Volunteering Community of Practice

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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.

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:

Staffs Community Learning Volunteers

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  • Share Barry's Story on Facebook Share Barry's Story on Twitter Share Barry's Story on Linkedin Email Barry's Story link

    Barry's Story

    10 months ago

    Barry started at Staffordshire Care Farming nearly 3 years ago as a learner on one of the WELLIES Wellbeing courses.

    Looking for a new start to rebuild his self confidence and learn new skills and knowledge on the WELLIES programme he has achieved just that ! Attending a range of courses Barry has learnt new skills in areas such as gardening and woodwork whilst becoming a supportive and active member of the team, so much so Barry now acts as a volunteer supporting other like minded people.

    If you would like to know more about courses at Staffordshire care farming... Continue reading

    Barry started at Staffordshire Care Farming nearly 3 years ago as a learner on one of the WELLIES Wellbeing courses.

    Looking for a new start to rebuild his self confidence and learn new skills and knowledge on the WELLIES programme he has achieved just that ! Attending a range of courses Barry has learnt new skills in areas such as gardening and woodwork whilst becoming a supportive and active member of the team, so much so Barry now acts as a volunteer supporting other like minded people.

    If you would like to know more about courses at Staffordshire care farming or other Staffordshire Community Learning courses please visit the website here: https://www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Education/Community-Learning-Service/Course-info/Course-Information.aspx

  • 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

    over 1 year ago

    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

    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 activities such as horticulture, wood and metal work, crafting and cooking, learners and volunteers have created an amazing supportive environment with the help from resident therapy dogs Spike and Fox.

    (L-R) Julie White, Creative Director, Staffordshire Care Farming CIC, Spike the therapy dog, Nick Platt Director, Staffordshire Care Farming CIC, Fox the therapy dog, Steph Holmes, Senior Tutor and Nick Tucker, Community Learning Service.

    Nick Tucker is the Community Learning Service’s Training and Learning Advisor for the area. He said: “We are really proud to be in partnership with the Wellies Project. It makes such difference and literally saves lives - it’s the power of being together in a non-judgemental space and getting back to simplicity.

    “The people at the project just believe in each other, when they hardly believe in themselves. That’s incredibly powerful and it’s a great environment to learn those skills to get you back into enjoying and progressing in life.”

    Julie White is co-director and co-creator of the project that has been running for over 14 years.

    She said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been given this prestigious award. This is a brilliant accolade for all of our volunteers, with most starting as participants themselves. I’m so proud that all of their work, and bravery, has been recognised too.

    "I understand that it was His Majesty the King himself that give us the nod to receive the award, which is just unbelievable.”

    Staffordshire’s Community Learning Service and its partners have engaged with over 1,900 people in outreach sessions in the first half of this year alone.

  • 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

    over 1 year ago

    “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

    “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 became a pathway to improving my life. I attended a talk locally to find out more about how to care for people in the community and felt confident that I had the skills that were required. I know now I wouldn’t have had the confidence to apply for these jobs without the experience I’d gained at CARE.

    I’ve been working as a Support Worker now for two and a half years and I really enjoy it. I still volunteer at CARE every couple of weeks to keep in touch with the friends I’ve made there. A lot of other people return and stay in touch too and I’ll keep coming back for as long as I can. It’s a calming place where they take time to get to know you, help support your wellbeing, skills and your next steps. Taking the first step into something like this is always the hardest thing- I would definitely encourage other people to come along and try it.”

  • 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

    over 1 year ago

    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

    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 I am very pleased to have taken.


    I am now working at CARE and in another horticulture role locally – both are very different and that allows me to use all of my skills and gain even more experience for the future.


    I am happy and grateful that I found people like CARE who helped me, were so supportive, encouraged me and helped me to find my confidence again. It has helped me to value the skills that I have to offer and to look forward to my future much more positively.

  • 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

    almost 2 years ago

    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

    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 a DBS and initial training via the Volunteering Co-ordinator through the Council. I have also taken a Breastfeeding Peer Support course and have my first appointment this week with a new parent. The Pram to Primary course helped us as a family and volunteering is giving me more confidence in my abilities.”

  • Share Wendy's Story on Facebook Share Wendy's Story on Twitter Share Wendy's Story on Linkedin Email Wendy's Story link

    Wendy's Story

    almost 2 years ago

    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

    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 health and well-being.

    “I’ve been volunteering for Wellies for the last 2yrs. It has improved my mental health dramatically, I love everything about it and get so much out of it. Love being able to help and support others improve their mental well-being. Volunteering is a great, takes commitment without the pressure of a full time job.”

  • Share Anna's Story on Facebook Share Anna's Story on Twitter Share Anna's Story on Linkedin Email Anna's Story link

    Anna's Story

    almost 2 years ago

    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.”

    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.”

  • Share Beth's story on Facebook Share Beth's story on Twitter Share Beth's story on Linkedin Email Beth's story link

    Beth's story

    almost 2 years ago

    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

    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 people with different personalities and struggles. Supporting people to experience and achieve things they have never done before or not had the opportunity to is rewarding. I love to watch people grow and surprise themselves with what they can achieve and learn.

    It has been such a positive experience for me. I have seen people be able to feel more comfortable, accepted and understood. I'm proud to feel a part of ensuring people feel comfortable and safe in a relaxing and calming environment that the farm creates. I like being part of enabling people to interact and communicate with new people and witnessing people enjoy themselves, learn new knowledge and skills and feel positive emotions.

    I have learned so much myself about animal care, gardening, the environment and more, along with life skills from being a participant on the courses to now a volunteer. An improvement in my confidence has enabled me to now help other people learn too. This feels very rewarding and a positive achievement for myself. The staff have been extremely supportive in my journey from receiving support to being able to support others. I am so grateful I am able to have this opportunity.”
































































  • Share Mick's Story on Facebook Share Mick's Story on Twitter Share Mick's Story on Linkedin Email Mick's Story link

    Mick's Story

    almost 2 years ago

    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

    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 to others and very rewarding to see how people grow in confidence. Everything is positive with my volunteering; it has helped me with my wellbeing – made me realise that there is a way forward.

    I enjoy working with others and painting the classroom on the rainy Friday was most enjoyable. I would like to further help support in the classroom. Carol has mentioned completing the UMRA volunteers training course as next steps.”

  • Share Kevin's Story on Facebook Share Kevin's Story on Twitter Share Kevin's Story on Linkedin Email Kevin's Story link

    Kevin's Story

    almost 2 years ago

    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

    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 too.

    Kevin writes “I would really like to do more voluntary work at the farm and help in any way I can. How much the courses helped me before I came to the farm – I was in a very dark place and know how much coming to the farm and being involved in the activities brought me back out of the dark. I feel that the courses at the farm are a life saver for some people that like me who had shut themselves away for so long for one reason or another.”

Page last updated: 05 Jan 2026, 11:19 AM