A volunteers story: how to be a ‘jack of all trades’

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Hear from Village Hall volunteer, Doug Allan, as he reflects on his role as Trustee of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall.

My name is Doug Allan and I am 75 years of age. I am a Trustee of Topcliffe & Asenby Village Hall, which is located in Topcliffe near Thirsk. I have been on the Village Hall Committee for eleven years and I have no specific title but tend to be a general ‘dogs body’, organising a wide range of fundraising events and undertaking lots of tasks that help the hall run smoothly.

The Big Project

In 2014 the Village Hall Committee embarked upon an ambitious plan to extend and refurbish the premises. I was asked to join the committee in a co-opted capacity to lead on raising the huge amount of funding to enable the development to proceed. The total investment was over £140,000, most of which was grant-aided by a wide range of organisations and by local community fundraising.

Fundraising Success

The major refurbishment was completed in 2016 and by that time I had effectively been embedded in the committee and was persuaded to remain as a member. Over the years we have raised thousands for Village Hall funds by organising events including the annual Race Night (the one held in February this year raised £3,500), bringing bands to perform in the hall and lots, lots more.

Village Events

Being retired obviously means that I have the time to invest in helping and supporting the Village Hall, which I believe is an invaluable community hub. It is great to be a part of the committee and to ensure that the facility is available to villagers and people from further afield to organise a fantastic variety of activities, including our extremely successful Warm Hub lunches, bingo sessions, scouts/cubs/squirrels meetings, knit & natter sessions, boccia, art classes, weekly quiz, a wide range of Christmas activities and many private party hires.

Why volunteering matters

I have enjoyed volunteering within the community in which I live and socialise. Through the Village Hall I have made many new friends and have thoroughly enjoyed keeping busy and organising events for everyone to enjoy…whilst at the same time raising the much-needed funds that help secure the future viability of our community hub.

Find out more about Village Halls Week 2025 and how to become a volunteer.

Meet Catherine Skyvington – Library Supervisor at Harrogate Library

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Please introduce yourself.

Hello, my name is Catherine and I am a library supervisor at Harrogate Library. I have worked here for just under two years and my main role is to manage the staff and volunteers, as well as the building. I also plan events and activities, and work alongside our outreach team to create partnerships within the community.

What attracted you to the organisation and role?

I have always enjoyed working in the public sector and have previously worked in Leeds Libraries and at an older person’s charity called OWLS. One of the tasks that I particularly enjoyed was managing the charity’s volunteers and organising their befriending service, so when this role came along which involved working with volunteers and dealing with books, it seemed perfect!

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

Working with volunteers is so incredibly rewarding and it allows you to meet such a wide variety of people. It is important to know why someone wants to be a volunteer and what their strengths are, so they can be fitted into the right role. It is also vital that volunteers are made to feel valued and they know they are just as important in the running of the organisation as the paid members of staff.

What have you learnt about yourself while in this role?

Every day is different in the library and working with the public means I never know what will be round the corner. I’ve learnt to stay calm and understand that patience and listening skills are key!

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

I can play the saxophone and love playing around on a drum kit!

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 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!

Why are community digital hubs such a fantastic idea?

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With our popular Digital Inclusion Programme now open for new funding applications, project manager Michael Fletcher asks why digital hubs are so important to make sure no-one in the community is left behind. He writes:

Today, it feels like more and more of what we need to do is moving online. Have you ever thought about how your organisation could help your community so that everyone can learn about how to get online and get ahead in the digital world? That’s what a community digital hub is all about! Let’s dive into why setting one up is such a fantastic idea.

Not everyone has the same access to tech and the internet. A digital hub makes sure everyone, no matter what their background is, can get online and use technology. It’s all about making sure no-one gets left behind.

A digital hub isn’t just about tech

A digital hub isn’t just about tech; it’s also a place to meet new people and stay connected. People can learn how to video chat to help stay in touch with friends and family – reducing loneliness and making new connections.

Learning new digital skills can also open so many job opportunities. Whether it’s finding a new job online, learning how to work remotely, or even starting an online business, a digital hub can be a game-changer for people looking to improve their career prospects.

From finding reliable health information to using fitness apps, a digital hub can help residents stay healthy and informed. Plus, they can learn about online health services.

Support is currently available through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to provide funding to establish digital hubs along with training and ongoing support to train volunteers/staff as digital champions.

Top tips for applicants

Interested in applying? Then here are some tips from applicants who have been successful so far:

  • Clearly demonstrate the local need
  • Think about what categories of people in your community need digital support and what scale of support do you think you could provide?
  • Ask yourself if digital support can be a bolt on to existing services you provide? For example, if you run a coffee morning, could you include a digital drop-in service for people to get help?
  • Explore whether you could run a donation scheme for IT equipment to provide to those without access to a device
  • Think about whether you could broaden support, so it is available for the wider community and not just those who currently use your facilities?
  • And, if you don’t have a venue you can use, are you able to take digital support to the users, either in their home or using community venues such as village halls to make it easier for people to access?
Apply by July 26

If you are interested in learning more, please contact project manager, Michael Fletcher. You need to be quick though, as the closing date for applications is 26 July.

For all the information you need, visit the North Yorkshire Council website.

Measuring the big impact that small charities have

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For this year’s Small Charity Week, our Head of VCSE Support, Carole Roberts, delves into the tricky topic of impact measurement. She writes:

Over the past few months, our VCSE support team has been busy reviewing and refreshing our skills and knowledge around measuring impact.

Why? Because small charities are asking for our support with this – whether for funding applications, annual reporting or to help with developing new activities.

We all know that small charities across North Yorkshire can have a big impact and for this year’s Small Charity Week I thought I would share some of the effective questions that can help measure the impact of the charities you are involved with, with a challenge to give it a go.

Asking these questions of your communities – be that staff, volunteers, trustees or beneficiaries – should open up conversations and give you real evidence of the difference you are making.

See how you get on, inserting your charity’s name where I have used our fictional ‘Village Volunteers’.

  • Since you got involved with ‘Village Volunteers’ what, if anything, has changed about how you feel about yourself and your life?
  • Why have things changed? What is it about ‘Village Volunteers’ that has helped this happen?
  • Have these changes impacted anyone else, for example family members? If so, who has it affected and how?
  • Since you got involved with ‘Village Volunteers’, have any other things in your life helped or got in the way of where you want to get to – for example, children, supportive partner or poor health? If so please give details.
  • What would have happened if you hadn’t been involved with ‘Village Volunteers’? For example, how would you feel about yourself? What would you be doing?

The answers can help with many aspects of running a small charity; showing you what is effective (do more of) and how you contribute to changing people’s lives. You may also discover how your work adds value and contributes to wider changes in people’s lives. You could record the answers, summarise them or just make mental notes to use at a later date.

People in small charities are change-makers and know they are making a huge difference. But measuring this in a more formal way can be daunting, time-consuming and often falls to the bottom of the to-do list. Embedding some of these questions into your day-to-day work could be one method of hearing about the impact on those around you.

Meanwhile, look out for the support we are developing this autumn to help small charities develop their impact measurement. In the meantime, if you need a bit of a hand with measuring your impact now, do get in touch.

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