
Court. For many of our clients, one thing
quickly leads to another, such as losing
a job leading to falling into debt, leading
to being made homeless. It soon became
clear that, if we wished to work to combat
poverty and its effects, we needed to
develop advice services to enable people
to take control of decision-making when
faced with major life events: losing the roof
over their heads, losing their jobs or being
refused basic needs.
To provide this holistic approach, we
have developed expert knowledge of the Thirza Muggleton
law and of the practical issues round our
major areas of work: debt, housing and
welfare benefits. Nucleus currently offers Thirza has been volunteering with us for Thirza has helped Nucleus with disability
generalist advice and assistance, including over 15 years and during that time she has benefits, with immigration and asylum
representation in social welfare law. helped thousands of clients. cases and homelessness cases, prepared
to spend as long as it takes to ensure
We have volunteers working at all levels, She has volunteered to help us provide clients’ concerns are heard and dealt with
from helping with strategic development support and additional help to the most to their satisfaction.
to helping deliver advice and support. vulnerable. She is particularly patient with
They work with and are integral to all of those most vulnerable clients, especially if Thirza is a very capable, intelligent woman.
our advice teams and services. Without their case does not have legal merit. Over the years she has developed and
volunteers, Nucleus could not deliver the mastered her ITC skills. She has tackled
services or support which we currently She ensures she spends as much time cases and gained knowledge in a range
provide. as needed to ensure clients experience of social welfare law areas including
a caring and compassionate service, debt, benefits, immigration and housing.
We are indebted to their time, their en- making sure clients understand what are Using this wide base of knowledge,
ergy and commitment to fighting poverty. often complex legal decisions, and that she has proved to be brilliant at helping
they know their rights and options. assess vulnerable clients with multiple
interconnected issues. In doing so she has
She provides a humane client-focused often been able to tackle the deficiencies
service when they need it most, and helps and issues due to the system not having
busy, time-pressed caseworkers deal with an overarching client-centred purpose.
the most demanding cases.
68 69
Octavia Foundation
The Octavia Foundation is a charity
that connects people affected by
unemployment, ill health, social isolation
or low incomes in central and west London
with opportunities for positive personal
change. Our vision is to build stronger,
happier and healthier communities to help
create an enriched life where we live.
Our unique activities are built around the
diverse and changing needs of individuals
with much of our work taking place in
Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and
Hammersmith & Fulham. We work with
people who are living in some of the most
affluent boroughs in the country, yet are
affected by unemployment, ill health, Tatjana Kapoor
social isolation or low incomes.
We welcome people of all ages to benefit I’ve always loved charity shops, especially Volunteering has been a really enriching
from and be inspired by our jobs, training those linked to fashion. When I found out experience for me, as I have learnt so
and volunteering opportunities, our regular about Octavia’s local branch and went much. I had not appreciated how much
groups and activities or our innovative to have a look, I fell in love with the style was involved until I started, but I am
one-off projects. and the clothing there and signed up to building my skill set and knowledge all
become a volunteer. I like anything that the time. I would recommend becoming
Our popular red-fronted charity shops are is visual about this role: creating window a retail volunteer if you are interested in
well known and loved. Located on some displays, dressing the mannequins, clothes and fashion.
of London’s most famous streets, they are sorting the clothes. I can really use my
regularly listed among the capital’s top creative flair and I think being deaf helps, Why not come on in and see for yourself!
charity shops. They provide customers as creating things visually is important to
with an ethical and sustainable approach me. I also enjoy working on the tills.
to shopping, with profits from every sale
supporting our work within the local Being deaf, I find communication can
community. be a bit of a barrier, as it is tricky to rely
on lip reading when talking to staff and
customers. The fact that I work regularly
with the same colleagues really helps, as
I can get to know people and build a real
rapport. My managers are great at writing
information down for me, to make sure we
understand each other!
70 71
Octavia Foundation
The Octavia Foundation is a charity
that connects people affected by
unemployment, ill health, social isolation
or low incomes in central and west London
with opportunities for positive personal
change. Our vision is to build stronger,
happier and healthier communities to help
create an enriched life where we live.
Our unique activities are built around the
diverse and changing needs of individuals
with much of our work taking place in
Westminster, Kensington & Chelsea and
Hammersmith & Fulham. We work with
people who are living in some of the most
affluent boroughs in the country, yet are
affected by unemployment, ill health, Tatjana Kapoor
social isolation or low incomes.
We welcome people of all ages to benefit I’ve always loved charity shops, especially Volunteering has been a really enriching
from and be inspired by our jobs, training those linked to fashion. When I found out experience for me, as I have learnt so
and volunteering opportunities, our regular about Octavia’s local branch and went much. I had not appreciated how much
groups and activities or our innovative to have a look, I fell in love with the style was involved until I started, but I am
one-off projects. and the clothing there and signed up to building my skill set and knowledge all
become a volunteer. I like anything that the time. I would recommend becoming
Our popular red-fronted charity shops are is visual about this role: creating window a retail volunteer if you are interested in
well known and loved. Located on some displays, dressing the mannequins, clothes and fashion.
of London’s most famous streets, they are sorting the clothes. I can really use my
regularly listed among the capital’s top creative flair and I think being deaf helps, Why not come on in and see for yourself!
charity shops. They provide customers as creating things visually is important to
with an ethical and sustainable approach me. I also enjoy working on the tills.
to shopping, with profits from every sale
supporting our work within the local Being deaf, I find communication can
community. be a bit of a barrier, as it is tricky to rely
on lip reading when talking to staff and
customers. The fact that I work regularly
with the same colleagues really helps, as
I can get to know people and build a real
rapport. My managers are great at writing
information down for me, to make sure we
understand each other!
70 71
Open Age
An outings group arranges regular visits
to attractions in and around London and
we have facilitated telephone groups for
those who are housebound. ‘Time For Me’
provides activities and trips out for unpaid
carers. Link-Up staff work on a one-to-one
basis and help people who are isolated
attend our activities, breaking down the
barriers that are preventing them leaving
their homes.
Valerie is an essential part of helping to
deliver all that we do for our members at
Open Age. She is always on hand to offer
valuable advice over the telephone when
needed, and even if Open Age is unable
to help, she is knowledgeable about other Valerie Defoe
services that can be recommended.
Her relaxed and friendly nature is always I had decided to take a career break I have enjoyed working at Open Age; it has
calming to our members when they pop in because of health issues and was also a relaxed working atmosphere even when
to the office and she has really made an considering changing the type of work it is busy. The other volunteers are really
impact since joining us nearly two years I was doing. I was informed about Route supportive and easy to get on with.
ago. 50+, a charity which assisted people over
50 to find employment. It has been very interesting working here
Valerie’s contribution to the administrative and finding out about all the activities
side of Open Age is invaluable and we When I attended an interview, I said I was that take place in the borough, which I
would be lost without her. She has never interested in doing voluntary work while was completely unaware of. Working with
Open Age works across Kensington & taken a day off in the time that she has considering my career changes. I was Open Age has enabled me to update
Chelsea, Westminster and Hammersmith been with the organisation and always told about Open Age, a charity set up to my computer skills and get back into the
& Fulham to enable anyone aged 50 or arrives first in the mornings. Valerie has organise activities for people aged 50 and working routine.
older to sustain their physical and mental made an outstanding contribution to the over, and who were looking for volunteers.
fitness, maintain an active lifestyle and voluntary sector.
develop new and stimulating interests. The work I do includes collecting and
distributing the post, processing member
We provide a wide range of physical, details on the membership register, taking
creative and mentally stimulating activities members’ queries over the phone, and
to enable older people to develop new occasionally meeting members who come
skills, fulfil their potential and make into the office. I also help with the quarterly
new friends. We offer over 350 weekly information packs which are distributed
activities from more than 60 sites, covering to the members, and general office
everything from health and fitness classes administration.
such as dance, yoga, chair exercise and
walking groups to creative and performing
arts sessions and groups with speakers.
72 73
Open Age
An outings group arranges regular visits
to attractions in and around London and
we have facilitated telephone groups for
those who are housebound. ‘Time For Me’
provides activities and trips out for unpaid
carers. Link-Up staff work on a one-to-one
basis and help people who are isolated
attend our activities, breaking down the
barriers that are preventing them leaving
their homes.
Valerie is an essential part of helping to
deliver all that we do for our members at
Open Age. She is always on hand to offer
valuable advice over the telephone when
needed, and even if Open Age is unable
to help, she is knowledgeable about other Valerie Defoe
services that can be recommended.
