Residents across Redcar and Cleveland are invited to attend the upcoming Volunteer Networking Event, a great opportunity to connect with local organisations and services and celebrate those who support their communities.
The event will take place on Thursday, 13 November, at Golden Boy Green Youth & Community Centre in South Bank, and people are welcome to drop in anytime between 10am and 1pm.
The Volunteer Networking Event will bring together a wide range of groups and services from across the borough, offering attendees the chance to connect with other volunteers and community groups, meet organisations offering support, and discover new volunteering opportunities in their area.
Our communities would look very different without the dedication and passion of volunteers who put in time and effort to help others without asking for anything in return. Lorna Swales, 23, from Redcar, is one of these people.
Lorna Swales' passion for volunteering began thought the Join Us provision run by the council, where she volunteered to offer 1-to-1 sessions to children with disabilities. “I wanted to gain experience to become a social worker. It brought me joy and gave me the chance to support children through activities they enjoyed.” she explains.
Although she couldn’t continue volunteering long-term in that role due to her work commitments, Lorna still supports Youth Services on an ad-hoc basis during her days off.
Her determination to help others led her to a new opportunity. After spotting a Facebook post from the Grenfell Club, Lorna, 23 from Redcar, jumped at the chance to volunteer in their weekday sessions. “I got my DBS check and when they asked when I could start, I said ‘today!’” she laughs. “That was back in May and I haven’t looked back since. It’s been absolutely fantastic.”
Now, Lorna volunteers five evenings a week as a support worker, helping children, young people, and adults with disabilities take part in member-led activities suitable for each group’s age and abilities. These sessions include soft play, video games, board games, dancing, arts and crafts, quizzes and even bringing in therapy dogs. “We always think of our members needs and let them decide what they would like to do during their time here.”
“I’ve always wanted to help people with disabilities because I am disabled myself and I know what it’s like, but I also enjoy my time at the Grenfell Club, it doesn’t feel like work at all.
“I’m happy to see that there is more support out there for people with disabilities of all ages.” she says.
Volunteering has already made a meaningful impact on many lives across the borough, helping local young people progress on their career paths.
Aileen Trump known by friends and colleagues as Moth, from South Bank, began volunteering in April for her local library and her dedication and experience have recently led to a new role as a Libraries Apprentice.
“I love it so much, I learned a lot about working in a library, but it also allowed me to give back to my community,” said Moth, who is also an artist and had previously volunteered at Sabaat Gallery.
Due to her passion for art, Moth enjoys supporting arts and crafts workshops for children and adults. “I’ve always liked the sense of community and calmness from libraries.”
Joshua Dobson, 21, from Redcar, began volunteering at 19 within the Council to gain practical skills. After taking a break to participate in the Prospect programme, run by South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust at James Cook Hospital, Joshua returned to volunteer in Business Administration within Children’s Services where he’s been volunteering for about a year.
“I really enjoy working within a team here,” said Joshua. “Try volunteering, because it helps you get new skills and experience and can help you out in your career.”
Joshua is now undertaking an apprenticeship at Daisy Mae’s Tea Room in Redcar, gaining valuable experience in hospitality.
Kimberley Swan, 27, originally from South Africa, moved to Ormesby in April and began volunteering at Ormesby Library in June. With a background in Information Science, Kimberley wanted to get some practical experience of working in a library.
“I really enjoy being around books and helping people, so this is the perfect place for me,” she said.
Kimberley has recently secured a role within Library Services and hopes to continue progressing in her career in this field.
Cabinet Member for Resources, Cllr Christopher Massey, said: “Volunteering is not only a way to give back to the community, but also a stepping stone for personal growth and career development. Stories like Moth’s, Joshua’s and Kimberley’s show just how beneficial volunteering can be, especially for young people. Whether it’s gaining confidence, building skills, or getting experience, their journeys are a testament to the value of volunteering. I encourage anyone to come along to the Volunteers Networking Event and see what opportunities are out there for new volunteers and what support there is for existing groups.”
The Volunteer Networking Event is open to all, whether you're an experienced volunteer or simply curious about how you can get involved in your community and it is great opportunity to find out about the advice and support available in your area. Refreshments will be available throughout the event.
Organisations attending include Cleveland Fire Brigade, Harbour, We Are With You, Citizens Advice, Cleveland Police, Teesside Mind, North Star Housing Group, Enhance Redcar & Cleveland, TS6 Together, We Care You Care and Tees Urban Nature Network. Council services such as Recycling, Climate Change, Community Link, Youth Services, Family Hubs, Safeguarding Team and the Countryside Team will also be present.
For more information, please contact: Volunteer@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk