The Orpington based Maypole Project has been helping children with complex medical needs and their families for the past twenty years. The charity provides a range of therapies and emotional support all aimed at promoting well-being, combatting isolation and offering some much-needed fun and respite for families when they need it most.

Volunteer Administrator, Laura Nicholls told us more:

“The support we offer is hugely varied, from offering therapies such as one to one counselling, couples counselling and play therapy, as well as running two weekly activity clubs and outings for the children and siblings during the school holidays.”

The delivery of these services and the successful running of the organisation wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of its team of volunteers, as Laura explained:

“We simply could not run our services without our wonderful volunteers! We are a staff team of about ten, with eighty volunteers helping us in all aspects of the charity, whether that’s within therapies support, being part of the activities clubs, or joining in with fundraising and events to raise money and awareness throughout the year.”

The charity is always looking for new volunteer recruits and there are a range of opportunities on offer, as Laura told us:

“Within our therapy team: we are looking for child therapists, adult therapists, play therapists, couples therapists and clinical supervisors too.

Within activities: we are always looking for energetic and motivated individuals to help us to keep our Wednesday Active club and Thursday Youth club running throughout the school terms. We also run many activities and outings during the holidays, and need some amazing mini bus drivers to get us from A to B in our mini bus, as well as giving a helping hand during the outing too.

Within fundraising: we look for chatty and enthusiastic people to help with a variety of tasks throughout the year – this could be bucket collections, manning a stall, telling members of the community about who we are and what we do, marshaling a running event or being part of the Team Maypole cheer squad for some big active challenges like the London Marathon! It’s hugely varied but also very flexible too.”

As for the skills needed to volunteer, Laura had this to say:

“We look for anyone who is friendly and enthusiastic! We provide support and training for specific roles working with children or the families and we are always keen to find the right role for each person. The therapies roles are the only roles that have a requirement: to be in training or trained as a qualified therapist.”

As well as being a great way to do something worthwhile in the community, volunteering can also be helpful for enhancing one’s CV and career prospects, as Laura explained:

“Volunteering can provide huge benefits that can help with future career prospects. Being part of a team can help with confidence, communication, teamwork, patience and organisation skills. Showing your dedication and commitment to a good cause is always a brilliant addition to your CV and makes a great talking point in interviews too. We also think it is huge fun and a great way to meet new people.”

Andy Cook told us about his experience volunteering for the charity:

“I thoroughly enjoyed the five months that I volunteered as a Fundraising Assistant, working once to twice a week in the Orpington office. My activities included helping with events, general fundraising administration, organising talks and contacting businesses for donations.”

Andy told us what he enjoyed most about volunteering at The Maypole Project?:

“Being part of a friendly staff and volunteer team, raising funds for such a worthwhile cause makes such a difference to children and their families when they need it the most. Also, learning new skills and having fun in the process! I also ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon on behalf of The Maypole Project and was given great support by the charity.”   

As for advice to the would-be volunteer, Andy had this to say:

“It is a very fulfilling, humbling experience that will not only develop your personal skills and experience but also support the work of the charity in reaching out to as many families as they can.”

And, how would he describe his volunteering experience in three words?

“Fulfilling, inspiring and fun.”

As part of annual Stroke Awareness month, we focus on an outstanding local charity with a mission to improve the lives of adults who have experienced a stroke, and their families, across the borough, and the crucial role played by its volunteers.

Strokes can lead to long term health problems and require lengthy periods of rehabilitation and support for those affected. And, for the past thirty years, the iCARE Day Centre in Orpington has been responding to this need.

Able to accommodate twenty people a day, four days a week; the centre provides a welcoming and supportive environment where stroke survivors can socialise, build friendships and regain their independence, whilst also offering family carers a chance for respite. A range of tailored activities and therapies are also offered; all aimed at helping improve client’s mobility, communication skills and well-being. These include physiotherapy as well as speech and cognitive therapies.

Tracey Parry, iCARE Centre Manager explained how the centre is able to help those affected:

“People who have experienced a stroke can become isolated, so the social interaction within the group each day is an important component of rehabilitation. Clients are able to share experiences and find mutual support and friendship. Strokes affect everyone differently, we therefore offer a client centred approach, identifying the needs of each individual.”  

As with many charities, volunteers play a key role in the successful running of the centre, as Tracey told us:

“Volunteers are very important to iCARE. Volunteers support clients on a one to one basis and in small groups throughout the week. Volunteers bring new experiences, interests and hobbies to share with the clients.”

