Meet Nige Ballard – Trustee at Amotherby Parish Hall

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In our first volunteer interview for 2025 we welcome Nige Ballard, a trustee from Amotherby Parish Hall. Nige is an extremely active volunteer in the village and has secured an incredible amount of funding for a new hall roof. Nige regularly attends our Community Buildings Network meetings so we are thrilled to extend her involvement to our Volunteer Co-ordinators Network.
Please introduce yourself.

I’m Nigella Ballard, known generally as Nige (which can confuse some people). I am a volunteer for our village hall, called Appleton-le-Street Parish Hall, although it is located in Amotherby. I have been involved with the hall since March 1987 and have been the treasurer since February 1988.

What attracted you to the organisation and volunteer role?

When I was fairly new to the village, I was told by the school crossing lady that there was a meeting at the village hall I might be interested in going to. The rest is history and she has become my longest standing friend in the village.

What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering?

It’s great to be involved with your local community but be prepared to work hard.

What was the best piece of advice given to you as a volunteer?

I can’t remember being given any except from a past staff member of Community First Yorkshire who kept telling me “to delegate to others”.

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

From the age of four to twenty I studied ballet and danced at a reception for Margot Fonteyn. I met her afterwards, she was tiny! I gave up and took up caving instead when I went to university.

Meet Ann Ferguson – Chief Officer at Ryedale Carers Support

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Our volunteer interview this month is with Ann Ferguson, Chief Officer at Ryedale Carers Support. We caught up with Ann to find out about the amazing work they offer, and to hear about her journey from Trustee to Chief Officer.
Please introduce yourself.

Hello! I’m Ann Ferguson and I started working at Ryedale Carers Support based in Kirkbymoorside and Whitby in July 2024. My role is that of Chief Officer, working with a small group of really committed staff to provide volunteer befrienders to people across Ryedale and Whitby to give their carers a break, or to reduce loneliness and social isolation.

What attracted you to the organisation and role?

I have been a trustee at Ryedale Carers Support for a few years and then this role became available. It was too good an opportunity to let pass me by! It is a super organisation, very well-regarded across the area and within the local authority. I have worked in a range of different roles within social care all my life and in this role I am able to bring all my skills and experiences together in one place.

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

Volunteering is so incredibly rewarding, and it therefore attracts people for so many different reasons. The best bit about spending time with volunteers is getting to know them, to hear their life stories, and to see just how much value they can add to the lives of others and the development of your organisations. Never underestimate them! Great problem solvers, hard workers, quick thinkers and creative beings with so much to give.

What have you learnt about yourself while in this role?

If you need to know something… just ask the team! I have found the team to be so incredibly committed to the vision of the organisation, to be dedicated and hardworking, to be passionate and both knowledgeable and eager to learn. I know that I don’t like working alone, and work much better as part of a highly functioning team… and I have just that team!

Finally, tell us something about yourself that your colleagues would be surprised to know?

This is by far the hardest question of the lot! My hobbies are very predictable… I enjoy walking, I am an avid knitter, and more recently, I started keeping chickens which is an absolute joy. As for something others may be surprised to know… I worked for my dad providing admin support to his wine importing business but I’m almost 100% teetotal. No danger of drinking the profits!

Want to find out more about how we can support you?

If you are currently in a volunteer coordinator role, why not have a look at our specialised training or join our coordinator’s network that offers practical guidance and support to volunteer coordinators and managers across North Yorkshire.

Meet Claire Routh – Citizens in Policing Liaison Officer at North Yorkshire Police

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Our volunteer interview this month is with Claire Routh, a Citizens in Policing Liaison Officer for the Police Support Volunteers at North Yorkshire Police. We chatted with Claire to see what her role entails and spoke about her advice for anyone thinking of becoming a volunteer coordinator or manager.
Please introduce yourself.

My name is Claire Routh and I currently work for North Yorkshire Police. I have been employed with North Yorkshire Police for just over 10 years and I am the Citizens in Policing Liaison Officer for the Police Support Volunteers. I have been in this role for just over 5 months and prior to this I was a PCSO.

