Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest
Age UK BRWF -
Celebrating Volunteering J
une is typically the time of year that organisations come together to celebrate and say ‘Thank You’ for the contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. In these extraordinary times the contribution of volunteers is perhaps more visible than ever before, but the experiences of the last few months are also helping to ‘change the face of volunteering’ and to show that we can all do ‘something’ to help make a difference.
Volunteers are such an important part of the Age UK BRWF team. As part of Volunteer Week 2020 Age UK BRWF launched its Volunteer of the Year Award in memory of one of the charity’s volunteers, Sue Davidson. Speaking about Sue, Age UK BRWF’s CEO Sam Humphray said,
treat me equally. This opportunity has allowed me to connect with lots of different people. By interacting with people of a variety of ages it helps to create a better understanding of society, as well as the opportunity to share different experiences and learn new skills.”
“Sue was a remarkably intelligent and sociable woman and so symbolised all that we are about as a local charity. By launching this award in Sue’s name, we can ensure that her contribution to Age UK BRWF is a lasting one, whilst helping to inspire and recognise others.”
Reflecting on her time with Age UK BRWF Tara said; “Working with Age UK has helped round me as a person, becoming more confident with myself by achieving even small things on a daily basis that make me feel good when helping others. It is also incredibly beneficial for work experience and your CV when applying for future jobs, colleges or universities. We have been volunteering for a year and a half now and still absolutely love it! Due to Covid19 we haven`t been able to work in the shop recently and we really miss the atmosphere of laughs so we`re looking forward to going back. The shops were already such an important part of the charity, and we are going to need to raise their profile more than ever once we can start to move out of this current crisis. So to all young volunteers, I would encourage you to come out of this crisis with a positive helping attitude and to get involved with your local Age UK BRWF shop - you are not only helping a local charity but also your community, the economy and the environment!”
Please see below for details on how to make a nomination. As a charity, Age UK BRWF is keen to promote intergenerational opportunities to help our communities become ‘more inclusive’ and more ‘age friendly’. We all benefit when our communities come together, and intergenerational relationships help us all to feel ‘better connected’ and to help improve wellbeing. Nowhere is this more evident than in our Retail shops. Retail Volunteers Elle Douglas and Tara Mole initially joined the team through their Duke of Edinburgh Award. Speaking about why they wanted to get involved with Age UK BRWF, Elle said; “We chose a charity shop as I have always believed in the importance of charities and knew that helping out and working there would be part of a process that would benefit people who are needing the services that charities like Age UK give”. Elle also commented on the welcome that they received adding; “I don’t feel like a younger volunteer because they
20 Completely Bromsgrove
To nominate your Age UK BRWF Volunteer of the Year and/or to find out more about volunteering please visit www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf/get-involved/ volunteer/ or contact Jo Hughes ( Tel 01527 868855/ Email: Jo.Hughes@ageukbrwf.org.uk)