The charity is always keen to welcome new volunteer recruits and as Tracey explained, there are variety of opportunities on offer, giving volunteers the chance to do something worthwhile, whilst gaining experience as part of the team:

“Volunteers can support clients within the centre, offering one to one time with individuals or in small groups.  Helping clients with many different activities, including word games, quizzes, arts and crafts, physical activities. Other volunteering opportunities include becoming a member of the fundraising committee, undertaking light behind the scenes administration tasks, or attending external awareness and fundraising events.” 

As for the skills needed to be an iCARE volunteer? Tracey had this to say: 

“No skills required. Friendly, kind, a good listener and willing to be challenged at scrabble!” 

Jane Raynes joined iCARE as a Day Centre Volunteer in 2007, following her retirement from teaching. Her role involves interacting with clients, helping with speech therapy and word activities as well as organising a weekly quiz. She also helps with catering duties such as serving lunch and refreshments to clients. She explained what she enjoys most about her role:

“The friendly interaction of the clients with each other and the friendliness and professionalism of the staff and volunteers with clients and each other.”

And to anyone thinking of getting involved as a volunteer? Jane has this message:

“Step outside your comfort zone and give it a go!”

Healthwatch Bromley is a service run by the independent charitable organisation ‘Your Voice in Health & Social Care’ (YVHSC). With a mission to improve the quality and provision of health and social care within the borough and beyond; care service user’s feedback is gathered and presented to leading decision makers such as the NHS, to help action change. And, as Head of Volunteering, Gloria Arhin explained, volunteers are key to the organisation’s success:

“Volunteers play a crucial role in helping to ensure that Healthwatch Bromley and all services under YVHSC can raise the profile of issues that matter when it comes to improving health and social care services. Our range of volunteer roles enable volunteers to build relationships within the community thus helping the organisation to successfully engage and work with diverse communities to obtain feedback on health and social services.”

Healthwatch Bromley is always keen to hear from would-be volunteers with diverse skill sets. Community engagement is a prominent part of the service’s work and as such, volunteers with great communication skills are needed for the vital roles of gathering feedback from patients within GP surgeries and hospitals in the borough. The service also offers a variety of opportunities within marketing, communications, and web support; giving volunteers the chance to develop new skills and experience as part of the team.

As well as being of great benefit to an organisation and wider community, volunteering can also help one's career prospects as Gloria told us:

“Our volunteer opportunities can provide skills development, opportunity for social inclusion and potential routes to employment. A number of current staff members within YVHSC initially joined the organisation as volunteers and are now working within the organisation.” 

Mary Oparacha has been volunteering for the organisation for eight months as an Enter and View Volunteer. Her role involves touring health providing services in the borough and reporting back to Healthwatch Bromley with her findings. She told us why she decided to get involved:

“I had experience working in the care sector before as a carer, and I saw how people were happy to talk to me. So now I want to carry on doing this.”

As Mary explained, volunteering can also be a productive way to spend her free time:

“Anytime I am out of work, I always try to volunteer because it allows others to get to know me better, and I can add the experience on my CV to demonstrate that I was attempting to do something rather than being at home.”As for advice to the would-be volunteer, Mary had this to say: “Just do it, especially if you have no other things to do.”

Gerda Loosemore-Reppen has been volunteering for the organisation for nearly ten years as an Enter and View and Community Engagement volunteer. She has been supporting the Healthwatch staff in different areas, including research projects with interviews and touring health provider facilities in the borough. She told us why she decided to get involved:

"I enjoy volunteering with Healthwatch Bromley,as it allows me to choose when to be involved and give my time to the community. Volunteering with Healthwatch Bromley has been a rewarding experience that I highly recommend to anyone looking to make a difference."

Day centres are an important community resource, providing older people with places to socialise, build friendships and maintain their independence.

The Saxon Day Centre in Orpington (run by Age Concern Orpington & District) is one of two mainstream day centres operating in the borough. It caters for elderly clients, including those with early-stage dementia who are in need of a break from their home environment, or whose carers need a day of respite. The centre is open on weekdays and currently has capacity for sixty clients per day. It also offers a wide range of creative and physical activities, all aimed at supporting the mental and physical well-being of its clients.

The successful running of the centre relies on the dedication of its team of volunteers who work across various roles, from catering, to leading activities. And, as Nicole Shilling - Saxon Day Centre Manager explained, the charity is always keen to attract new volunteers with diverse skill sets:

“We’re looking for people who might be interested in helping with things like marketing and promoting the day centre and the other services. And we’re looking for somebody or several volunteers who might be interested perhaps in helping us with fundraising. Because we’re a charity, obviously we do a lot of fundraising, we’ve lost a huge amount of money over the last couple of years with COVID and the closures. Our income is purely generated from clients attending the Day Centre, so all the time we were closed we didn’t have an income and obviously when we reopened with fifteen clients, we only had funding from fifteen people attending. Our break even point is probably thirty five people a day.”