What attracted you to the organisation and role?

I have worked for North Yorkshire Police for over 10 years and I joined the organisation as I wanted to make a difference. Recently I have wanted to try something different and I have had the pleasure of working alongside some of the volunteers as part of a neighbourhood policing team. As a cadet leader I have had some experience in the volunteer sector and want to ensure our volunteers are utilised to the best of their ability so that they continue to feel rewarded and valued by the force.

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

Do it. I am really enjoying the role. I speak with different people on a daily basis and it allows me to travel round the force and meet people and departments that I never would have previously.

What have you learnt about yourself while in this role?

I can multi-task! I’m not afraid to approach people of high rank if I need to ask them something.

Finally, tell us something about yourself that your colleagues would be surprised to know?

I was in a Christmas Pantomime when I was younger with some famous people.

Want to find out more about how we can support you?

If you are currently in a volunteer coordinator role, why not have a look at our specialised training or join our coordinator’s network that offers practical guidance and support to volunteer coordinators and managers across North Yorkshire.

Meet Tom Oates, and his guide dog Jerry!

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Our volunteer interview this month is with Tom Oates – a volunteer with Jennyruth Workshops and Ripon Museum Trust. We met with Tom and his guide dog Jerry to chat through why Tom volunteers, what volunteering at both organisations has given him and what he likes to do in his free time.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Tom. I’m 27 years old and have a guide dog called Jerry.

I started with Ripon Museum Trust in 2016 – this 6-hour position was arranged through Harrogate College. This ended in 2019 but I returned in 2021 after the Covid pandemic. My role at the Workhouse Museum is Main Block Visitor Host where I meet and greet visitors who come into the Masters and Matron block.

My role at Jennyruth Workshops is as a worker and I am currently working 3 days a week on a work placement, taking on multiple enjoyable tasks.

What attracted you to the organisations and roles?

I am interested in history, working with people and interacting with the customers who come into Ripon Museum Trust. I originally started volunteering in the Court House where I was meeting and greeting – I didn’t have Jerry then.  It was small and I struggled with the layout – I had a mobility cane to help me but I didn’t really like it. I prefer the Work House as it’s a bigger museum and busier with families. I like customer facing roles which include telling them about the history.

At Jennyruth Workshops I work in the paint shop, do woodwork, bake (today I made flapjacks and gingerbread men) and I help make the packaging. I love the packaging as I can do it independently. There are some fiddly jobs but I ask for help when I need to.

Jennyruth Workshops is a good, friendly, family environment. Everyone mucks in. It is great for work skills building if you have additional needs.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a volunteer?

It is a great experience. You’re part of a team. You’re sharing ideas with everyone who volunteers as well as staff. It is a great atmosphere to work in and it’s a friendly environment to be in. It’s great to volunteer with my guide dog and I am happy to work with staff to make the environment safe for all.

My confidence is up from my volunteering. I feel safe. I can walk to town safely from the museum. I feel really happy and do a good job. Volunteering helps with building your skill set and helps improve your mood. It has helped me become more independent.

What was the best piece of advice given to you as a volunteer?

Don’t send too many emails!!! I used to send a lot to Vicki at Ripon Museum Trust. She explained that she can’t always read them and asked that I be patient and wait for her response. I get a lot of emails myself and I don’t always have time to read them and I can get overwhelmed. I realise now that I used to send far too many.

A piece of advice from my work placement at Jennyruth Workshops is to “always take advice on board”.

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

I have completed 276 park runs at Fountains Abbey in Ripon. I run with a sighted runner and we have ran them all without stopping. I was given a new hi-visibility vest for the 250th run which has the park run logo printed on it. The next celebration will be my 500th run.

I have been running the Ripon park run since New Years day 2015. It gives me confidence, improves my fitness and I enjoy being outside in the fresh air with other people.

Want to find out more about how we can support you?