Her relaxed and friendly nature is always I had decided to take a career break I have enjoyed working at Open Age; it has
calming to our members when they pop in because of health issues and was also a relaxed working atmosphere even when
to the office and she has really made an considering changing the type of work it is busy. The other volunteers are really
impact since joining us nearly two years I was doing. I was informed about Route supportive and easy to get on with.
ago. 50+, a charity which assisted people over
50 to find employment. It has been very interesting working here
Valerie’s contribution to the administrative and finding out about all the activities
side of Open Age is invaluable and we When I attended an interview, I said I was that take place in the borough, which I
would be lost without her. She has never interested in doing voluntary work while was completely unaware of. Working with
Open Age works across Kensington & taken a day off in the time that she has considering my career changes. I was Open Age has enabled me to update
Chelsea, Westminster and Hammersmith been with the organisation and always told about Open Age, a charity set up to my computer skills and get back into the
& Fulham to enable anyone aged 50 or arrives first in the mornings. Valerie has organise activities for people aged 50 and working routine.
older to sustain their physical and mental made an outstanding contribution to the over, and who were looking for volunteers.
fitness, maintain an active lifestyle and voluntary sector.
develop new and stimulating interests. The work I do includes collecting and
distributing the post, processing member
We provide a wide range of physical, details on the membership register, taking
creative and mentally stimulating activities members’ queries over the phone, and
to enable older people to develop new occasionally meeting members who come
skills, fulfil their potential and make into the office. I also help with the quarterly
new friends. We offer over 350 weekly information packs which are distributed
activities from more than 60 sites, covering to the members, and general office
everything from health and fitness classes administration.
such as dance, yoga, chair exercise and
walking groups to creative and performing
arts sessions and groups with speakers.
72 73
The Pepper Pot Centre
One particular visitor’s tale of retirement
depression compelled Pansy to take
action. She and her CAB colleague
Bridget Davies organized lunchtime soup
and served it to the half-dozen pensioners
who otherwise had nowhere to meet their
Caribbean counterparts. Thus the Pepper
Pot Centre stirred into life.
The Centre is in the heart of Ladbroke
Grove, serving the African, Caribbean
and other communities for the over
50s in Kensington and Chelsea (and
neighbouring boroughs).
The Pepper Pot Centre pools all available
resources within the community to meet Ferrass Martini
the socio-cultural, physical, emotional
and psychological needs of African and
Caribbean elders, ensuring that each I love helping charities and my local The best thing about volunteering is being
individual enjoys a high quality of life. community. I am able to use my skills and active in the community. It’s such a great
experiences and give my time for free to a feeling when you see the impact of what
Our active members can enjoy can enjoy good cause. To do this means a lot to me. you do, making your own community a
a healthy balanced Caribbean meal better place for residents.
and recreational services, our disabled I volunteer at the Pepper Pot Day Centre as
members can benefit from Day Care a Junior Chef where I help the Head Chef Volunteering has changed my life for the
services and our active elderly members prepare tasty and nutritious food such as better. It’s helped me to take responsibility
can use the Drop In services. rice, meat dishes and salad. We see so and has improved my health. I am happy
The Pepper Pot Centre was founded by much of the community walking through to be helping out with the elderly and also
Pansy Jeffrey and formally established in We have a number of activities including our doors and the food we serve is always gardening. It brings me happiness and
1981 under the auspices of the Community regular day outings around London, well received. I really enjoy volunteering I also make others happy through my
Service of the Royal Borough of Kensington exchange visits with other day centres, and working with food. I previously worked volunteering and that’s an amazing feeling.
and Chelsea Citizens Advice Bureau. music and dance therapy, Christmas as a Junior Chef at Harrods, so it’s great
parties, dominoes and bingo, pool table to be able to continue doing something I I think everyone should try volunteering
Pansy’s aim was to offer a culturally and other games. We also offer Bible love. I also help with washing dishes and – you will have so many different and
sensitive drop-in centre for recently retired, classes and gospel singing, arts and clearing up the kitchen. wonderful experiences. You are also
redundant or disabled members of the crafts, technology classes and exercise able to learn new skills and use existing
elderly African Caribbean community. In classes. What I like best about the organisation skills for the benefit of a charity and your
her role at the Citizens Advice Bureau – on is that everyone is so nice. The manager community, and that’s always a good
the very site of Pepper Pot today – Pansy is very understanding, the Head Chef is thing.
had heard many tales of hardship faced brilliant and everyone is so patient. It’s a
by the early Caribbean settlers who come great environment to be in.
to London to furnish the labour market in
the 1950s and 1960s.
74 75
The Pepper Pot Centre
One particular visitor’s tale of retirement
depression compelled Pansy to take
action. She and her CAB colleague
Bridget Davies organized lunchtime soup
and served it to the half-dozen pensioners
who otherwise had nowhere to meet their
Caribbean counterparts. Thus the Pepper
Pot Centre stirred into life.
The Centre is in the heart of Ladbroke
Grove, serving the African, Caribbean
and other communities for the over
50s in Kensington and Chelsea (and
neighbouring boroughs).
The Pepper Pot Centre pools all available
resources within the community to meet Ferrass Martini
the socio-cultural, physical, emotional
and psychological needs of African and
Caribbean elders, ensuring that each I love helping charities and my local The best thing about volunteering is being
individual enjoys a high quality of life. community. I am able to use my skills and active in the community. It’s such a great
experiences and give my time for free to a feeling when you see the impact of what
Our active members can enjoy can enjoy good cause. To do this means a lot to me. you do, making your own community a
a healthy balanced Caribbean meal better place for residents.
and recreational services, our disabled I volunteer at the Pepper Pot Day Centre as
members can benefit from Day Care a Junior Chef where I help the Head Chef Volunteering has changed my life for the
services and our active elderly members prepare tasty and nutritious food such as better. It’s helped me to take responsibility
can use the Drop In services. rice, meat dishes and salad. We see so and has improved my health. I am happy
The Pepper Pot Centre was founded by much of the community walking through to be helping out with the elderly and also
Pansy Jeffrey and formally established in We have a number of activities including our doors and the food we serve is always gardening. It brings me happiness and
1981 under the auspices of the Community regular day outings around London, well received. I really enjoy volunteering I also make others happy through my
Service of the Royal Borough of Kensington exchange visits with other day centres, and working with food. I previously worked volunteering and that’s an amazing feeling.
and Chelsea Citizens Advice Bureau. music and dance therapy, Christmas as a Junior Chef at Harrods, so it’s great
parties, dominoes and bingo, pool table to be able to continue doing something I I think everyone should try volunteering
Pansy’s aim was to offer a culturally and other games. We also offer Bible love. I also help with washing dishes and – you will have so many different and
sensitive drop-in centre for recently retired, classes and gospel singing, arts and clearing up the kitchen. wonderful experiences. You are also
redundant or disabled members of the crafts, technology classes and exercise able to learn new skills and use existing
elderly African Caribbean community. In classes. What I like best about the organisation skills for the benefit of a charity and your
her role at the Citizens Advice Bureau – on is that everyone is so nice. The manager community, and that’s always a good
the very site of Pepper Pot today – Pansy is very understanding, the Head Chef is thing.
had heard many tales of hardship faced brilliant and everyone is so patient. It’s a
by the early Caribbean settlers who come great environment to be in.
to London to furnish the labour market in
the 1950s and 1960s.
74 75
Portobello Business Centre
Our mission is to be a leading provider
of world-class training, counselling and
consultancy services through listening
and responding to the needs of our
customers; to help start-up and growing
businesses realise their potential through
high-quality, independent and confidential
support delivered by an innovative and
professional team.
Our objective is to promote enterprise in
Central and West London with special
reference to encouraging the formation
and development of small businesses. We
also aim to be a world-class enterprise
agency and business support organisation,
provide education, instruction, training Marianna Kisandraki
and support for start-up and existing
businesses in our catchment area, focus
on the true requirements of our customers When I moved to London, I thought I could I loved the team from the very first day. They
by tailoring our services to their needs, find a job easily as I had a Master’s degree were really friendly and supportive and
and to maintain financial viability through in Marketing and a few years of work helped me a lot with my communication
servicing our existing contracts and by experience back in Greece. However, skills, which built my confidence and made
quickly responding to market drivers and the competition was really tough and my me think that I could find a job soon. They
being innovative. English was not very good! I decided to trusted me and that was the best part. I
become a volunteer to improve my skills was very much a part of the team.
and get some work experience in this
country. I managed to get a contract with a start-up
Portobello Business Centre (PBC) is a company. When my contract ended, the
not-for-profit social enterprise with over The Volunteer Centre was close by. I met a PBC offered me a paid position. I could
25 years of providing community-based friendly member of staff, called Yasir, who not be more grateful for this organisation.
business support services. We recycle tried to convince me that my English was
our resources to generate income, skills perfect for a volunteer position. He was The best thing about volunteering is you can
and opportunities to provide a stream of kind and positive, exactly what I needed gain knowledge of many different things.
services supporting individuals, those at that time. You can meet great people, experienced
looking at self-employment options, as professionals and build friendships, which
well as new young and micro businesses. When I started volunteering for Portobello is so important especially for people from
We are based within and work with a Business Centre, I wanted to learn other countries.
deprived community as an organisation something new every day. I was helping
set on changing people’s lives. This is at with easy things, such as answering Volunteering makes you feel useful, it
the very heart of the ethos of Portobello phones, and after a while, my role became gives you more experience for your CV or
Business Centre. more important, as I started managing new skills for your daily life. Last but not
the social media, organising events and least, you make new friends and if you are
keeping the website up to date. lucky enough you will get the same help in
the future if you need it.