Volunteering for the Saxon Day Centre would suit someone who is outgoing, adaptable and, more importantly, shares a commitment to the charity’s mission to provide high quality, dignified care to elderly clients. So, what kind of experience can volunteers expect? Nicole had this to say:

“It really depends on what they want to do in a volunteering capacity but most people find it extremely rewarding. Whether that’s working on a one to one basis with a particular client with specific needs, or whether that’s doing an activity? The staff are very welcoming, it’s quite a social environment. It’s not clinical or anything like that . . . very often it’s very raucous and loud because people are laughing, they’re playing games, they’ll have sing along's, they do exercises and obviously the volunteers join in all of those things.”

John Li is a volunteer at the Saxon Day Centre and told us what he enjoys most about it:

“I enjoy meeting and chatting with the clients and other volunteers. Knowing that I have contributed in some way to a necessary service in the community also gives me much happiness.”

As for advice to the would-be volunteer, John had this to say:

“I would tell them not to hesitate and join the team. I can’t think of a better charity to help. We are all getting older, elderly and dementia care services are severely lacking in the community and more media exposure is needed to tell the public how we need additional support for the elderly.

Everyday, volunteers across the borough are making a positive difference within our communities and transforming lives.  Saxon Day Centre has a number of volunteering opportunities that you could get involved in.  Click on the links to read the full role description, and how you can apply - Activities Volunteer, Fundraising Volunteer, Kitchen Assistant, Marketing Volunteer, and One to One Companions.

This week, we focus on an organisation working to combat loneliness and promote well-being among older people, simply by providing a good hearty meal and a place to meet.

The Bromley based Silver Lunch Club (run by the charity Ageing well in Lewisham) serves up a weekly hot lunch with a side ordering of games, gentle exercise and guest speakers; all aimed at enhancing the quality of life of vulnerable older people in the community.

The Club has been running for nearly two years and as Project Coordinator, Winnie Carlson explains, it provides an important and vibrant social hub for its members:

“Loneliness can have serious health impacts for older people, including increased mortality rates, cognitive decline, and depression. We aim to reduce isolation and enhance the mental and physical well-being of members through activities that encourage social interaction, mobility and creativity. Our Silver Lunch Club offers a freshly cooked hot meal alongside games, seated exercise, entertainment, and guest speakers on topics relevant to older people. It is a friendly and welcoming group and many of our members say they look forward to it every week.”

As with many charity projects, the successful running of the Silver Lunch Club relies on the commitment and enthusiasm of a small team of volunteers, as Winnie told us:

“Ageing Well in Lewisham could not function without the help of our valuable volunteers, who assist at our groups and mingle with our members. Not only do our volunteers provide essential hands-on assistance with tasks that need doing, they also bond with the members and add to the personalities of our groups.”

Volunteers can expect to work across a variety of roles, from helping with catering and  socialising with members, to calling the occasional game of Bingo! The Club also provides opportunities for them to develop skills and experience as Winnie explained. 

“Ageing Well has a close relationship with our volunteers. We want them to be fulfilled and to gain meaningful experience. We offer training when possible in areas related to the work our charity does.”

Jacky Dempsey has been volunteering for the charity for over a year. She told us why she decided to get involved:

“I wanted to be a volunteer to get experience and help people who otherwise would be by themselves. Also to gain knowledge for my ongoing training as a Referral Trainer, to help people with health conditions.”

Volunteering for the project has enabled Jacky to apply her outside training and to gain valuable practical experience, through the leading of gentle exercise sessions for members and practicing teaching techniques, as she works towards further qualifications. She told us what she enjoys most about her role:

“We always have a good laugh and I feel close to members. I find it rewarding to help in the community. Ageing Well in Lewisham really does go above and beyond to bring joy to members.”

The Club is always keen to hear from would-be volunteers who are outgoing and adaptable with great communication skills. Importantly they should also share a commitment to the charity’s ethos of promoting the rights, equality, dignity, opportunity and inclusion of older people from diverse backgrounds. As Jacky explains there are many good reasons to get involved:

“The benefits are being with nice people, the social side and gaining experience. Since I became a volunteer I have grown in confidence. I have enjoyed learning from other volunteers and chatting to our members.”

As for advice to would-be volunteers, Jacky had this to say:

“I would really recommend the experience as it is so rewarding. I have made friends and it's nice to see members happy and enjoying themselves.”

