National Volunteers Week: Hardworking East Kent volunteers open up on experiences
Kent Coast Volunteering coordinate an army of volunteers each week – from befrienders to community transport drivers, and almost everything in between.
And Emma Cooney, Charity Manager at KCV, hopes that others will be inspired to discover the benefits of voluntary work.
She said: “Volunteering is a great way of getting back out, learning new skills and building your confidence if you’re looking for employment. And if you aren’t looking for employment, it can be a great way for someone to meet new people.
“Without volunteers, a lot groups, clubs and community work wouldn’t happen, so all our volunteers deserve a massive thank you for making the communities of Folkestone and Hythe, Dover and Deal and Thanet better places to live and work.”
She added: “I love seeing all different people coming in to volunteer – people who perhaps wouldn’t otherwise meet. There are also so many different opportunities, allowing you to try something different that your skills aren’t necessarily in.”
A range of roles are on offer, with Kent Coast Volunteering working to make sure anyone keen to make a difference can find their ideal opportunity.
“The opportunities are endless from admin, to gardening to fundraising and beach cleans and everything in between. KCV specifically are always look out for befrienders and community transport drivers. But most importantly, we want to let people know that there are so many opportunities out fit with your hobbies and interests.”
Voluntary work is vital, but the numbers of those involved have dropped since the pandemic – with key services and groups risking closure without people giving their time for free.
Emma explained: “We appreciate that its harder for people to make the time, but we’d really encourage everyone to donate some of their spare time when they can. Every hour counts towards making a difference.”
Hear feedback from some of our volunteers:
Jill who helps staff Kent Coast Volunteering’s office said:
“I absolutely love my volunteering. Initially, when I retired many years ago, it was a means of filling my time and getting me out of the house, but it has become so much more.
“I have learnt new skills, made new friends, and developed my self-confidence in areas which I did not have to use in my profession. It keeps my brain active too. Although my volunteering role is quite different from what I chose as a career, I have also enjoyed sharing my talents when asked. But what I hadn’t anticipated was the pleasure I would feel at being able to help others and to know that what I am doing means something to someone else; every day spent volunteering is a rewarding experience, as well as being fun.”
Gary Kensell is one KCV’s Community Transport Drivers, taking older people who are unable to use public transport to important appointments. He said:
“It is very convenient, and I enjoy driving. I have time and know that the service is needed as there are lots of people that have no other means of getting to appointments except to use more expensive taxis with any aide.”
Jackie Boyce is also one of KCVs Community Transport Drivers. She said: “As a retired person with some available time, and who enjoys driving, it is a way of being useful to those in need.”
John Steed volunteers as a befriender. Speaking on his match with an older, vulnerable person, he said: “The first introduction that I had was with Maurice who is some twenty years older than me. The first few months of contact we had were by telephone as this was during lockdown. Since then, we meet up most weeks and find that we have quite a lot in common. Maurice does not have many visitors and I think he enjoys some extra company. I certainly enjoy our get-togethers and it seems now that we are good friends rather than part of the volunteer service.”
Gary Kensell is one KCV’s Community Transport Drivers, taking older people who are unable to use public transport to important appointments. He said:
“It is very convenient, and I enjoy driving. I have time and know that the service is needed as there are lots of people that have no other means of getting to appointments except to use more expensive taxis with any aide.”
Jackie Boyce is also one of KCVs Community Transport Drivers. She said: “As a retired person with some available time, and who enjoys driving, it is a way of being useful to those in need.”
John Steed volunteers as a befriender. Speaking on his match with an older, vulnerable person, he said: “The first introduction that I had was with Maurice who is some twenty years older than me. The first few months of contact we had were by telephone as this was during lockdown. Since then, we meet up most weeks and find that we have quite a lot in common. Maurice does not have many visitors and I think he enjoys some extra company. I certainly enjoy our get-togethers and it seems now that we are good friends rather than part of the volunteer service.”
For opportunities:
- To volunteer as a Community Transport Driver, please contact Jessica Martin, KCV’s Senior Transport Coordinator for our Community Transport Service via transport@kcv.org.uk or call 01304 380513
- Volunteer as a befriender for our Good Neighbours Service, please contact gns@kcv.org.uk or our Thanet Administrator Christine Williams on 07816 406 372, or our Folkestone and Hythe Coordinator Jessie Horvath via jessie.horvath@kcv.org.uk
- To find out about volunteering for other charities and community groups in Dover district, Folkestone & Hythe and Thanet, you can contact our volunteer connectors volunteering@kcv.org.uk