76 77
Portobello Business Centre
Our mission is to be a leading provider
of world-class training, counselling and
consultancy services through listening
and responding to the needs of our
customers; to help start-up and growing
businesses realise their potential through
high-quality, independent and confidential
support delivered by an innovative and
professional team.
Our objective is to promote enterprise in
Central and West London with special
reference to encouraging the formation
and development of small businesses. We
also aim to be a world-class enterprise
agency and business support organisation,
provide education, instruction, training Marianna Kisandraki
and support for start-up and existing
businesses in our catchment area, focus
on the true requirements of our customers When I moved to London, I thought I could I loved the team from the very first day. They
by tailoring our services to their needs, find a job easily as I had a Master’s degree were really friendly and supportive and
and to maintain financial viability through in Marketing and a few years of work helped me a lot with my communication
servicing our existing contracts and by experience back in Greece. However, skills, which built my confidence and made
quickly responding to market drivers and the competition was really tough and my me think that I could find a job soon. They
being innovative. English was not very good! I decided to trusted me and that was the best part. I
become a volunteer to improve my skills was very much a part of the team.
and get some work experience in this
country. I managed to get a contract with a start-up
Portobello Business Centre (PBC) is a company. When my contract ended, the
not-for-profit social enterprise with over The Volunteer Centre was close by. I met a PBC offered me a paid position. I could
25 years of providing community-based friendly member of staff, called Yasir, who not be more grateful for this organisation.
business support services. We recycle tried to convince me that my English was
our resources to generate income, skills perfect for a volunteer position. He was The best thing about volunteering is you can
and opportunities to provide a stream of kind and positive, exactly what I needed gain knowledge of many different things.
services supporting individuals, those at that time. You can meet great people, experienced
looking at self-employment options, as professionals and build friendships, which
well as new young and micro businesses. When I started volunteering for Portobello is so important especially for people from
We are based within and work with a Business Centre, I wanted to learn other countries.
deprived community as an organisation something new every day. I was helping
set on changing people’s lives. This is at with easy things, such as answering Volunteering makes you feel useful, it
the very heart of the ethos of Portobello phones, and after a while, my role became gives you more experience for your CV or
Business Centre. more important, as I started managing new skills for your daily life. Last but not
the social media, organising events and least, you make new friends and if you are
keeping the website up to date. lucky enough you will get the same help in
the future if you need it.
76 77
The Reader
Reading groups create a safe, welcoming
space where individual thought and
feeling is recognised and valued. Group
members can choose to read aloud, share
personal reflections or simply to listen – in
this way, individuals form real connections
with the literature and with each other.
As a Reader Leader, Cherry has led weekly
Shared Reading groups for local members
of the West London area to help improve
personal well-being and build community
by reading great literature aloud together.
As a Shared Reading Organiser, Cherry
helped to support the Shared Reading
community by organising social outings
for volunteer and group members, Cherry Trott
representing The Reader at events, and
organising support and resources for
fellow volunteers. I was looking for a retirement project and purpose, which can be lacking when you
wanted to work with people suffering from first retire, and I really enjoy it. Attendees
On top of being a Shared Reading Group mental health conditions. I was hoping at my group are very appreciative and
Leader, Cherry took on the added role and still hope to improve their lives by I believe they look forward to it too.
of Shared Reading Organiser at a time introducing them to great literature and Reading novels, rather than short stories,
of restructuring which helped to ensure giving them an opportunity to discuss the has proved beneficial because people
the continuation of the Shared Reading work and how it relates to their own lives. become more involved in the story and
community in West London. Cherry’s sometimes watch films adapted from the
flexibility and willingness to take on this I am a Reader Leader, which involves novels. They also enjoy poetry and often
The Reader is a national charity that wants responsibility is testament to her kindness running a Shared Reading group once a spot the links between the prose and the
to bring about a reading revolution so that and care for The Reader and for her week for an hour and a half. The Reader poem selected.
everyone can experience and enjoy great community. is very supportive of its volunteers. We
literature, which we believe is a tool for have a support meeting once a month I would encourage anyone who has a few
helping humans survive and live well. Through Shared Reading, group members and other opportunities to meet our Hub hours to spare each week to try some form
are given the space to reflect and make Leader and other volunteers on a regular of voluntary work. You can help to make a
Volunteers with The Reader lead weekly connections within themselves and with basis, including social events. We can difference to the lives of others and benefit
Shared Reading sessions that bring people others, which often leads to a willingness also phone or email the Hub Leader at any from it yourself. You meet new people
together in small groups to read aloud a to be more authentic with other members time if we need help. and help each other. To work with The
book, short story or poem. Our Shared of their community. Reader you do not need to be an expert
The best thing about volunteering is in literature; you just need to enjoy reading
meeting new people and looking forward aloud and discussing stories, novels,
to sharing great literature with them. poetry and plays and be kind and friendly.
Volunteering has given me a sense of
78 79
The Reader
Reading groups create a safe, welcoming
space where individual thought and
feeling is recognised and valued. Group
members can choose to read aloud, share
personal reflections or simply to listen – in
this way, individuals form real connections
with the literature and with each other.
As a Reader Leader, Cherry has led weekly
Shared Reading groups for local members
of the West London area to help improve
personal well-being and build community
by reading great literature aloud together.
As a Shared Reading Organiser, Cherry
helped to support the Shared Reading
community by organising social outings
for volunteer and group members, Cherry Trott
representing The Reader at events, and
organising support and resources for
fellow volunteers. I was looking for a retirement project and purpose, which can be lacking when you
wanted to work with people suffering from first retire, and I really enjoy it. Attendees
On top of being a Shared Reading Group mental health conditions. I was hoping at my group are very appreciative and
Leader, Cherry took on the added role and still hope to improve their lives by I believe they look forward to it too.
of Shared Reading Organiser at a time introducing them to great literature and Reading novels, rather than short stories,
of restructuring which helped to ensure giving them an opportunity to discuss the has proved beneficial because people
the continuation of the Shared Reading work and how it relates to their own lives. become more involved in the story and
community in West London. Cherry’s sometimes watch films adapted from the
flexibility and willingness to take on this I am a Reader Leader, which involves novels. They also enjoy poetry and often
The Reader is a national charity that wants responsibility is testament to her kindness running a Shared Reading group once a spot the links between the prose and the
to bring about a reading revolution so that and care for The Reader and for her week for an hour and a half. The Reader poem selected.
everyone can experience and enjoy great community. is very supportive of its volunteers. We
literature, which we believe is a tool for have a support meeting once a month I would encourage anyone who has a few
helping humans survive and live well. Through Shared Reading, group members and other opportunities to meet our Hub hours to spare each week to try some form
are given the space to reflect and make Leader and other volunteers on a regular of voluntary work. You can help to make a
Volunteers with The Reader lead weekly connections within themselves and with basis, including social events. We can difference to the lives of others and benefit
Shared Reading sessions that bring people others, which often leads to a willingness also phone or email the Hub Leader at any from it yourself. You meet new people
together in small groups to read aloud a to be more authentic with other members time if we need help. and help each other. To work with The
book, short story or poem. Our Shared of their community. Reader you do not need to be an expert
The best thing about volunteering is in literature; you just need to enjoy reading
meeting new people and looking forward aloud and discussing stories, novels,
to sharing great literature with them. poetry and plays and be kind and friendly.
Volunteering has given me a sense of
78 79
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
LIBRARIES AND ARCHIVES SERVICE
Libraries also provide a range of electronic
resources (newspapers and magazines;
dictionaries and encyclopaedias; and
popular resources for researching family
history are just a few of those available)
which can be accessed from home or at
the library. Libraries are there for all age
groups and everyone can find something
of interest in our service, which prides
itself on being at the heart of the local
community. Our well-trained team can
support everyone who visits the library to
find what they want, either directly through
our resources or by being signposted to
other services and organisations who work
closely with us. Lisa Cleveland
Increasingly we recruit local volunteers to
help us really connect with the community. It was the start of 2012 and the build-up I volunteer at Brompton Library each
They are vital to the service, enabling us towards the London Olympics. Lots of Saturday leading Storyland (reading
to provide and facilitate activities for local volunteering roles were on offer through books with some singing and rhymes) and
residents. Working closely with us, they Team London, the Mayor’s programme to doing craft activities. I am also a presence
are recognised as valued members of our focus volunteering efforts where needed in the library to welcome children and their
team. most. The Volunteer Centre was helpful carers. I read to and with the children and
in highlighting roles that matched the help them with tasks on the computer or
Lisa Cleveland has made a real con- skills I could offer. As a teacher I was with school projects and encourage them
tribution to the lives of many children who becoming increasingly concerned about to keep borrowing and reading books.