Visit Ageing Well in Lewisham website for more information about their services.

Community links Bromley can help you take the leap into volunteering by matching your interests, skills and experience with an organisation where you can make a big difference and really shine. So, whether it be to update your CV or gain references, all whilst doing something brilliant for the community; there are many great reasons to devote time.

But, what’s it like to be a volunteer? Each month we’ll be talking to volunteers from some of the many local charities working in our community to find out?  

Blind Veterans UK is the national charity for blind and vision impaired ex-servicemen and women of any generation and has been operating since 1915, offering rehabilitation, training, practical advice, and emotional support for life. This enables their Members to regain their confidence, independence and help them lead more active, fulfilled lives. 

Volunteers play a crucial part in the delivery of this work, through a variety of roles as Thais Curia - Volunteer Coordinator for Greater London, explained:

“Our volunteers are vital to the work that we do. Every one of them plays a critical role in reducing our veterans’ isolation and helping us rebuild lives after sight loss, as Home Visitors, Outings Companions, Telephone Befrienders, Lead Volunteers for Social Clubs, Drivers, IT Helpers, Phone Chat Groups, Peer Support. Since 2018 (when we started using our online reporting system) the Greater London volunteers have provided our Members with 3,759 activities, and have donated nearly 5000 hours.”

The organisation is always keen to hear from would-be volunteers with diverse skill sets. Importantly, they should also share a commitment to the charity’s ethos that every vision-impaired veteran should be able to lead the life they choose.

Tim Free has been volunteering for the charity for over three years and told us what he enjoys most about it:

“Above all, the sense of contributing positively to someone's day, however small an act that might be. As someone who talks for a living, I really enjoy engaging with the members, whether that was as a ‘Home Visitor’ or hosting the ‘Group Chats’. It’s so rewarding to hear people getting excited, passionate (amused!) by our conversations. In this age of overwhelming methods of communication, many of which are beneficial to the members, I also think that the act of listening (as a volunteer) is so important. I would also add that the Blind Veterans staff I have contact with are amazing people. Highly organised, so positive, friendly, generous and patient.” 

As Tim explained, there are many benefits to get involved as a volunteer:

“I think that the two-way process of giving (time etc...) and also receiving (friendships and gaining knowledge) are two very important benefits. Volunteering gives you a focus, perspective on your life (and others) and is a good insight into a charity’s ethos and work. It can also be a great way to lead you into potential employment, or at least have a valuable asset to your CV, if applying for work.”

 As for advice to the would-be volunteer, Tim had this to say:

“Do some research. Ask people who already undertake volunteer roles. Speak to different charities and organisations and importantly find a role that you really relish and know will be fulfilling for yourself. This in turn will reflect on your contribution and approach to working with the volunteering group you have chosen. Volunteering is both a vital asset in all our communities and on a personal level can really benefit in terms of developing confidence, self-esteem, making new friends and acquiring new skills.”

Over the coming months we’ll be highlighting the work of some of the many local organisations making a positive difference in our borough, to help inform that important decision.

This week we focus on volunteering opportunities in the education sector. So, if you’re an inspiring communicator or have a passion for helping and enabling others to learn new skills, then perhaps volunteering for Bromley Adult Education College (BAEC) could be for you?

The college has around two thousand students, with centres in Penge and Orpington. It prides itself on offering an ever expanding range of free and paid courses, aimed at the hobbyist through to those seeking accredited professional qualifications in computing, counselling and maths, as well as English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

Non accredited arts and crafts interests are also well served with clothes making, upholstery, stained glass making, floristry, painting and photography courses on offer. Budding chefs are also well catered for with a number of skills courses available. The college also provides language courses for beginners through to advanced levels, in French, Italian and Spanish as well as courses in pilates and gentle yoga.

In this vibrant learning environment, volunteers can expect to assist across a variety of roles, all aimed at helping facilitate the delivery of courses. So, whether it be supporting tutors and students during lessons, or helping the Digital Skills team with IT solutions, volunteers can rest assured their skills and knowledge will be well utilised and developed.

IT Volunteer Wendy Twitchett has been helping at the college for the past twenty years after retiring from her IT role in a school. She told us why it’s important for adults to have a local educational resource like BAEC:

“I think it’s absolutely invaluable because as well as people being able to follow their interests, find new interests, then it’s invaluable for people’s mental health. If they’re here, painting, drawing, learning a language, they’re using their brains communicating; they’re not sitting in a doctor’s waiting room. I think it’s really invaluable.”  

