Everyone gains from volunteering

There's no question that volunteers make a valuable contribution to the community – but they gain from the experience in a variety of ways too.

Nikki Grinlaw talks tactics with children at the KC Stadium

Why do people volunteer?

People volunteer in a variety of ways, from working with a chosen voluntary organisation to providing support at a fundraising event, getting involved with their local school or by being actively involved the community.
There are countless reasons why people choose to volunteer; it can be a chance to do something positive and to help others, build confidence and self esteem, learn new skills or build on existing skills, or simply a wish to use your spare time to give something back to the community and do something that really matters. In return, volunteers can develop confidence and new talents, and make new friends. For people who are unemployed, volunteering is a great way to add to your CV.
During October you may receive a questionnaire through your door which will include a number of questions related to volunteering.
If you do volunteer already, please answer the questionnaire carefully, because the city will be judged on how many people in Hull volunteer and if we reach our target the government will award us a large sum of money to reinvest in our community. So as a result of volunteering you can help in more ways than you think.

Real life volunteers

Nikki Grinlaw from west Hull is a volunteer with Hull City Football in the Community, where she coaches children and young people in football skills.
Nikki has been unemployed for just over a year, so decided to use her free time doing something useful. "I got fed up of doing nothing and had no motivation so I decided to get involved with football in the community because I want to work with kids in sport and hard to reach groups," she explained.
Nikki has always dedicated some of her spare time to helping others and getting involved in different projects, which started when she left college and went back to her secondary school, Sydney Smith, to mentor some of the students.

Sean Tierney keeps a watchful eye in his neighbourhood

Nikki hopes that her involvement at the football club could lead to a permanent job, but says that she would always carry on volunteering in her spare time and would urge everyone to do the same. "People should definitely try it and see what they think, even if it is only for a couple of hours a week. To know that you're doing a bit of good makes it all worthwhile."
Sean Tierney and Vicki Skelton were fed up of anti social behaviour in their street so decided to set up a neighbourhood watch group.
For almost three years Sean and Vicki have worked to make their local area safer. "Like everywhere, our area has had good and bad times over the years, and crime does happen, so we set up The Groves Neighbourhood Watch group to try and make a difference," explains Sean.
As well as carrying out neighbourhood watch duties, Sean and Vicki go much further and do all sorts to improve the life of local residents. From sorting out street lighting and residents parking to raising funds for safety fences and activities for families, they get involved in everything they can.
"A big part of what we do is getting the kids involved. I think it is so important for them to play a role in what we do and show them that they can make a difference too," adds Sean.
Sean is always keen to encourage more people to get involved: "The more people who get involved, the greater difference we can make. It is hard work but when you see the benefits it is worth it. I would encourage everyone to get involved in something in their local area and make a difference."

Working together

Hull City Council recognises and values the role volunteers play and endorses the Citywide Volunteering Strategy which supports anyone wanting to become a volunteer.
"Volunteers are a real asset to the city," says Executive Group member of ONE HULL and Chief Officer for the North Bank Forum Kath Jones.
Kath, who is also leading on the ONE HULL VCS Forum, which aims to create a voice for the voluntary and community sector (VCS), adds: "ONE HULL totally supports highlighting the important role of volunteers across Hull.
"Unpaid workers can provide a range of valuable services, demonstrating dedication and commitment to make a real impact on people's lives.
"We would urge people to consider volunteering – you can build on your strengths, help the community, and potentially open new doors to new opportunities."

If you are interested in volunteering and would like to find out more about the wide choice available contact Hull CVS Volunteer Centre at 29 Anlaby Road. Call 324474, email enquiries@hull-cvs.co.uk or visit the national volunteering website at www.do-it.org.uk

Top volunteering activities in Hull:

1. Working with children and young people
2. Mentoring and befriending
3. Administration work
4. Advice, information and support
5. Education and literacy
6. Community work
7. Caring, health, hospitals and hospices
8. Working with animals