If you are currently in a volunteer coordinator role, why not have a look at our specialised training or join our coordinator’s network that offers practical guidance and support to volunteer coordinators and managers across North Yorkshire.

Meet Gail Squires – a long-time volunteer and book enthusiast!

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As part of our work to highlight the contributions of people whose work involves or supports volunteers, we met up with Gail Squires, who has been a volunteer with Ripon Library Action Group (RLAG) since its formation in 2017 – and is now also one of the Group’s trustees. We asked her about her love for volunteering and also found out a little something that not many people know!
Please introduce yourself

Ripon Library Action Group was formed in 2017 when the then North Yorkshire County Council reorganised its library provision. Ripon Library is a hybrid library that has permanent paid staff supported by a team of volunteers.

I have been a volunteer at Ripon since it became a hybrid library. In my role, I assist the staff by ensuring that:

  • returned books are correctly shelved
  • reserved books are processed using the computer system
  • books are picked for reservation requests – including those for housebound users and book groups
  • new library members are welcomed and signed up.

I also help with numerous types of enquiries, keep the library tidy and carry out anything else the staff ask me to do!!  I am also now a Trustee of the Ripon Library Action Group (RLAG)

What attracted you to the organisation and role?

I became involved in volunteering at the library because, at the time, I was responsible for collecting and returning books for a reading group I had joined. I had just moved to part-time working hours and I wished to help to ensure that the library continued to provide its many important services.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a volunteer?

When thinking of becoming a volunteer, I feel it is important to do something that you have an interest in, be it outdoors, creative arts, performing arts, befriending, becoming more involved in the local community, etc.

Find the organisation or person that can provide more information and even try out various different areas to find the one that is most suited to your interests and the time that you are able to give.

The best piece of advice given to me, once I had decided where to volunteer, was: ‘If not sure of anything – ask!’.

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

Whilst not a spring chicken myself, I have always been active, which keeps me out of mischief.  I spent my early working life nursing and then latterly in administrative roles working around my family commitments.

I enjoy keeping fit, particularly swimming, so much so that in 2015 I swam in Lake Windermere as part of the Great North Swim with my daughter raising money for the Royal British Legion and St Michael’s Hospice.

I sing in a local community choir, love animals (especially dogs), enjoy helping to look after my grandchildren (getting into mischief) and cooking – I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Michel Roux Jnr. Oh, and I am married to a former England and British Lions Rugby player!

Helping young people have their voices heard in health and social care services

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In this blog, we hear from Zach Ransome, Community Co-ordinator at CaVCA, about their role to empower volunteers by helping them gain skills, boost their confidence and inspire them to achieve their full potential.

 

My name is Zach Ransome. I am autistic, chronically ill and non-binary and I feel empowered in my current role at CaVCA. I recently completed an Applied Psychology degree at Coventry University Scarborough Campus, and this has led me to working as a freelance community co-ordinator for CaVCA on a project we are working on with Healthwatch North Yorkshire called CORE20PLUS5.

Providing young people with a platform to have their views and voices heard regarding health care services in coastal towns is incredibly important as these are the people of the future, they are the change makers, and we need to hear their views and opinions.

As a collective we are hoping to collect data regarding five main areas of healthcare (Asthma, Diabetes, Mental health, Epilepsy and Oral health) to understand further the health inequalities within coastal towns like Scarborough and how improvements could be made.

This will be an empowering experience for our volunteers and the young people they connect with whilst undertaking the interviews regarding their access to healthcare as this will not only provide them with a platform to have their say but it will also create connections within the community and inspire confidence.

As a Community Co-ordinator, I personally support the volunteers with anything they need help with, and I hope to empower them further by providing them with skills to boost their confidence and show them what they are capable of regardless of what difficulties they have themselves.

Volunteering on this project is not just about the data, it is also about marginalised voices being heard within small coastal towns which are often missed off the map when it comes to research which is incredibly important to me and the team I am working with.

