We caught up with Kathy, an all-rounder Birmingham Settlement volunteer and regular attendee of our Sports & Community Centre sessions – see what she had to say about volunteering with us below!
Kathy (right) volunteering at our Sewing Group.
Kathy joined our volunteering team after attending some of our activities at the Sports & Community Centre, and now has two roles with us. Kathy’s experience is a great example of volunteering benefitting our work at Birmingham Settlement, but also having a positive impact on a person’s own wellbeing.
“I gave up work to care for my husband full time and to have some time to myself, I started attending the craft sessions. This led to joining the sewing course which in turn led to supporting the next sewing courses as a volunteer. After losing my husband last year, attending the centre became a valuable form of support for me. I also volunteer in the onsite charity shop which I love, especially when we have people pop in from our Ageing Well Cuppa and Chatter session”
Research shows that volunteering is good for you, it can provide a sense of purpose, community connection, it can develop your skills, improve mental health and could enhance career development. At Birmingham Settlement, people join us for all sorts of reasons and whatever your reason for volunteering might be, it’s time well spent.
Find your role with us and help our communities to live happier, healthier lives. Whether you’re an excellent listener, enjoy getting crafty, are an expert at admin or love being connected to nature, we’ve got the role for you. We have recently set up our new Garden and Grow group at the Sports & Community Centre, Kingstanding and we are looking for volunteers to support Saturdays at the Nature & Wellbeing Centre, so do get in touch if you would like to join us.
Not able to commit to regular volunteering? Not a problem! We can also offer opportunities to support and be part of our events throughout the year. As an event ambassador volunteer, you can choose to support our Neighbourhood Futures Festival, fun days, seasonal events and open days, you can commit as little or as many days throughout the year as you would like.
Or contact Maria on volunteer@bsettlement.org.uk to find out more or apply.