Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: AUGUST
Welcome back to the monthly Year of Volunteering newsletter! Here we will keep
you informed about what is happening with the campaign, as well as providing
updates on all the activities going on across the county this month and the next.
AUGUST’S THEME
With the summer holidays well and
truly underway and the Rio Olympics
set to take place, we are continuing
our theme of volunteering in the great
outdoors and in sports this month.
Read on to find out more about:
Former Games Makers and their
experiences inspiration to continue
volunteering,
Some of the fantastic conservation
work that is being carried out by
volunteers for Watford Green Gym,
Countryside Management Services
and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife
Trust,
The 2016 County Cadet
competition
Hertfordshire’s Green Flag success
And lots more fantastic volunteer
case studies from across the
county
ACTIVITIES THIS
MONTH The Rio Olympics are taking place
from August 5 – August 21. The
Paralympics will follow in September.
LONDON 2012: A LEGACY
The Olympics and Paralympics in London four years ago inspired an army of
volunteers in Hertfordshire. As the next Olympics commence, see what some of
the former Games Makers are doing now to continue helping their community:
Were any of your volunteers a Games Maker in the London 2012 Games? If so,
we’d like to hear from you at [email protected]
Peter Davidson, Hertfordshire Health Walk leader, Hertford
“I decided to volunteer when I retired in 2011. The following year I applied to be a
‘Games Maker’ at the London Olympics and was delighted to be offered a role at
the Paralympics in the area of security and ticket checking. It gave me the
opportunity to be involved in a once in a lifetime event, close to home.
Since then I have volunteered as a Hertfordshire Health Walks Leader, a patient
reviewer for Asthma UK, and secretary to a Patient Participation Group in Ware.
Through volunteering I wanted to apply my work-based experience and, at the
same time, keep fit – both mentally and physically. Volunteering is an ideal way
to meet like-minded people and offer something back to the community. It is part
of my life now – I have a routine and enjoy the camaraderie of my colleagues.”
Tony Keen, Sports Event Volunteer, St Albans
Tony started volunteering during the 2012 London Games and has since
volunteered at a number of sporting events, including the Vitality British 10k
London run, All England Seniors Badminton at Hertfordshire Sports Village, Love
Welwyn Garden City 10k run and many more.
“I volunteer to give something back, to help people have fun and to maximise
their potential. It makes me feel good and enables me to share my skills.”
Tony at the Cancer UK London run Peter leading a health walk
WATFORD GREEN GYM
The summer certainly is a busy time of year
for Watford Green Gym. Based along the
River Colne in Watford, up to 15 conservation
volunteers turn out twice a week and are more
than happy to get stuck in, improving their
health and the environment. Whether it is
pulling up Himalayan balsam, clearing paths,
scything meadows or getting in the river to
remove fallen trees there is always something
to do, with a range of activities to suit all levels
of fitness. One of the parks they work in,
Waterfields Recreation Ground, has recently
won a prestigious Green Flag, awarded to the
best green spaces in the country.
Susan has been volunteering
for three years: “I never
realised how lovely this area
was until I joined Watford
Green Gym. It really is quite
beautiful and I have learnt so
much about the plants and
local wildlife, it has added a
whole new dimension to my
life. It is amazing how much it
lifts your spirits getting out
into the open air once or
twice a week, we have so
much fun and it is immensely
rewarding when you can see
the difference you’ve made.”
YOUNG VOLUNTEERS AT HARTHAM COMMON
14 young people from the National Citizens Service braved the stinging nettles
and baking sunshine to clear paths on Hartham Common in Hertford on 20th July.
Countryside Management Service and Youth Connexions supported the
volunteers to work together to tackle the weeds and make the entrance to
Hartham Common more welcoming and to open up the paths down to the River
Beane. The Friends of Hartham Common took the young volunteers on a walk to
explain why Hartham Common was important for people and wildlife.
HERTS AND MIDDLESEX WILDLIFE TRUST
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust have a range of voluntary positions available;
from work parties on a variety of local Nature Reserves, to more permanent
voluntary warden and practical trainee roles, as well as office based positions.
Jane Archer is a voluntary water vole surveyor in Hertfordshire for the Trust. She
got involved with volunteering at HMWT after completing a degree in Zoology in
1982 and finding she couldn’t find work in that area. “Around 10 years ago the
Trust had funding for several wildlife courses and I attended most of them to
update my knowledge. I particularly enjoyed the water vole surveying course, and
the Trust later ran more sessions and asked for volunteers to survey across
Herts. This led to my coordinating the South West Herts group of volunteers.”
Her advice to someone wanting to get involved in volunteering in conservation is
to attend one of the regular volunteer work parties held by HMWT, where
attendees carry out practical conservation work with the support of a Reserves
Officer. “It’s a great place to start. You can learn so much and meet some great
likeminded people. There is always something happening so do check their
websites for details of volunteer days. If you are a landowner and want to help
with surveys or would like advice on how to make your river wildlife friendly then
you also get in touch with the Trust.”
For details of volunteering with HMWT, visit: hertswildlifetrust.org.uk/volunteer
Jane, from Stevenage, was an avid netball player but had
to stop due to an injury. She volunteers as a netball coach
and team manager for girls aged 10-11 to stay involved in
the game and to give something back.
As well as getting new qualifications, Jane says "I feel like
I'm doing something good and that makes me feel good. If
you're passionate about something and enjoy doing it then
why not give a little bit of time up during your week?"