The Libraries and Archives Service in visit Brompton Library. The children who the long summer holiday which, although
Kensington and Chelsea operates from come to the library make it what it is and it is needed, can be a time when reading The best thing about volunteering is the
six locations across the borough, offering we offer story and rhyme-time events on skills and confidence decline. So I met people you meet and the variety of events
access to a range of library materials and weekdays and Storyland on Saturdays. Sue Cornish and put myself forward for you can help with. Volunteering is a way of
information. Residents also have access During induction for new volunteers, Lisa a Children and Young People’s Activity giving something back to your community,
to the Home Library Service if they have is able to share her experience and tips Helper based at Brompton Library, to learn new skills and improve job
mobility or other issues which mean they for successfully working with children. initially working on the Summer Reading prospects.
are unable to visit the library. All library Brompton Library wouldn’t be the same Challenge (SRC).
users have access to books in various without Lisa and she is a role model Libraries provide a perfect place where
formats, computers, and can attend for other volunteers across the Library SRC encourages children to continue to there is access to books, without cost, in a
a variety of events (including reading Service. read and learn throughout the summer comfortable setting. They are fundamental
groups, author talks, computer classes holiday. When this project came to an and so desperately needed in each
and craft activities for children). end I wished to continue volunteering community. Events and supportive groups
and when Saturday Storyland began, this enable access for a wider audience and
. seemed the perfect next opportunity. I the staff are supportive, friendly and
have now had the privilege of working on 8 always prepared to listen.
SRC programmes.
80 81
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
LIBRARIES AND ARCHIVES SERVICE
Libraries also provide a range of electronic
resources (newspapers and magazines;
dictionaries and encyclopaedias; and
popular resources for researching family
history are just a few of those available)
which can be accessed from home or at
the library. Libraries are there for all age
groups and everyone can find something
of interest in our service, which prides
itself on being at the heart of the local
community. Our well-trained team can
support everyone who visits the library to
find what they want, either directly through
our resources or by being signposted to
other services and organisations who work
closely with us. Lisa Cleveland
Increasingly we recruit local volunteers to
help us really connect with the community. It was the start of 2012 and the build-up I volunteer at Brompton Library each
They are vital to the service, enabling us towards the London Olympics. Lots of Saturday leading Storyland (reading
to provide and facilitate activities for local volunteering roles were on offer through books with some singing and rhymes) and
residents. Working closely with us, they Team London, the Mayor’s programme to doing craft activities. I am also a presence
are recognised as valued members of our focus volunteering efforts where needed in the library to welcome children and their
team. most. The Volunteer Centre was helpful carers. I read to and with the children and
in highlighting roles that matched the help them with tasks on the computer or
Lisa Cleveland has made a real con- skills I could offer. As a teacher I was with school projects and encourage them
tribution to the lives of many children who becoming increasingly concerned about to keep borrowing and reading books.
The Libraries and Archives Service in visit Brompton Library. The children who the long summer holiday which, although
Kensington and Chelsea operates from come to the library make it what it is and it is needed, can be a time when reading The best thing about volunteering is the
six locations across the borough, offering we offer story and rhyme-time events on skills and confidence decline. So I met people you meet and the variety of events
access to a range of library materials and weekdays and Storyland on Saturdays. Sue Cornish and put myself forward for you can help with. Volunteering is a way of
information. Residents also have access During induction for new volunteers, Lisa a Children and Young People’s Activity giving something back to your community,
to the Home Library Service if they have is able to share her experience and tips Helper based at Brompton Library, to learn new skills and improve job
mobility or other issues which mean they for successfully working with children. initially working on the Summer Reading prospects.
are unable to visit the library. All library Brompton Library wouldn’t be the same Challenge (SRC).
users have access to books in various without Lisa and she is a role model Libraries provide a perfect place where
formats, computers, and can attend for other volunteers across the Library SRC encourages children to continue to there is access to books, without cost, in a
a variety of events (including reading Service. read and learn throughout the summer comfortable setting. They are fundamental
groups, author talks, computer classes holiday. When this project came to an and so desperately needed in each
and craft activities for children). end I wished to continue volunteering community. Events and supportive groups
and when Saturday Storyland began, this enable access for a wider audience and
. seemed the perfect next opportunity. I the staff are supportive, friendly and
have now had the privilege of working on 8 always prepared to listen.
SRC programmes.
80 81
Royal Brompton and Harefield Arts
(RB&HARTS)
Regular workshops teach creative skills
to patients, staff and visitors, regardless
of condition or artistic experience. Some
of our patients can be in for months at a
time, and the Crafternoons place strong
emphasis on conversation, helping
participants overcome loneliness and
boredom. Other benefits include cases
where physiotherapists have worked in
collaboration with Crafternoons to get
patients moving and improving their
dexterity. Patients with things to look
forward to and enjoyable activities to do
are known to recover more swiftly.
Naturally some patients are unable to Margaret Williams
attend the Crafternoons because they are
not well enough or they have procedures
throughout the day. To circumvent this, we I started volunteering because I had time is being planned next! It’s fun working in
provide craft kits that can be handed out to to give and out of gratitude to the NHS and a creative and supportive team where you
anyone on the wards. the Royal Brompton and Harefield Trust in feel valued.
particular. I had no particular achievement
Before Margaret this was merely an idea. in mind; I simply wanted to contribute my Through volunteering I have met many
Margaret has frequently gone above and time, skills and experience in whatever lovely people from a variety of backgrounds
beyond to support this work, researching way was useful. and have acquired many different insights,
and assembling craft kits for distribution, as well as being able to share my own
even creating her own instruction booklets I volunteer with Royal Brompton and knowledge and skills with patients, visitors
We are the arts team at Royal Brompton to give away. She has regularly volunteered Harefield Arts (rb&harts) and my role is and staff. Being a volunteer is very much
& Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, the her spare evenings to teach patients to varied, including preparing craft items for a two-way process: you give, you gain
largest specialist heart and lung hospital knit and crochet, offering them a friendly sale to raise funds for the arts team and and as a result, you grow. It’s a win-win
in Europe, supporting people from all over chat and a new skill to take home. helping with the Crafternoons project. I situation. Most of all, I have enjoyed being
the UK living with the most complex and have recently produced a series of craft part of an effective team.
serious cardiothoracic conditions. The arts Margaret is a great asset to the arts activities for patients to use on hospital
programme is designed to improve the team and the hospital trust thanks to her wards. Giving your time and supporting others
well-being of patients, visitors and staff enthusiasm and generosity. Her warm brings unexpected benefits to both
by offering access to high quality arts. It and gentle manner is always noticed, I have volunteered with rb&harts for the parties. I would say to give it a go, don’t
began in 2002 and now, in a typical year, with staff and patients commenting on her past two and a half years and I have overcommit at first, ease yourself in and
we run over 250 workshops with over 5,000 kindness. rb&hArts and the patients of found it to be challenging, stimulating you’ll be surprised at the result.
people taking part. This includes music Royal Brompton Hospital are so lucky to and rewarding. I have enjoyed working
performance, musical teaching, arts and have her. directly with the arts team who are lively,
crafts, dance, visual arts and more. friendly, open and imaginative. They offer
a huge variety of activities and ongoing
initiatives. You never know quite what
fresh idea is around the corner and what
82 83
Royal Brompton and Harefield Arts
(RB&HARTS)
Regular workshops teach creative skills
to patients, staff and visitors, regardless
of condition or artistic experience. Some
of our patients can be in for months at a
time, and the Crafternoons place strong
emphasis on conversation, helping
participants overcome loneliness and
boredom. Other benefits include cases
where physiotherapists have worked in
collaboration with Crafternoons to get
patients moving and improving their
dexterity. Patients with things to look
forward to and enjoyable activities to do
are known to recover more swiftly.
