Volunteering

Volunteers' Week 1 - 7 June 2023

Volunteers Celebration Picnic, Tuesday 6th June, 11.30am - 2pm at the Private Garden of the Bishop's Palace, Chichester

What a fantastic day was had by all. We were delighted to welcome around 200 visitors from 27 local organisations to our Volunteers’ Picnic at the Bishops Palace private gardens.
The wonderful Out Sing Cancer Choir performed in the beautiful surroundings, and it was a fantastic opportunity during Volunteers Week for us recognise the invaluable contribution local volunteers make in our communities and to thank them for their continued support.
Thank you to all those who contributed to the success of the event and to all those who attended.”

Watch it all here!

Groups who attended with their volunteers were;

4Sight Vision Support
Aldingbourne Trust
Apulstock
Armed Forces UK Family Support
Arun Community Transport
Arun Dolphins Swimming Club
Arundel Museum
Capital Project Trust
Carers Support West Sussex
Change Grow Live
Chichester District Foodbank
Chichester Ship Canal Trust
Ferring Country Centre
Littlehampton Child Contact Centre
My Sisters House
National Trust – Petworth House and Park
Sanctuary in Chichester
Stonepillow
Stonepillow Restore
St Wilfrid’s Hospice
Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust
The Apuldram Centre
Tuppenny Barn
Turning Tides
West Sussex Young Carers Family Service
West Sussex Mind
Yada

Andy Bliss, High Sheriff of West Sussex said “I am writing to thank you and your brilliant team for inviting me to yesterday’s Volunteer Picnic. The weather was perfect, the Bishop’s Palace Private Garden was delightful and it was a lovely privilege for me to be able to thank the volunteers from numerous local charities for the vital contribution that they make to our communities. Thank you for inviting me to say a few words.

I was able to speak to lots of volunteers individually and have also lined up several potential visits to organisations I have not yet had contact with. The event reinforced for me even more strongly just how significant a difference volunteering makes to the lives of people locally and also what value it brings to the ives of volunteers too.

It was an inspiring event and my sincere thanks to all the members of your team who enabled it to be such a success.”

Celebrating and sharing some volunteering stories from local groups we work with

Pam volunteering at Chichester Canal, “When I moved to the area 6 years ago, I was initially looking for a job,. I came across this volunteering role and I have never left! I love being at the Canal, it really feels like part of the community – we have regulars coming into the cafe and it is such a friendly place. It is a great feeling to know I am giving something back.”

Shirley volunteering at Terry’s Place, “ I had been a carer for quite a few years, and then recently retired. When I was invited to the open day at Terry’s Place, I came along to find out what they do here… and I’ve been volunteering ever since! It’s so lovely doing the arts & crafts, and getting as many people involved as possible. It’s great fun as I never know what’s going to be waiting for me to do each week – I love coming in to do different things. Being retired it’s great to have something regular in my week to go out to.”

Janice volunteering with us at VAAC, “What I love about volunteering is how rewarding it is. It gives me experience working in different sectors and areas of interest, and it’s great to have some stability. I love meeting new people and it’s good to keep busy. I’d encourage anyone thinking of starting volunteering, it’s so satisfying knowing you’re giving something back to the local community.”

Married couple Steve & Nicky volunteering at Chichester Cathedral, “We moved to Chichester three months before the pandemic and signed up to receive volunteering information at the Cathedral. During Covid we were able to volunteer still, as Stewards for set times when lots of volunteering stopped during that time.”
Steve says, “The Cathedral is such an important ‘hub’ in Chichester and we want to see it thrive. We have really enjoyed meeting people, there is such a great community here.”
Nicky adds, “We really enjoy being part of the Cathedral, we have enjoyed helping at some of the events too. It’s been a great way to get to know people and we have made lots of friends through volunteering.”

Margaret and Annette volunteering at Ferring Country Centre,
Margaret says, “I started volunteering by accident really! A few weeks helping out turned into 4 years. I love the days I come in here, we have such fun.
Annette adds, “ I joined Margaret volunteering on the Petanque terraine and haven’t looked back. Even if you’re having a miserable day before you come in, you are so happy by the time you go home! We have such fun and the Day Service customers are really good sports.”
Jackie Tomlin, Training, Development and Volunteering Manager, says “The success of this area is all down to Margaret and Annette. It started from nothing and now it is thriving! For us it is all about enabling and creating meaningful days for our customers.”

Sarah volunteering at Terry’s Place, “I moved to the area 2 years ago and wanted to get involved in something locally; we only live around the corner. I am loving being a volunteer, it has been great getting to know the characters of all the visitors here. I really look forward to coming in and chatting with them! It’s fun getting involved in lots of different activities, and working together as a team to give visitors the best experience possible.”

We have come to the end of National Volunteer Week (1-7 June), during which UKHarvest has been celebrating the remarkable contribution of its volunteers. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse array of volunteers who are committed to supporting UKHarvest. Whether they are driving our vans, sorting through crates in the warehouse, repackaging ingredients in the kitchen, distributing surplus food at our 16 Community Food Hubs, helping in the office, or raising awareness out and about: every single volunteer is supporting our vital mission to reduce food waste and reduce food insecurity in our communities – and we could not be more grateful for all that they do.
Much like the martlet, the bird that represents Sussex and is said to be constantly on the wing, our volunteers make a continuous effort: through their dedication and perseverance, they lift us up and help us to reach new heights. Without them, UKHarvest simply would not be able to have the extraordinary impact that it does.
Thank you!
- Will, People Co-ordinator