2016 COUNTY CADET COMPETITION
More than 100 Volunteer Police Cadets from across Hertfordshire descended on
Police Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City last month to take part in the 2016
County Cadet Competition.
The annual event saw 10 teams complete 12 scenarios and team building
exercises throughout the day on Saturday, such as dealing with a mock road
traffic collision and giving evidence in court in front of real-life magistrates and
lawyers, who volunteered their time to help the cadets.
Park Guard Ltd, which sponsored some of the weekend, also brought along two
search dogs and a cadet from each unit was given the opportunity to learn how to
work with the dogs. Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and some of their
cadets also volunteered their time to manage a hose-run scenario.
On Sunday the cadets were joined by around 200 family members and friends for
a parade and inspection by Assistant Chief Constable Simon Megicks,
Hertfordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, David Lloyd and Chief Inspector
Stuart Orton. They were also joined by Mayors from most county boroughs.
Chairman of the Hertsmere Police Cadets, PC Ross Paybody, organised the
event. He said: “Every year County Competition is getting bigger and better which
couldn’t be done without the help and support from our volunteers. I’d like to
thank all those involved for their support in making the event such a success.”
Hertfordshire Police Cadets are aged between 14 and 18. As well as learning
about police procedures and the law, cadets also play a vital role in community
events, engaging with members of the public and educating them on crime
prevention. If you are interested in joining, visit our webpage.
TAMING VULNERABLE RESIDENTS’ GARDENS
Watford locals are being asked if they can help vulnerable residents manage their
overgrown gardens. Community charity Groundwork Hertfordshire needs three
more volunteers to help deliver the Green Aiders project – a free one-off
gardening clearance service, funded by Watford Borough Council.
Harry, a Green Aiders volunteer, said: “I feel so much better for getting out in the
fresh air and gardening two mornings a week. Not only do I feel healthier, my
confidence has improved as I get to interact with a variety of people.”
Kloe Wood, Community Project Officer at Groundwork, said: “This is a great
project to get involved with - it’s incredibly rewarding and satisfying work
transforming the gardens and giving the residents back a space they can enjoy.”
Green Aiders Watford runs every Friday and the team visits two gardens a day.
Volunteers can give up as much or as little of their time as they would like. No
previous gardening experience is necessary as volunteers will receive training on
a range of hand and power tools. All tools and safety gear are supplied by
Groundwork, but sensible clothing is required.
For more information, or to become a Green Aiders volunteer in Watford, contact
Kloe Wood on 01707 255183 or [email protected]
Before After
CMS SHEPHERDS Last month 20 Countryside Management Service volunteers spent a day training
to become volunteer livestock checkers. These keen recruits are now supporting
efforts to improve wildlife habitats through the introductions of conservation
grazing on public green spaces. Cattle currently graze species rich grasslands on
Bricket Wood Common, Broxbourne Woods National Nature Reserve, Ivel
Springs and Weston Hills in Baldock and Oughtonhead Common in Hitchin. The
volunteers help with the daily checking of cattle to ensure their welfare.
VOLUNTEERS CONTRIBUTE TO
HERTFORDSHIRE’S GREEN FLAG SUCCESS
On Friday 22nd July, Representatives from 50 parks and green spaces attended
the Hertfordshire Green Flag Awards Ceremony hosted by Three Rivers District
Council in Rickmansworth. Volunteers and Friends Group members joined
councillors and parks managers in celebration. Taryn Pearson-Rose, who is
leading the Hertfordshire Year of Volunteering on behalf of Hertfordshire County
Council, gave a presentation encouraging attendees to make the most of the
opportunities presented by the initiative. Countryside Management Service
volunteers work to help maintain and improve many of these award winning green
spaces. Congratulations to all the winners, and huge thanks to all the volunteers
who have helped make this possible during the Year of Volunteering.
FLEXIBLE VOLUNTEERING
A little free time can make a big difference! #TeamHerts Volunteering have
launched two new ways for those looking for flexible volunteering opportunities to
get involved.
The Time and Talents database allows volunteers to browse through opportunities
online and offer help to organisations on an ad hoc basis. In addition, the free
h0urworld app also enables those looking for one-off opportunities to browse
what’s available, search for charities and members and find out what’s going on in
the local area - all from their mobile phone or tablet.
Kat Shepherdson, #TeamHerts Volunteering Project Manager, explains: “Flexible
volunteering allows those who don’t have the time but still have the passion for
helping a cause, charity or need. It enables individuals to control their own
volunteering experience using the webpage software or the h0urworld app to
access the database on the go, browsing opportunities which suit their needs.”
If you are a volunteer or a charity and would like to get involved visit:
www.teamherts.org or email: [email protected]
To keep up-to-date with the Year of Volunteering visit: facebook, twitter, webpage.
If you would like to unsubscribe or have these emails forwarded on to another
member of your team, please contact [email protected].
COMING UP NEXT
Next month will not only see a continuation of our promotions around sports and
outdoors-based volunteering, with the advent of the Paralympics, but we will also
be launching a new theme around young people and education.
As young people return to school after the summer holidays and young adults set
off for university freshers week, we will be highlighting not only the benefits of
volunteering to help young people (for example as a School Governor or youth
mentor), but also the benefits that young people themselves get out of
volunteering, such as developing their skills, meeting new people and boosting
their CV.
