Volunteering Community of Practice
Hello we are Staffordshire Community Learning. Welcome to our Volunteering Community of Practice
This webpage has been designed to support volunteers across the county of Staffordshire providing a space where information can be accessed about volunteering opportunities, training links, information to support volunteers and share best practice. In addition there is also a space for you to post any questions related to volunteering via the volunteer forum.
What does the term volunteer mean?
A person who willingly helps others without being paid for their time and contributions.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
Anyone can volunteer. It can be very rewarding and is a great way to:
- meet new people.
- gain new or use existing skills.
- get valuable experience.
- make a big difference to your community.
Volunteering also develops many key personal or employability skills for the individual, helping them to progress in work and life. Being part of a community volunteers can increase self-confidence by interacting with others and having a sense of purpose. Volunteering opportunities may also be set in placements that match the individual’s employment aspirations and so provides a great opportunity to build up valuable work-related experience before applying for full or part time paid roles.
What can I expect when becoming a volunteer?
Organisations such as charities really value the work done by volunteers and will ensure your time is fully supported and make it the best possible experience.
Training will be provided for you to carry out the role. This may include specific training to meet regulations or standards such as Health & Safety, First Aid, or manual handling. Other training may include things such as induction to the venue and facilities, attending team meetings or shadowing other staff members.
As a non-paid member of staff the organisation values your time and will do their best to accommodate your availability to attend.
Tell us about your volunteering experience
Click on the link below to read about the fantastic experiences volunteers have had working with our Staffordshire Community Learning partners:
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Share Kings Award for Voluntary Service for awarded to Staffordshire Training Provider on Facebook Share Kings Award for Voluntary Service for awarded to Staffordshire Training Provider on Twitter Share Kings Award for Voluntary Service for awarded to Staffordshire Training Provider on Linkedin Email Kings Award for Voluntary Service for awarded to Staffordshire Training Provider link
Kings Award for Voluntary Service for awarded to Staffordshire Training Provider
A community group that has supported thousands of people has received the highest possible accolade that can be given to local voluntary organisations in the UK.
Staffordshire Cares Farming CIC, based in Sudbury, has been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) for the outstanding difference their Wellies Project has made to people facing long-term mental health challenges.
A major partner of the county council’s Community Learning Service, the Wellies Project has been running for 14 years, supporting thousands of people to have more confidence, develop skills and get into volunteering and even back into the workplace.
Learning through... Continue reading
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Share Simon’s Story- Volunteer, C.A.R.E on Facebook Share Simon’s Story- Volunteer, C.A.R.E on Twitter Share Simon’s Story- Volunteer, C.A.R.E on Linkedin Email Simon’s Story- Volunteer, C.A.R.E link
Simon’s Story- Volunteer, C.A.R.E
“I found out about CARE through the local Job Centre when I was looking for work, they suggested accessing support from local community organisations too which helped me to build my confidence and explore volunteering opportunities. This included CARE.
That was about five years ago now. I learnt a lot at CARE including woodcraft, how to grow fruit and veg and developed many personal skills- things at the time I wouldn’t otherwise have had the opportunity to do.
I enjoyed interacting with people, and I realised how important being able to help others was to me. This experience with CARE... Continue reading
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Share John's Story Volunteering at Chase Aqua Rural Enterprise CIC on Facebook Share John's Story Volunteering at Chase Aqua Rural Enterprise CIC on Twitter Share John's Story Volunteering at Chase Aqua Rural Enterprise CIC on Linkedin Email John's Story Volunteering at Chase Aqua Rural Enterprise CIC link
John's Story Volunteering at Chase Aqua Rural Enterprise CIC
I started as a learner at CARE, became a volunteer, and I am now a member of the staff team. I have so much more confidence and pride.
I find it much easier to talk to others – staff, people that I haven’t met before that are on the courses, and also more confident to help them to find and share their own knowledge and ideas too.
When I became a peer mentor/volunteer at CARE this helped me to gain the experience I needed and confidence to look for employment again. It was a big step forward and one that... Continue reading
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Share Carrie’s Story on Facebook Share Carrie’s Story on Twitter Share Carrie’s Story on Linkedin Email Carrie’s Story link
Carrie’s Story
Carrie started out as a learner on one of Staffordshire Community Learning, Families First courses, supporting her own parenting journey. With support and guidance from her tutor Carrie was given the opportunity to work as a volunteer on the Simply Play course, supporting parents, carers and their children.
“I was a previous learner on the Pram to Primary course and wanted to stretch my skills as I’m currently a full time carer. After talking to my tutor about my options I decided to support the Simply Play courses, helping the tutor to support the parents and their children. I had... Continue reading
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Wendy's Story
Wendy volunteers with Staffordshire Care Farming who run the WELLIES Project. Providing therapeutic activities with animals, plants, creativity and the countryside for people recovering from mental ill health. WELLIES stands for Wellness, Education, Learning, Laughter, Inspiration, Environment, Skills. It is based on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border and has been running for 10 years. – initially starting out as a learner on one of their “Confidence through Creativity” courses Wendy enjoyed the experience so much she wanted to continue supporting others on the programme. Whilst helping others on the course, volunteering has continued to develop Wendy’s personal skills and improve her mental... Continue reading
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Anna's Story
Anna volunteers with Staffordshire Care Farming – initially starting out as a learner on one of their “Confidence through Creativity” courses Anna embraced the opportunity to learn new skills whilst developing wider skills. Anna was given the opportunity to progress on to one of the volunteering courses which she embraced wholeheartedly and now regularly volunteers to support other learners on the programme.
“Volunteering at WELLIES has impacted on my life in so many positive ways. It means friendships, routine, personal development and happiness.”
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Beth's story
Beth is a volunteer at Upper Moreton Rural Activities. Volunteering has supported her own health and well-being whilst developing wider personal skills.
“Volunteering has been very rewarding, it has given me a lot of fulfilment and satisfaction. It has enabled me to learn more about myself and grow my own confidence. I feel it has improved my social and communication skills. It is challenging but in a positive way as it improves my adaptability and resilience. I like helping and supporting in lots of various ways. I have had the opportunity to and enjoyed working with a wide variety of... Continue reading
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Mick's Story
Mick volunteers with Upper Moreton Rural Activities and has been suffering long term withhis mental health and is undergoing rehabilitation.
Mick first came to UMRA to help build his confidence around others and learn new skills. Having grown in confidence Mick asked about volunteering before the end of his course and presently volunteers two days per week.
“I get a sense of achievement out of my volunteering especially by helping others. I can relate to others by having a lived experience – I remember what it is like to feel life was a struggle. It is good to give back... Continue reading
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Kevin's Story
Kevin has been volunteering for Upper Moreton Rural Activities for just over 4 months and first accessed UMRA through an animal care course in 2022. Kevin has suffered with mental ill health and has recovered from a life-threatening health condition.
We asked Kevin what volunteering means to him at UMRA and he replied that the volunteering opportunity has given him a whole new purpose in life. By volunteering, it has given him an opportunity to give something back. Kevin has now expanded his volunteering to not just helping with the animals on a Friday but to helping with general activities... Continue reading
