Today marks the start of Volunteers Week, an annual UK wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.
This initiative has been running for over 40 years, providing organisations and communities a platform to thank and acknowledge current and past volunteers for their invaluable efforts.
Today we’ve spoken to Nick, a 56 year old volunteer, for the past five years at our Grow Your Own project based at Guild Park.
In your own words tell us about the project you volunteer at?
I’ve been volunteering for Grow Your Own at Guild Lodge since 2020, as a mental health volunteer.
The project can be seen as a form of horticultural therapy for the service users. It provides them with a meaningful way to engage in their recovery, and I have the privilege of supporting them through this process. Additionally, I assist some service users in earning a horticulture qualification, which not only contributes to their recovery but also gives them a tangible goal to work towards.
I typically attend the group on Saturday mornings, and no two weeks are ever the same. Some days, I might be moving the geese and chickens, mowing or strimming the grounds, or preparing for gardening shows. It’s always a dynamic and fulfilling experience.
How did you get involved?
I work full time as a Horticulture Tutor at a college, and I had the opportunity to teach the project lead of the group. Afterwards, I was invited to support the project, and, without hesitation, I agreed. It’s been a rewarding experience ever since, and I haven’t looked back.
Have you gained any further skills from your experience?
While I have extensive experience in horticulture, volunteering at Guild Lodge has allowed me to develop a wide range of new skills, particularly in adapting my teaching methods to meet the diverse needs of individuals. I’ve learned to work with people from different backgrounds and with varying levels of support needs, and I’ve become more flexible in my approach to helping them progress in their recovery.
Why do you volunteer, what keeps you coming back?
The most rewarding part of volunteering at Guild Lodge is witnessing the positive impact these outdoor spaces have on the service users. The confidence they gain through gardening is invaluable and seeing them grow personally and emotionally is incredibly fulfilling. It’s also amazing to support them in achieving qualifications that will help them reintegrate into the community. Perhaps most rewarding is seeing service users return to the site after discharge, eager to give back to the project. It’s a testament to how meaningful this experience is for them.
Why would you recommend volunteering to others?
Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to the community, and it can also be incredibly enriching for the volunteer. The connections you make and the skills you gain are invaluable. You have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in someone’s life, as well as experience the personal fulfilment of helping others grow. For anyone who is considering it, I would say that the impact of your time and effort is immeasurable, both for those you help and for your own growth as an individual.
