Our volunteering interview this month features Volunteers Coordinator with Ripon Walled Garden, Zoe Jepson. We met with Zoe to chat through what she enjoys most about her role and what advice she has for anyone interested in becoming a volunteer.

Please introduce yourself

Ripon Walled Garden is a Charity supporting people with learning disabilities. I joined in September 2024 as their Volunteers Coordinator. My role is to manage the volunteer timetable, recruit and place new volunteers, and to ensure they feel supported and valued – we really could not do it without them. We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities, from working with our members in sessions, maintaining our beautiful garden, helping in our on-site café and shop, ad-hoc event help, plus lots of behind the scenes roles in fundraising, IT etc. so we generally have something to suit everyone.

What attracted you to the organisation and role?

I came from an events background in London, which could be very stressful at times, so being in a beautiful environment and in a supportive, caring role really appealed to me. The staff, volunteers, and members are all so lovely, and there is a lot of variety in my role, which I enjoy.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager?

If you enjoy meeting lots of different people, and have good organisational skills, then it is a really rewarding role. It is so lovely seeing how much the volunteers get from their sessions, the new friendships made, and also what a difference it makes to the charity.

What have you learnt about yourself while in this role?

This has been my first role after having my two children so it has been a great experience getting back into work, and I have definitely gained a new passion for gardening which I hope to develop further whilst I’m here.

Finally, tell us something about yourself that your fellow volunteers would be surprised to know

I used to work as a private tutor in London and have worked for and travelled with quite a few high profile clients – but can’t name any names!