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.”