Naturally some patients are unable to Margaret Williams
attend the Crafternoons because they are
not well enough or they have procedures
throughout the day. To circumvent this, we I started volunteering because I had time is being planned next! It’s fun working in
provide craft kits that can be handed out to to give and out of gratitude to the NHS and a creative and supportive team where you
anyone on the wards. the Royal Brompton and Harefield Trust in feel valued.
particular. I had no particular achievement
Before Margaret this was merely an idea. in mind; I simply wanted to contribute my Through volunteering I have met many
Margaret has frequently gone above and time, skills and experience in whatever lovely people from a variety of backgrounds
beyond to support this work, researching way was useful. and have acquired many different insights,
and assembling craft kits for distribution, as well as being able to share my own
even creating her own instruction booklets I volunteer with Royal Brompton and knowledge and skills with patients, visitors
We are the arts team at Royal Brompton to give away. She has regularly volunteered Harefield Arts (rb&harts) and my role is and staff. Being a volunteer is very much
& Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, the her spare evenings to teach patients to varied, including preparing craft items for a two-way process: you give, you gain
largest specialist heart and lung hospital knit and crochet, offering them a friendly sale to raise funds for the arts team and and as a result, you grow. It’s a win-win
in Europe, supporting people from all over chat and a new skill to take home. helping with the Crafternoons project. I situation. Most of all, I have enjoyed being
the UK living with the most complex and have recently produced a series of craft part of an effective team.
serious cardiothoracic conditions. The arts Margaret is a great asset to the arts activities for patients to use on hospital
programme is designed to improve the team and the hospital trust thanks to her wards. Giving your time and supporting others
well-being of patients, visitors and staff enthusiasm and generosity. Her warm brings unexpected benefits to both
by offering access to high quality arts. It and gentle manner is always noticed, I have volunteered with rb&harts for the parties. I would say to give it a go, don’t
began in 2002 and now, in a typical year, with staff and patients commenting on her past two and a half years and I have overcommit at first, ease yourself in and
we run over 250 workshops with over 5,000 kindness. rb&hArts and the patients of found it to be challenging, stimulating you’ll be surprised at the result.
people taking part. This includes music Royal Brompton Hospital are so lucky to and rewarding. I have enjoyed working
performance, musical teaching, arts and have her. directly with the arts team who are lively,
crafts, dance, visual arts and more. friendly, open and imaginative. They offer
a huge variety of activities and ongoing
initiatives. You never know quite what
fresh idea is around the corner and what
82 83
Royal Trinity Hospice
Royal Trinity Hospice provides skilled,
compassionate care and support to
people with progressive, life-limiting
illnesses and those close to them. We are
the local hospice for the London Borough
of Wandsworth, plus parts of Lambeth,
Merton, Westminster, Richmond upon
Thames, Kensington & Chelsea and
Hammersmith & Fulham.
We support people living in our London
community, at home and at the hospice.
At any moment, Trinity is caring for 700
patients.
All our services are provided free of charge
to patients and their families. We receive Sue Heyes
only a quarter of our funding from the NHS
and rely on donations and the income from
our 32 shops to raise the remaining £10.5 I recently retired from being a manager of I feel that Trinity provide excellent care
million every year that is needed for our a large travel agent where I and my team for their patients, in a lovely setting. The
services to continue. won accolades for customer service and support and praise I get from my manager,
reaching targets. Amira, is very rewarding and she makes
Over 400 people choose to give their time me feel like I am a valued member of the
by volunteering in one of Trinity’s charity I volunteer at the Royal Trinity Hospice team.
shops, at our retail head office, or in the shop as a team leader. I really value
hospice. We couldn’t do what we do customer service and being able to make The best thing about volunteering is being
without the support of our volunteers. every experience great, by treating people involved with customers and feeling like
like they are a member of my own family I’m contributing to ensure Royal Trinity
Trinity has been providing this support for and building rapport with them so that they Hospice can carry on the great work they
over 125 years – last year we cared for will continue to buy from the Charity and do to make patients comfortable right to
2,500 people. Our ongoing mission is to donate to us, and spread the word to their the end. Unfortunately, I have had near
be the hospice of choice for all those who friends. family members pass away in the hospice
need us and an example of excellence in and although I do long hours, I feel like
end of life care. I value the volunteers we have and always what I am doing is very worthwhile and
thank them for their time and make sure rewarding.
that I delegate roles to their strengths.
I open the shop really early to catch the
passing trade, I love reaching targets and
I always set myself a daily goal.
84 85
Royal Trinity Hospice
Royal Trinity Hospice provides skilled,
compassionate care and support to
people with progressive, life-limiting
illnesses and those close to them. We are
the local hospice for the London Borough
of Wandsworth, plus parts of Lambeth,
Merton, Westminster, Richmond upon
Thames, Kensington & Chelsea and
Hammersmith & Fulham.
We support people living in our London
community, at home and at the hospice.
At any moment, Trinity is caring for 700
patients.
All our services are provided free of charge
to patients and their families. We receive Sue Heyes
only a quarter of our funding from the NHS
and rely on donations and the income from
our 32 shops to raise the remaining £10.5 I recently retired from being a manager of I feel that Trinity provide excellent care
million every year that is needed for our a large travel agent where I and my team for their patients, in a lovely setting. The
services to continue. won accolades for customer service and support and praise I get from my manager,
reaching targets. Amira, is very rewarding and she makes
Over 400 people choose to give their time me feel like I am a valued member of the
by volunteering in one of Trinity’s charity I volunteer at the Royal Trinity Hospice team.
shops, at our retail head office, or in the shop as a team leader. I really value
hospice. We couldn’t do what we do customer service and being able to make The best thing about volunteering is being
without the support of our volunteers. every experience great, by treating people involved with customers and feeling like
like they are a member of my own family I’m contributing to ensure Royal Trinity
Trinity has been providing this support for and building rapport with them so that they Hospice can carry on the great work they
over 125 years – last year we cared for will continue to buy from the Charity and do to make patients comfortable right to
2,500 people. Our ongoing mission is to donate to us, and spread the word to their the end. Unfortunately, I have had near
be the hospice of choice for all those who friends. family members pass away in the hospice
need us and an example of excellence in and although I do long hours, I feel like
end of life care. I value the volunteers we have and always what I am doing is very worthwhile and
thank them for their time and make sure rewarding.
that I delegate roles to their strengths.
I open the shop really early to catch the
passing trade, I love reaching targets and
I always set myself a daily goal.
84 85
Rugby Portobello Trust
Today, RPT works with local children and
young people to help them to fulfil their
potential, keep safe and build and engage
with their community. We are committed to
enriching their lives and expanding their
horizons, and we do this by providing a
range of skills, activities and great facilities
alongside guidance and support. Our
centre on Walmer Road is busy all day,
evenings and at weekends, and last year
we worked with over 2,000 young people
and families.
Walmer Road is at the heart of an area
identified as having the highest levels of
income inequality. Kensington and Chelsea
has a ratio which is significantly higher Catherine Moss
than any other borough. Consequently
there are higher than average levels of
violence and crime, as well as substance Volunteering has always been an element The people at Rugby Portobello Trust –
misuse. in my life, as it is for many people. In staff, volunteers and those who use the
1994, the Youth Enterprise Scheme, a services – are wonderful. Everyone thrives
From our Summer Play Centre to our youth work section of the Portobello Trust on the rich mix of life experience and skills.
Football Academy and Homework Club (predecessor of The Rugby Portobello
to our Youth Club and music projects, Trust), needed someone to start a The managers have been willing to
we offer support to families, children and volunteer programme and I was looking integrate the volunteer programme into
young people, and also local mothers for a new volunteer role. I hoped my the organization completely, and every
through our Magic Mums Club and our management and admin experience for a member of staff understands the value
The Rugby Portobello Trust (RPT) is the Baby Equipment Loans Service. large company would be helpful. of volunteers and encourages volunteer
result of the merger of three organisations involvement.
– the Rugby Clubs, the Portobello Volunteering is at the heart of RPT; every I built and managed the volunteer
Houseshare and the Portobello Trust – volunteer makes a difference and helps us programme, and something rather small I have loved meeting the people at Rugby
which were providing a range of services to keep providing our vital services. We’re just kept on growing. This was thanks to Portobello Trust and have learned so
to young people in the Royal Borough proud that the work is equally rewarding the many people who volunteered and much. This has been a superb opportunity
of Kensington and Chelsea. Each of the for volunteers and the people they are the Portobello Trust’s (and later Rugby to develop my skills and experience by
three services was different: the Rugby working with and that many volunteers Portobello Trust’s) willingness to work with applying them to a new sector. I have also
Clubs was a youth club, the Portobello have worked at RPT for several years. This volunteers in a serious way. learned a great deal about myself.
Trust provided education and training for wonderful commitment and energy is a
young people and Portobello Houseshare core strength of the Trust. As a Volunteer Manager, I managed Volunteering isn’t for everyone and it
provided housing. Joining up the services about 100 volunteers who supported the is important that people realise and
meant a one-stop shop for young people children, young people and families who understand this. If possible, find a way
at the heart of North Kensington. use the Trust’s services, and also the 70- for a potential volunteer to have a go, with
plus fundraising volunteers. I also worked no obligation and handle it all with a light
directly with children and young people. touch.
86 87
Rugby Portobello Trust
Today, RPT works with local children and
young people to help them to fulfil their
potential, keep safe and build and engage
with their community. We are committed to
enriching their lives and expanding their
horizons, and we do this by providing a
range of skills, activities and great facilities
alongside guidance and support. Our
centre on Walmer Road is busy all day,
evenings and at weekends, and last year
we worked with over 2,000 young people
and families.
