Welcome to our late summer edition of the Volunteer Coordinators newsletter!

Since our last issue we have seen major changes in Government and locally, with the election of our new York and North Yorkshire Mayor, David Skaith.

We don't know how things will change within the VCSE sector but we look forward to having conversations with you all, including future discussions about what you would like to see in your communities for you, your organisations and your volunteers.

In this issue, we signpost you to the National Inclusion Week campaign, the Vision for Volunteering theme of Power, and speak to two Ripon-based volunteers, Tom and Jerry.

All the best everyone.

It was a very exciting Yorkshire Day as 100 volunteers headed to London to spread the word about Hull and East Yorkshire.

Our partners in East Yorkshire celebrated Yorkshire Day with a trip to the capital to spread the word about how great the region is.

Just as Yorkshire Tea adverts use the power and influence of stars such as Sean Bean, Patrick Stewart and the Kaiser Chiefs to get a giggle from the audience, the 100 volunteers used their power and voice to help encourage people "Up North".

We know that without volunteers a lot of our wonderful VCSE partners wouldn't be able to offer the services that they do - not only for local people but also visiting tourists.

With Bradford also being awarded the 2025 City Of Culture, what will you and your volunteers be doing to help promote what you do in Yorkshire? 

Inclusive Employers have announced that 23 - 29 September 2024 is officially National Inclusion Week, and the theme of 'Impact Matters' will be at the forefront of the festivities. 

The available campaign toolkit introduces the theme by stating: "Impact Matters has a powerful message that centres around understanding, identifying and measuring impact on marginalised groups and taking actions that make for genuine, sustainable change that matters."

Inclusive Employers offer training, record podcasts and produce a diversity calendar.

Sign up to receive free resources for your organisations and communities.

How will the new Government change employment law? 

Many VCSE organisations rely on casual staff. The traditional influx of students enjoying their summer break whilst working to give them some "pocket money" is seen across the region.

Organisations which exploit the zero hours contract system do need exposing, but these type of contracts are useful for those who require casual staff for a short period of time or for one off events.

The new Government has made significant proposals which could reshape the employment landscape. Worknest, who are affiliated to NCVO, has produced a webinar with an in-depth look at how changes to employment law could impact your organisation.

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 250^th run which has the park run logo printed on it. The next celebration will be my 500^th 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.

If you have any questions related to volunteering or volunteer management please do get in touch with us at communitysupport@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk