Volunteer Spotlight – Meet Waylon!

Meet Waylon, one of our Friends of the Field volunteers at the Nature & Wellbeing Centre. We sat down and had a chat with him about his role with us – read on for the full interview!

Images show Waylon working hard at Friends of the Field and holding our giant Pumpkin harvested at the Nature & Wellbeing Centre.

Waylon joined us as a Friend of the Field on 17th June after contacting us about volunteering. Living near Edgbaston Reservoir, Waylon was looking for a role in a calm environment which would get him involved in gardening and green projects. After four months, Waylon has become a regular Friend of the Field at our Nature & Wellbeing Centre every Wednesday and Friday. He’s also supported our Neighbourhood Futures Festival and Stride for the Settlement sponsored walk.

What made you choose Birmingham Settlement’s Nature & Wellbeing Centre to volunteer?

I didn’t know that much about Birmingham Settlement, but the Nature & Wellbeing Centre is close to where I live. I wanted to do something to provide some structure, spend time with other people, improve my mental health and help tackle issues of loneliness and isolation. I contacted the volunteer email and was invited to join their Friends of the Field.

What do you enjoy most about being a Friend of the Field?

The hard work, I like getting busy with my hands and moving around. It’s a lot of fun and I’ve also made a bunch of friends. The staff are awesome and supportive too.

Have you learned any new skills during your time with us so far?

I get involved in lots of different things from site maintenance tasks to planting, painting to pond clearing. Because of my height and stature, I get asked to do all the heavy stuff! I’m learning all the time, but I think building my confidence has been the most important skill.

What 3 words would you use to describe Birmingham Settlement Nature & Wellbeing Centre?

Friendly, Calm, Supportive

Volunteers join us for all sorts of reasons and Waylon’s experiences demonstrate how volunteering can provide a sense of purpose and achievement. His regular support and hard work are of immense benefit to the Nature & Wellbeing Centre and through his interactions with the staff, other volunteers, and visitors, he has developed his confidence and improved his mental and physical health.