Walmer Road is at the heart of an area
identified as having the highest levels of
income inequality. Kensington and Chelsea
has a ratio which is significantly higher Catherine Moss
than any other borough. Consequently
there are higher than average levels of
violence and crime, as well as substance Volunteering has always been an element The people at Rugby Portobello Trust –
misuse. in my life, as it is for many people. In staff, volunteers and those who use the
1994, the Youth Enterprise Scheme, a services – are wonderful. Everyone thrives
From our Summer Play Centre to our youth work section of the Portobello Trust on the rich mix of life experience and skills.
Football Academy and Homework Club (predecessor of The Rugby Portobello
to our Youth Club and music projects, Trust), needed someone to start a The managers have been willing to
we offer support to families, children and volunteer programme and I was looking integrate the volunteer programme into
young people, and also local mothers for a new volunteer role. I hoped my the organization completely, and every
through our Magic Mums Club and our management and admin experience for a member of staff understands the value
The Rugby Portobello Trust (RPT) is the Baby Equipment Loans Service. large company would be helpful. of volunteers and encourages volunteer
result of the merger of three organisations involvement.
– the Rugby Clubs, the Portobello Volunteering is at the heart of RPT; every I built and managed the volunteer
Houseshare and the Portobello Trust – volunteer makes a difference and helps us programme, and something rather small I have loved meeting the people at Rugby
which were providing a range of services to keep providing our vital services. We’re just kept on growing. This was thanks to Portobello Trust and have learned so
to young people in the Royal Borough proud that the work is equally rewarding the many people who volunteered and much. This has been a superb opportunity
of Kensington and Chelsea. Each of the for volunteers and the people they are the Portobello Trust’s (and later Rugby to develop my skills and experience by
three services was different: the Rugby working with and that many volunteers Portobello Trust’s) willingness to work with applying them to a new sector. I have also
Clubs was a youth club, the Portobello have worked at RPT for several years. This volunteers in a serious way. learned a great deal about myself.
Trust provided education and training for wonderful commitment and energy is a
young people and Portobello Houseshare core strength of the Trust. As a Volunteer Manager, I managed Volunteering isn’t for everyone and it
provided housing. Joining up the services about 100 volunteers who supported the is important that people realise and
meant a one-stop shop for young people children, young people and families who understand this. If possible, find a way
at the heart of North Kensington. use the Trust’s services, and also the 70- for a potential volunteer to have a go, with
plus fundraising volunteers. I also worked no obligation and handle it all with a light
directly with children and young people. touch.
86 87
Solidarity Sports
a commitment to creating a safe, open-
minded, inclusive and loving environment,
where we can play together and happy
memories are made.
In London, far too many children live on
the margins of society. These children
often have nowhere to play, and few
opportunities to learn outside school.
Because we are a small charity, we get
to know each child we work with well. The
children and families who participate in
Solidarity Sports activities belong to one
extended family. We believe in every child
and never give up on anyone. We welcome
children from all backgrounds, particularly Hadeel Elshak
those who have fallen through the gaps
and those who have experienced trauma
or neglect. Above all, we create a safe and I honestly did not go into volunteering with children’s charities, because you’re able
loving environment. a lot of thought – it was something to fill to make a direct impact and feel incredibly
my free summer days. I came in for one valued.
We also run a mentoring scheme, which day and ended up staying for three years;
Hadeel has been part of. She mentors I never knew what an impact it would have One of the greatest achievements I’ve had
a young girl going through significant on my life. Looking back at my journey, the privilege of witnessing is the creation
trauma, and Hadeel has been a force of I can see that I’ve grown so much as an of the Hashim Family Legacy after the
encouragement to her mentee, keeping individual. passing of Firdaws, Yahya, Yaqub, Nura
her happy and engaged. Their mentoring and Hashim in the Grenfell Tower Fire. The
Solidarity Sports believe in the sessions often include therapeutic art Solidarity Sports is a small charity which group effort and ability to make something
transformative power of play. Through sessions. works with children referred through social beautiful out of such injustice is inspiring.
our work in West London, we have seen services, meaning a lot of our children
hundreds of children from disadvantaged Mentors are positive role models. They have had a rough start in life. The part we The best thing about volunteering is the
backgrounds, or those that have work with children to help them feel less play is to create long-lasting connections friendships you make. I also love how the
experienced trauma, become a part of our alone, increase their confidence and and a safe, positive and fun environment. charity places importance on just simply
family through our varied activities, which self-esteem and most importantly to have My role is to keep the kids engaged in having fun. Volunteering has made me
offer something for everyone. fun. Over time, we hope that children activities, be encouraging, supportive and more likely to say ‘yes’ to opportunities.
will establish a feeling of trust with their there to lend a helping hand. It’s made me more confident in using my
Established in 2007, we first focused mentors. voice and placing people at the centre of
on sports, but since then we’ve added Solidarity Sports means everything to me: I what I do.
healthy eating initiatives, arts activities, All of this is crucial if children are to have can say with so much confidence that I’ve
educational group trips, mentorship positive memories they can draw on gained a family and made connections for Volunteering is more than something to
programmes, and holidays in the UK and throughout their lives. life. It’s a privilege to belong to a team that put down on a CV. It’s being able to give
abroad. What binds these programmes is places so much importance on people. back, to see what’s happening in your own
Being a small charity places Solidarity community and contribute to something
Sports at an advantage compared to other that’s bigger than all of us.
88 89
Solidarity Sports
a commitment to creating a safe, open-
minded, inclusive and loving environment,
where we can play together and happy
memories are made.
In London, far too many children live on
the margins of society. These children
often have nowhere to play, and few
opportunities to learn outside school.
Because we are a small charity, we get
to know each child we work with well. The
children and families who participate in
Solidarity Sports activities belong to one
extended family. We believe in every child
and never give up on anyone. We welcome
children from all backgrounds, particularly Hadeel Elshak
those who have fallen through the gaps
and those who have experienced trauma
or neglect. Above all, we create a safe and I honestly did not go into volunteering with children’s charities, because you’re able
loving environment. a lot of thought – it was something to fill to make a direct impact and feel incredibly
my free summer days. I came in for one valued.
We also run a mentoring scheme, which day and ended up staying for three years;
Hadeel has been part of. She mentors I never knew what an impact it would have One of the greatest achievements I’ve had
a young girl going through significant on my life. Looking back at my journey, the privilege of witnessing is the creation
trauma, and Hadeel has been a force of I can see that I’ve grown so much as an of the Hashim Family Legacy after the
encouragement to her mentee, keeping individual. passing of Firdaws, Yahya, Yaqub, Nura
her happy and engaged. Their mentoring and Hashim in the Grenfell Tower Fire. The
Solidarity Sports believe in the sessions often include therapeutic art Solidarity Sports is a small charity which group effort and ability to make something
transformative power of play. Through sessions. works with children referred through social beautiful out of such injustice is inspiring.
our work in West London, we have seen services, meaning a lot of our children
hundreds of children from disadvantaged Mentors are positive role models. They have had a rough start in life. The part we The best thing about volunteering is the
backgrounds, or those that have work with children to help them feel less play is to create long-lasting connections friendships you make. I also love how the
experienced trauma, become a part of our alone, increase their confidence and and a safe, positive and fun environment. charity places importance on just simply
family through our varied activities, which self-esteem and most importantly to have My role is to keep the kids engaged in having fun. Volunteering has made me
offer something for everyone. fun. Over time, we hope that children activities, be encouraging, supportive and more likely to say ‘yes’ to opportunities.
will establish a feeling of trust with their there to lend a helping hand. It’s made me more confident in using my
Established in 2007, we first focused mentors. voice and placing people at the centre of
on sports, but since then we’ve added Solidarity Sports means everything to me: I what I do.
healthy eating initiatives, arts activities, All of this is crucial if children are to have can say with so much confidence that I’ve
educational group trips, mentorship positive memories they can draw on gained a family and made connections for Volunteering is more than something to
programmes, and holidays in the UK and throughout their lives. life. It’s a privilege to belong to a team that put down on a CV. It’s being able to give
abroad. What binds these programmes is places so much importance on people. back, to see what’s happening in your own
Being a small charity places Solidarity community and contribute to something
Sports at an advantage compared to other that’s bigger than all of us.
88 89
Spectra
Spectra works to improve the choices,
health and well-being of people like
you. We work with all people, often from
diverse and marginalised communities,
empowering positive, informed choices
about health, including sexual health,
emotional resilience and well-being, and
working with you to combat isolation and
risk.
We provide supportive, knowledgeable,
non-judgemental services which are all
peer-led, meaning they are delivered by
people from the communities we work with.
We are proactive in identifying the needs
of all our clients and supporting them.
Yaha Neserkhaeva
We aim for knowledgeable, aware and
empowered individuals and communities
who have clear, accurate, credible and I decided to volunteer for Spectra as it From the first day of my volunteering,
non-judgemental well-being and health was a way to give something back to the everyone at Spectra has been very friendly,
information and quality services that are community. I had time on my hands and supportive, helpful and appreciative of my
relevant and accessible. wanted to do something worthwhile. work. I always feel welcomed here.