Young people deserve to have their voices heard and are often dismissed regarding ideas around health care and services provided, as a collective we are incredibly excited about this bit of research because we are encouraging young people to speak up and get involved in research within their community and I personally believe community creates connection which we should all be striving for.

Please check out the CaVCA website to find out more about this project if you wish to be involvement; we would be delighted to hear from you!

Community Connectors | CaVCA 

Equity and Inclusion in Volunteering

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In her blog for Volunteers’ Week, Hetty Nanor, Community Volunteering Project Officer at Hambleton Community Action, encourages us all to listen to our volunteers and ensure that we are supporting their individual needs.

It is interesting to realise how various voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations are passionate about sourcing funding to promote equity and inclusion across their boards. It is an undeniable fact that the majority of their goals, and the impact they make in society, could not be achieved without volunteers giving their time and experiences back to their communities.

As much as such organisations have great plans on paper, the question that comes to mind is – do their strategies put people first? What I mean by that is are they person-centred? Do volunteers enjoy the universal human right of inclusion? Are they treated fairly and supported, taking into consideration their individual needs? These questions need the right answers if VCSEs are looking to recruit and retain volunteers in the longer-term. It is evident that people choose to volunteer where they are supported and valued.

In my organisation we believe that the benefits of volunteering should be available to everyone, and that anyone who walks through our doors and expresses the interest to volunteer with us deserves to be listened to, and be provided with the support they need to thrive in their community. As a result, every week we take prospective volunteers through our onboarding process. I am an advocate on inclusion, equity and empowerment because it brings the best out of people. This takes me to my Masters dissertation in gender politics. I chose to do my research on women empowerment. The reason was that from my country of origin it was evident that there were many well-meaning charitable organisations sourcing funding to empower women by disbursing physical cash to them to invest in trades. However, my research showed that due to the patriarchal conditions in the country, the males living in the households with these women were in charge of the cash so in actual fact the women were not in control and the aim of those projects to empower women was defeated.

What am I driving at? For volunteers to be included and supported as individuals there is the need for their voice to be heard so their specific need for support can be identified and addressed. The support needs could range from ensuring volunteers are not out of pocket, providing mentoring support to build confidence, help with filling out onboarding forms, creating a welcoming atmosphere to work in, using acceptable language, holding social events just for volunteers such as quizzes, meals, tea or coffee out, providing the necessary infrastructure facilities and the list goes on. This is a quote I would like to share in the light of today’s blog:

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced” by James Baldwin, American writer and civil rights activist.

In conclusion, and from a professional point of view, inclusion is being asked to dance at a party and equity is being part of the organising committee.

I hope this piece will motivate organisations to do  their research – listening to their volunteers and providing them with support appropriate to their individual needs, recognising everybody’s capability to make a worthwhile contribution.

Happy Volunteering Week Celebrations.

Find out more about volunteering with Hambleton Community Action on their website.

Search for volunteering roles on the NCVO (the National Council for Volunteering Organisation) website. There are links to multiple volunteering websites from organisations such as Vinspired, and Volunteering Matters.

Need help with recruiting and retaining volunteer, or any other area of volunteer management, get in touch with our VCSE Support team.

Want to get in touch with fellow volunteer managers and coordinators and share advice and learning, why not join our Volunteer Coordinators Network?

 

What do a brass band, a spaniel and a plant sale have in common?  

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How to find volunteers and for volunteers to find you

By Carole Roberts, Community Support Delivery Manager at Community First Yorkshire. Carole was previously Volunteer Coordinator at the National Trust, Huddersfield Mission and Love Bread CIC.

Walking up to the Milton Rooms in Malton recently, we heard them before we saw them: a local brass band banging out some familiar tunes. A fantastic way to attract attention to the local Rotary Club’s recent ‘Involve’ event: an annual showcase for community groups to reach out to potential volunteers and a chance for local people to check out the volunteering opportunities in their area.

The main hall was jam-packed with stalls; everything from the local museum to environmental groups; all with leaflets, freebies and, most importantly, passion for their cause. This is what makes such events so powerful: meeting the people who are best placed to recruit new volunteers and to promote their own brand of social action.