Volunteers are highly valued members of the college team and play an important part in its smooth running, as Wendy explains:

“Volunteers are very useful because they can be the extra helping hand in the room and deal with the putting the papers out or collecting them in, as well as helping individual students, so that the tutor can keep the lesson moving.”

The college is always keen to welcome new volunteers who share a love of learning and are keen to promote opportunities for adults. Wendy told us what she enjoys most about the role:

“It’s meeting people and helping people and taking part in a class and getting to know everyone and what they’re going to do? And discovering that the person you’re helping is maybe a poet? or something else that’s very interesting. Generally it’s meeting people, getting to know people, keeping up to date with the subjects and really, sheer enjoyment of learning and making progress oneself.”

Everyday, volunteers across the borough are making a positive difference within our community and transforming lives. If you’ve been inspired to get involved in the work of BAEC, please visit their website. Bromley Adult Education College

Thinking of becoming a volunteer but unsure where your time, energy and skills could be best put to use? Over the coming months we’ll be highlighting the work of some of the many local organisations making a positive difference in our community, to help inform that important decision. 

With the World Cancer Day recently held on 4th February, we focused on the work of one outstanding local charity which has been working to transform the levels of critical treatment and care offered to cancer patients in Bromley and beyond.

Founded in 2005 The Chartwell Cancer Trust works to improve and enhance cancer and leukemia care for patients and families across South London, Kent and East Surrey. In the past seventeen years the charity has grown in both size and impact and through its fundraising, works to provide vital support to oncology staff teams at four major South East regional hospitals including The Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough.

Funds raised go towards numerous associated projects and appeals, such as supporting NHS staffing (the charity recently committed to funding the salary for an Oncology Consultant at The PRUH), refurbishment and facilities upgrades (such as teaming up with Croydon Health Services NHS Trust to raise £750,000 to build a new Children’s Oncology Unit), providing cutting edge clinical equipment and research apparatus, establishing Childhood Cancer Groups to support oncology families within the community it supports. The organisation also funds In-ward therapeutic play resources as well as cutting edge remote education technology such as the AV1 classroom-based robot, for young cancer patients unable to attend school regularly.

However, none of this would be possible without the time and energy of a strong band of volunteers, as Joanne Bennett - Appeals and Project Manager of the charity explains:

“We could not achieve what we do without the dedication and support of our wonderful volunteers. We rely on them to run our charity shops where they really do take on the face of the charity within the community and many of our shop volunteers are well known amongst the locals! They often get involved in other activities too; stall holding and events, bucket collecting and generally sharing information about what we do and what we have coming up!”

The charity are always keen to welcome new volunteers who share its vision and as Joanne explained, there is a constantly evolving list of opportunities on offer:

“During the course of a year, as well as needing volunteers for our Charity shops in Westerham, Tatsfield, Selsdon, Croydon University Hospital and Peckham, we also hold various events big and small. We hold some larger events such as a 5k Walk which may be in one of the local parks or a larger scale cycle ride and this type of event is one where we always rely on volunteer Marshals to man the route, car parks and any stalls or the reception. We also hold an annual Strictly Dinner and Professional Dance or a Ball Style event which is immensely popular and will require help to set up and during the evening which is always appreciated!” 

To anyone thinking of volunteering, Joanne has the following message:

“There is something uniquely special about volunteering for a Charitable Organisation. Not only is it great fun, but if you do have the time to volunteer then it is a great way to immerse yourself in your community and give something back. There are also many opportunities to do or learn something new, and there is of course the friendships and relationships that you make along the way.”

Jane Warwick MBE joined the charity as a volunteer three years ago and helps to run one of the charity’s shops:

“Working here at The Chartwell Charities Westerham shop I meet people from all walks of life and have made friends. Dogs are welcome in this shop so I also get the addition of canine cuddles! I am inordinately proud of the work of The Charity and the amazing support they give to cancer patients young and old right across our region that started at The Princess Royal University Hospital here in Bromley.”

So, what are the benefits of becoming a volunteer? Jane explains:

“The benefits for me from volunteering at Chartwell are that I am contributing in a small way to support the charity that I admire so much. I meet people, have lots of amazing and interesting conversations and have made friends.”

Thinking of getting involved as a volunteer? Jane has this message:

“I would say to anyone who has a few hours to spare to come along to meet the staff and learn of the amazing work undertaken by Chartwell, it is so rewarding.”

Everyday, volunteers across the borough are making a positive difference within our community and transforming lives. If you’ve been inspired to get involved in the work of The Chartwell Cancer Trust why not head on over to their website: The Chartwell Trust