Barnsley Platinum Champions! Next up is Peter, from HOPE in Community.
BARNSLEY ACTIVITY
Tell us a bit about yourself I am Peter Robertshaw, I am a dad to two daughters Isabella and Safia, a stepdad to two boys Kamiron and Kyle and my beautiful partner is Maria. I am the founder & chairperson of H.O.P.E in Community. I am also a trustee for DIAL Barnsley, Barnsley street pastors and sit on Kingstone Ward Alliance. As well as being JCI (Junior Chamber International) Admin Director I also have dyslexia and writing my own book on volunteer management. Tell us about HOPE in Community H.O.P.E in Community, which stands for 'Helping Others Positively Engaged in Community' and was founded in September 2017. We became a charitable incorporated organisation in February 2020, and we are currently 100% led by volunteers. H.O.P.E in Community provides cooking on a budget courses, a mental health social club, a listening service, a toddlers group, healthy holidays provision, job support as well as having a support hub/ charity shop in Peel Square in Barnsley. What is your role there, and how long have you done it? I am the founder and chairperson of H.O.P.E in Community, and I also manage the business development side of the charity. I have been involved in H.O.P.E in Community since day one in September 2017. I have also managed a youth club since 2013. What made you want to get involved? During my childhood and my previous marriage, I suffered from abuse and wanted to provide safe places for individuals to feel safe and supported and to get people who struggle, to be involved in their community. Had you volunteered before? Yes, I started volunteering where I was 12 years old in a school holiday scheme as a junior youth worker, as my dream always was to be a youth worker. I have had many roles since as admin support, street pastors, children and youth work, mobility shop, retail, committees and much more.
JULY 2022
What does volunteering mean to you? Volunteering is my lifeline. It makes me feel able to help others, give to my community and develop myself. It means that I can support those who are struggling no matter of the circumstances and it helps to maintain a good mental wellbeing.