In the volunteering sector, there is often talk of difficulties in recruiting new volunteers, with follow-up challenges around retainment and reward. A 2022 survey of NAVCA members showed 63% of members having significant concerns about recruiting volunteers, with 55% worried about support and retention. Having adapted to a pandemic volunteering model, we must now all adapt again to a post-Covid model. Flexibility, inclusivity, and experimentation are emerging themes. For example, joining in with one-off social action events or becoming a trustee offer up all the benefits of traditional volunteering models without the often unrealistic demands of ‘every Tuesday morning’.

Back to the Involve event and surely making the time to connect in an authentic way must top the list for effective ways to get people involved. Worried about your lack of experience or whether a role can be adapted to suit your needs? Asking the questions face to face will open up the discussion and help your decision. Are your volunteering roles interesting enough to attract new people? This is a chance to compare and contrast with other organisations. We would all find it easier to turn up for the first time if we recognise a face or arrange to meet someone. We would also appreciate clear expectations and appropriate tasks in what we choose to do.

Many people at the event were looking ahead to retirement; searching for an activity and a cause to smooth the transition from employment. People transferring their skills and experience from one sector to another; making a difference and maintaining social connection.  ‘Involve’ showcased people helping people and communities supporting communities. With so many benefits and beneficiaries, the future of volunteering looks bright.

 

Search for volunteering roles on the NCVO (the National Council for Volunteering Organisation) website. There are links to multiple volunteering websites from organisations such as Vinspired, and Volunteering Matters.

Need help with recruiting and retaining volunteer, or any other area of volunteer management, get in touch with our VCSE Support team.

Want to get in touch with fellow volunteer managers and coordinators and share advice and learning, why not join our Volunteer Coordinators Network?

 

Volunteers’ Week: “Everyone has something to offer.”

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In celebration of Volunteers’ Week, we caught up with Debby Lennox, head of community operations at Dementia Forward.

In this blog, Debby discusses her volunteering role at Dementia Forward’s Wellbeing Café and shares some of her monumental moments which surprised (and delighted!) her:

Nine years ago, I started working two days a week for Dementia Forward, recruiting and supporting volunteers. With a young family, this part-time role suited me perfectly, but also provided me with the luxury of some spare hours. Not one for either relaxing or doing the housework, I decided that, for just a few of those hours, I would offer myself as a volunteer to Dementia Forward’s Wellbeing Café.

If someone decided to analyse me, I am sure that I would come out as a ‘kinesthetic learner’, because I felt I couldn’t recruit people to a role without a proper understanding of what it entailed, and what, as a new recruit, I might find challenging. One of my first lessons came very early on, when a gentleman carer asked if I would sit with his wife, while he spoke to a support advisor. He led his wife to the table and steadied her as she sat on the chair next to me. He explained that she would find it difficult to talk to me, but that she loved ‘Connect 4’, so I set up a game.

Prior to playing I thought I was a dab hand at this game and felt I should take it easy on my opponent. However, as I quickly discovered, she was incredible at the game! So much so that when her husband re-joined us, I had my tail between my legs, and she had five wins under her belt!

This game was my fast-track course in treating everyone as an individual, getting to know their skills and maximising them, and learning that people are full of surprises. It wasn’t the only lesson I learned in my short time as a volunteer, but it is one that I hope has held me in good stead.

One of the most wonderful moments came a year or two later, when I recruited a volunteer with dementia. Tom had seen my advert for volunteers and approached me to see whether he was able to do the role as he had recently received his diagnosis. After a conversation about how we could support him and the need for open communication from both sides on how it was working, I whole-heartedly agreed. Afterall, we are encouraging other organisations to support and encourage people with dementia to volunteer, so how could we not offer this opportunity ourselves?

