For Sue Rutland, volunteering at The Forum in Northallerton has become an important way to stay connected, build friendships and play an active part in her local community.

Sue began volunteering at The Forum in 2016, shortly after retiring from her work in schools. A friend who already volunteered there had mentioned the opportunity, and the idea stayed with her.

“When I finished work myself, it had planted a seed and I just thought, come along, have a chat and see what it’s all about.”

Since then, Sue has taken on a wide range of roles. She helps in the box office, works as a steward, supports the bar and also gets involved in volunteer coordination alongside members of staff.

No such thing as a typical shift
One of the things Sue enjoys is the variety.

“I don’t think there’s such a thing as a typical shift.”

During a daytime box office shift, that might mean helping members of the public buy or collect tickets, answering questions and welcoming people into the venue. Other shifts can involve supporting performances and events or helping behind the scenes.

But for Sue, volunteering has brought benefits that go well beyond the tasks themselves.

Before retiring, she had often worked outside Northallerton and did not feel she had particularly strong connections within the town. Volunteering has helped change that.

She has come to know familiar faces and developed friendships through the volunteer community at The Forum.

“Whether it’s down to people being familiar faces or proper friendships that have grown within the volunteer community within The Forum itself, I would say it has.”

Playing a part in the community
Sue also sees volunteering as an important way of supporting a valued local facility.

The Forum provides a cultural space for the town, and Sue believes local people have a role to play in helping places like it continue to thrive.

“If it’s something you want to keep, you’ve got to play your part in making it happen.”

For Sue, that sense of participation and belonging is at the heart of why she continues to volunteer.

“It’s nice. It’s nice to be part of the community.”

Sue’s story is a reminder that volunteering can create benefits in both directions. It helps community organisations continue their work, while also giving volunteers opportunities to meet people, build relationships, learn new things and feel more connected to where they live.

Watch Sue’s story in the video above.

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