Our mission is to empower individuals to My main role at Spectra is to quality- The best thing about volunteering is that
make positive choices, reduce stigma, check data from raw paperwork from the people are sincere and friendly and
discrimination and inequality by providing our outreach workers and input it on to I believe that they appreciate my work.
accurate information, education, support our database system. This relates to HIV Volunteering helped me realise that I have
and challenge, deliver innovative peer tests, outreach session information and a purpose in life. It is not just about work: I
support services using new technologies service performance evaluation forms consider my colleagues as a family.
and strong evidence bases and identify completed by our clients. This data helps
and respond to need within communities. our organisation to evaluate our work and Since my volunteering at Spectra I have
make decisions on improving it. become more confident and feel less
lonely and isolated. I’ve learned some new
What I like best about Spectra is that we skills in IT and communicating with people.
work to improve the health and well-being My English has also improved. I hope my
of communities which are often diverse and work facilitates Spectra’s daily operation
marginalised. Spectra aims to empower and maintains the quality of its services,
people to make positive choices. Another which benefit many people.
important part of our work is to help reduce
stigma, discrimination and inequality. This Volunteering not only helps the community,
can be achieved by providing accurate it also makes you feel good about yourself.
information, education, and support about
health – including sexual health, emotional
resilience and well-being.
90 91
Spectra
Spectra works to improve the choices,
health and well-being of people like
you. We work with all people, often from
diverse and marginalised communities,
empowering positive, informed choices
about health, including sexual health,
emotional resilience and well-being, and
working with you to combat isolation and
risk.
We provide supportive, knowledgeable,
non-judgemental services which are all
peer-led, meaning they are delivered by
people from the communities we work with.
We are proactive in identifying the needs
of all our clients and supporting them.
Yaha Neserkhaeva
We aim for knowledgeable, aware and
empowered individuals and communities
who have clear, accurate, credible and I decided to volunteer for Spectra as it From the first day of my volunteering,
non-judgemental well-being and health was a way to give something back to the everyone at Spectra has been very friendly,
information and quality services that are community. I had time on my hands and supportive, helpful and appreciative of my
relevant and accessible. wanted to do something worthwhile. work. I always feel welcomed here.
Our mission is to empower individuals to My main role at Spectra is to quality- The best thing about volunteering is that
make positive choices, reduce stigma, check data from raw paperwork from the people are sincere and friendly and
discrimination and inequality by providing our outreach workers and input it on to I believe that they appreciate my work.
accurate information, education, support our database system. This relates to HIV Volunteering helped me realise that I have
and challenge, deliver innovative peer tests, outreach session information and a purpose in life. It is not just about work: I
support services using new technologies service performance evaluation forms consider my colleagues as a family.
and strong evidence bases and identify completed by our clients. This data helps
and respond to need within communities. our organisation to evaluate our work and Since my volunteering at Spectra I have
make decisions on improving it. become more confident and feel less
lonely and isolated. I’ve learned some new
What I like best about Spectra is that we skills in IT and communicating with people.
work to improve the health and well-being My English has also improved. I hope my
of communities which are often diverse and work facilitates Spectra’s daily operation
marginalised. Spectra aims to empower and maintains the quality of its services,
people to make positive choices. Another which benefit many people.
important part of our work is to help reduce
stigma, discrimination and inequality. This Volunteering not only helps the community,
can be achieved by providing accurate it also makes you feel good about yourself.
information, education, and support about
health – including sexual health, emotional
resilience and well-being.
90 91
St Mary Abbots Rehabilitation and Training (SMART)
In 1985 St Mary Abbots Rehabilitation
and Training (SMART) was registered as
a Charity to support people affected by
mental illness on their path to recovery.
SMART is a charity promoting mental
health through purposeful activity. We
run a number of supported work and
training projects in gardening, floristry, IT
and catering. Our Bridge-building project
encourages people to participate in
community activities. In addition, SMART
runs an evening and weekend social clubs
programme. SMART music is held in the
cafe every Wednesday.
SMART works closely with the providers Nisreen Mesbahi
of statutory services, such as local
community mental health teams and
day services to develop a more holistic I decided to volunteer to build my The best thing about SMART is they are
approach to support people with mental confidence and to meet new people. I’m very understanding and helpful, good at
health needs. also very passionate about mental health meeting your needs and provide a lot of
and wanted to give back for all the support support and different services. They listen
St Charles Cafe is based at St Charles I have received. to what you want and help you to achieve
Hospital Mental Health Unit. The cafe it.
has been co-produced with patients of I volunteer with SMART, in a cafe in the
the hospital and service users and is mental health hospital. My role involves Volunteering gets you ready for going
solely staffed by volunteers. They play an making coffee or tea and healthy snacks back into work: you can learn different
important part and contribute massively to for patients. Prior to starting voluntary work skills, meet different people and help out
the success of the cafe. I struggled a lot with my anxiety. I wasn’t in your community. It has made me have
sure if I could do it. more hope for the future, and I now know I
can do more and achieve more in life.
I found the project to be a very warm and
welcoming environment, which has helped
hugely with my anxiety. I have found the role
to be empowering and I’ve also benefited
from being part of a team. Volunteering
has helped me on so many levels, not just
coping with anxiety but by increasing my
self-esteem and confidence, and helping
my communication skills, whether that be
one to one or in a group. I feel fortunate
to be a part of this project. The cafe helps
both service users and volunteers alike;
we are a good team.
92 93
St Mary Abbots Rehabilitation and Training (SMART)
In 1985 St Mary Abbots Rehabilitation
and Training (SMART) was registered as
a Charity to support people affected by
mental illness on their path to recovery.
SMART is a charity promoting mental
health through purposeful activity. We
run a number of supported work and
training projects in gardening, floristry, IT
and catering. Our Bridge-building project
encourages people to participate in
community activities. In addition, SMART
runs an evening and weekend social clubs
programme. SMART music is held in the
cafe every Wednesday.
SMART works closely with the providers Nisreen Mesbahi
of statutory services, such as local
community mental health teams and
day services to develop a more holistic I decided to volunteer to build my The best thing about SMART is they are
approach to support people with mental confidence and to meet new people. I’m very understanding and helpful, good at
health needs. also very passionate about mental health meeting your needs and provide a lot of
and wanted to give back for all the support support and different services. They listen
St Charles Cafe is based at St Charles I have received. to what you want and help you to achieve
Hospital Mental Health Unit. The cafe it.
has been co-produced with patients of I volunteer with SMART, in a cafe in the
the hospital and service users and is mental health hospital. My role involves Volunteering gets you ready for going
solely staffed by volunteers. They play an making coffee or tea and healthy snacks back into work: you can learn different
important part and contribute massively to for patients. Prior to starting voluntary work skills, meet different people and help out
the success of the cafe. I struggled a lot with my anxiety. I wasn’t in your community. It has made me have
sure if I could do it. more hope for the future, and I now know I
can do more and achieve more in life.
I found the project to be a very warm and
welcoming environment, which has helped
hugely with my anxiety. I have found the role
to be empowering and I’ve also benefited
from being part of a team. Volunteering
has helped me on so many levels, not just
coping with anxiety but by increasing my
self-esteem and confidence, and helping
my communication skills, whether that be
one to one or in a group. I feel fortunate
to be a part of this project. The cafe helps
both service users and volunteers alike;
we are a good team.
92 93
Stepping Stones (VCKC)
We also help people to learn, connect
with others and boost their health and
well-being through training, for example
in stress management and building self-
confidence, and through a programme
of group volunteering taster days such as
community gardening, and hospital arts,
crafts and music workshops.
Celia has been volunteering with the
Volunteer Centre since early 2018. After
attending a Benefits of Volunteering
workshop, she signed up to become a
Wellbeing Ambassador. Since then Celia
has volunteered for numerous activities as
part of Stepping Stones, including sorting
books as part of Liberty Books to donate Celia Silvera
to local schools, stewarding at the Age
UK Kensington & Chelsea afternoon tea,
helping run our Volunteers’ Fair during I have to volunteer because it is about The best thing about volunteering is
Volunteers’ Week and so much more. giving back to the community, meeting working in the community, meeting people.
people and it is good for your well-being. It’s a confidence booster and what’s more,
During her time as a volunteer with the I wanted to learn new things about the it’s fun. The difference volunteering has
Centre, Celia’s development and growth community and the greatest achievement made to me is that I feel more confident and
has been inspiring. This year Celia was is making friends. I find I am a lot more outgoing. My glass is
supported to develop a mental health half full. I really do enjoy volunteering and I
campaign, promoting walking for better I volunteer with Volunteer Centre just cannot stop talking about it.
mental health. She secured funding, Kensington & Chelsea, which is in the heart
Our Stepping Stones project helps through Turning Point’s Innovations Grant, of the community. I help with events and Volunteering is the best thing you can
people to understand and manage their to materialise her vision, and is now work with other charities. My roles have do and I recommend it highly. You meet
health and well-being using self-help, planning walks for local people. Louisa, included volunteering at the Victoria and the most wonderful people at VCKC. You
volunteering and learning. We encourage Head of Wellbeing at the Volunteer Centre, Albert Museum, promoting the museum to learn new things and there are courses
disabled people and those with a mental says: ‘We are really grateful for Celia’s the public and also helping at the Great they provide to help you in your day-to-day
health need to volunteer, and provide one- warmth and enthusiasm and delighted to Exhibition Road Festival. life. You can also set up groups within the
to-one support and guidance, matching be able to recognise her as an exceptional community. If you want something to do,
people’s interests and abilities to the volunteer. Her positivity and kindness have What I like about VCKC is the team. They do volunteering. That is the first thing I tell
right volunteering opportunity for them. made her such an asset to the Volunteer are welcoming, friendly and extremely people. Go to VCKC. It’s great!