It was Tom’s first shift at the wellbeing café, and we had volunteers manning the kitchen, volunteers chatting and engaging people within the room, volunteers playing games and leading activities. Tom stood by the door, not yet sure of his role, until a new attendee arrived and tentatively poked his head round the door, before retreating. Tom noticed, opened the door and invited him in, with the words “Hello I’m Tom and I have dementia. What’s your name?”. The other man’s nervousness was completely gone, and the two men moved into the group, comfortably chatting.

These are just two examples of what every person I have met during my time at Dementia Forward has reiterated for me. Everyone has something to offer. Every interaction is valuable; every cake baked, bus driven, phone call made, song sung, smile offered, makes a difference. Volunteers enable an organisation to support people quickly and effectively and their value cannot be measured and should never be underestimated.

So, could that next volunteer be you? You might not think that your skills or experience would make you a great volunteer for a particular organisation. You might not really know what a role would involve, and may be nervous about asking. You might not think you fit the role that an organisation is promoting. But you might actually be just what they are looking for, they just haven’t met you yet.

To find out more about Dementia Forward’s volunteering roles across North Yorkshire, visit their website  or email debby.lennox@dementiaforward.org.uk. For further volunteering inspiration, roles and resources, head to our Volunteers’ Week 2024 page.

Happy Volunteers’ Week!

 

“I feel I couldn’t have chosen a better cause, or found a better use of my time.”

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Scarborough Dial a Ride volunteer driver, Jonathan K, shares his passion for getting behind the wheel and providing a real life line for communities:

Over the last 40 years, I was fortunate to have had a busy and enjoyable international career in catering and hospitality, which had taken me and my family to several exciting places around the world. Retirement eventually beckoned and we resettled in Scarborough, where years before my wife had been a pupil at the Scarborough Convent and her father was a bursar at Scarborough College – it was a familiar and attractive place.

I soon realised I couldn’t sit still and I wanted to find something worthwhile to keep me busy. A feature in the local paper about the exploits of Scarborough Dial a Ride, and their need for more volunteers seemed to be worth exploring further. A little over 10 years ago, I drove my first Dial a Ride bus, met my fellow staff and volunteers, and picked up my first passenger. I feel I couldn’t have chosen a better cause, or found a better use of my time.

It is evident that the service provided by Dial a Ride is a real life line to many of our passengers – be it a trip to the shops, meeting for a coffee with friends, or attending a long awaited hospital appointment – the service is secure, reliable, economical and very importantly, friendly…for many passengers, the trip out with a Dial a Ride team can be their main social interaction of the week. It’s not just a community transport service, it’s also an informal welfare and support service, much welcomed by many of our users. From my point of view the satisfaction I get from being involved is instant: our customers are rarely slow to provide opinions about our services!!

In addition to the pleasure I get from providing a service which is much needed and appreciated by customers, there is also the enjoyment and fun I get from working with the Dial a Ride staff and other volunteers. We are a very mixed bunch of folk, and the banter and opinions exchanged in the crew room adds another welcome dimension to the voluntary day.

I try to drive for Dial a Ride one day a week, and I can safely say that generally it’s the most satisfying day I have each week, and the rest of the week is pretty good too! Like any business supported heavily by volunteers, Dial a Ride needs more volunteers, so we can continue to provide these much needed services to a growing group of passengers. If you’re considering finding a voluntary role, give it a try – it’s truly rewarding, and the feedback is instant.

 

Scarborough Dial A Ride provides fully accessible, affordable, door to door transport for anyone over the age of 60, or those of any age with some form of disability, living within our 10 mile service area.

Starting in 1983 with one old, second hand minibus, we have extensively developed our services in the area with a modern fleet of fully accessible, specialised vehicles.

We now help hundreds of people each year maintain their independence by providing reliable and caring transport to go shopping, visit friends or relatives, go to church, day centres, restaurants and leisure pursuits, as well as health related appointments.

Our spacious minibuses are fitted with lifts as well as low steps and grab rails for ease of boarding. For longer journeys, our MPV cars are wheelchair accessible and provide safe and comfortable transport.

For more information and an informal chat about volunteering, please contact us on 01723 354434 between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday-Friday.