Stepping Stones volunteers this year have, Centre and we are happy to see her grow supportive. They make me laugh. I
for example, set up and run a music and in confidence as time goes on. The Centre thoroughly enjoy all the volunteering I’m
singing morning at a local day centre for feels very lucky to have Celia as part of its invited to do. Not only do they explain what
the over 50s, and welcomed visitors to this Wellbeing team.’ is to be done, they are also very hands-on
year’s Great Exhibition Road Festival. and show you. They put you at your ease
and boost your confidence. This makes
the event enjoyable and at the end you are
left with a sense of achievement.
94 95
Stepping Stones (VCKC)
We also help people to learn, connect
with others and boost their health and
well-being through training, for example
in stress management and building self-
confidence, and through a programme
of group volunteering taster days such as
community gardening, and hospital arts,
crafts and music workshops.
Celia has been volunteering with the
Volunteer Centre since early 2018. After
attending a Benefits of Volunteering
workshop, she signed up to become a
Wellbeing Ambassador. Since then Celia
has volunteered for numerous activities as
part of Stepping Stones, including sorting
books as part of Liberty Books to donate Celia Silvera
to local schools, stewarding at the Age
UK Kensington & Chelsea afternoon tea,
helping run our Volunteers’ Fair during I have to volunteer because it is about The best thing about volunteering is
Volunteers’ Week and so much more. giving back to the community, meeting working in the community, meeting people.
people and it is good for your well-being. It’s a confidence booster and what’s more,
During her time as a volunteer with the I wanted to learn new things about the it’s fun. The difference volunteering has
Centre, Celia’s development and growth community and the greatest achievement made to me is that I feel more confident and
has been inspiring. This year Celia was is making friends. I find I am a lot more outgoing. My glass is
supported to develop a mental health half full. I really do enjoy volunteering and I
campaign, promoting walking for better I volunteer with Volunteer Centre just cannot stop talking about it.
mental health. She secured funding, Kensington & Chelsea, which is in the heart
Our Stepping Stones project helps through Turning Point’s Innovations Grant, of the community. I help with events and Volunteering is the best thing you can
people to understand and manage their to materialise her vision, and is now work with other charities. My roles have do and I recommend it highly. You meet
health and well-being using self-help, planning walks for local people. Louisa, included volunteering at the Victoria and the most wonderful people at VCKC. You
volunteering and learning. We encourage Head of Wellbeing at the Volunteer Centre, Albert Museum, promoting the museum to learn new things and there are courses
disabled people and those with a mental says: ‘We are really grateful for Celia’s the public and also helping at the Great they provide to help you in your day-to-day
health need to volunteer, and provide one- warmth and enthusiasm and delighted to Exhibition Road Festival. life. You can also set up groups within the
to-one support and guidance, matching be able to recognise her as an exceptional community. If you want something to do,
people’s interests and abilities to the volunteer. Her positivity and kindness have What I like about VCKC is the team. They do volunteering. That is the first thing I tell
right volunteering opportunity for them. made her such an asset to the Volunteer are welcoming, friendly and extremely people. Go to VCKC. It’s great!
Stepping Stones volunteers this year have, Centre and we are happy to see her grow supportive. They make me laugh. I
for example, set up and run a music and in confidence as time goes on. The Centre thoroughly enjoy all the volunteering I’m
singing morning at a local day centre for feels very lucky to have Celia as part of its invited to do. Not only do they explain what
the over 50s, and welcomed visitors to this Wellbeing team.’ is to be done, they are also very hands-on
year’s Great Exhibition Road Festival. and show you. They put you at your ease
and boost your confidence. This makes
the event enjoyable and at the end you are
left with a sense of achievement.
94 95
Turning Point
Our vision and values are the heart of
Turning Point; they are the essence of who
we are, what we do and why we are here.
Our vision is all about extending our reach,
positively impacting as many people as
possible and truly making a valuable
difference. Our values are evident through
the work we do with the people we support
and we know that they are important to
everyone.
The quality of the support and treatment
we deliver means everything to us. The
people we work with inspire us and in turn
we look for new ways to foster positive
change and growth. We owe it to the
people we work with to shape the future in Patricia Osbourne
a way that improves all our lives.
We want people to be able to access I decided to volunteer because I wanted The best thing about volunteering is
the support they need when they need something to fill my time, and I wanted gaining new skills and meeting new
it, to prevent issues from escalating and to work towards getting a job, while colleagues, which gives me a sense of
increase access and choice through maintaining my skillset. purpose. I’d like to think I am helpful and
innovative services. polite – and I know that I am valued by the
I work with Turning Point as a volunteer team.
We are committed to creating the best support worker, which involves supporting
possible environment for the people we the criminal justice team by co-facilitating People volunteer for different reasons and
support and our staff, enabling everyone to and planning the group. I also carry out if you have some spare time it’s good to
Turning Point is a leading social enterprise thrive. As a person-centred organisation, alcohol and drug screening, support the give back to the community, and fun to
providing health and social care services our support is tailored and responsive to duty team and upload data on the system. help others.
for people with complex needs at 350 the needs of the individuals we work with.
locations across England. We believe that everyone, given the right What I like best about Turning Point is that
support, can reach their potential. When I don’t feel pressured. I like the people that
We have been supporting people to make individuals benefit, so does society as a I work with and they are all very helpful and
changes in their lives since 1964. We whole, with positive impacts delivered for support me to progress.
support people to improve their health and the economy and environment, as well as
well-being whether that be at home, within improvements to general health, well-being
the workplace or through our specialist and community cohesion. Maximising the
services, building on our expertise in social value we deliver as an organisation
substance misuse, mental health, learning is a key priority for us.
disability, autism, acquired brain injury,
sexual health, healthy lifestyles and
employment.
96 97
Turning Point
Our vision and values are the heart of
Turning Point; they are the essence of who
we are, what we do and why we are here.
Our vision is all about extending our reach,
positively impacting as many people as
possible and truly making a valuable
difference. Our values are evident through
the work we do with the people we support
and we know that they are important to
everyone.
The quality of the support and treatment
we deliver means everything to us. The
people we work with inspire us and in turn
we look for new ways to foster positive
change and growth. We owe it to the
people we work with to shape the future in Patricia Osbourne
a way that improves all our lives.
We want people to be able to access I decided to volunteer because I wanted The best thing about volunteering is
the support they need when they need something to fill my time, and I wanted gaining new skills and meeting new
it, to prevent issues from escalating and to work towards getting a job, while colleagues, which gives me a sense of
increase access and choice through maintaining my skillset. purpose. I’d like to think I am helpful and
innovative services. polite – and I know that I am valued by the
I work with Turning Point as a volunteer team.
We are committed to creating the best support worker, which involves supporting
possible environment for the people we the criminal justice team by co-facilitating People volunteer for different reasons and
support and our staff, enabling everyone to and planning the group. I also carry out if you have some spare time it’s good to
Turning Point is a leading social enterprise thrive. As a person-centred organisation, alcohol and drug screening, support the give back to the community, and fun to
providing health and social care services our support is tailored and responsive to duty team and upload data on the system. help others.
for people with complex needs at 350 the needs of the individuals we work with.
locations across England. We believe that everyone, given the right What I like best about Turning Point is that
support, can reach their potential. When I don’t feel pressured. I like the people that
We have been supporting people to make individuals benefit, so does society as a I work with and they are all very helpful and
changes in their lives since 1964. We whole, with positive impacts delivered for support me to progress.
support people to improve their health and the economy and environment, as well as
well-being whether that be at home, within improvements to general health, well-being
the workplace or through our specialist and community cohesion. Maximising the
services, building on our expertise in social value we deliver as an organisation
substance misuse, mental health, learning is a key priority for us.
disability, autism, acquired brain injury,
sexual health, healthy lifestyles and
employment.
96 97
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
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