Volunteers’ Week: What Motivates our Volunteers
National Volunteers Week is upon us, running from Monday 1st to Sunday 7th June!
Everyone at Forward Carers would like to extend a huge thank you to the volunteers who give their time, experience and expertise to support unpaid Carers!
Volunteers strengthen the work of Forward Carers and helps us make a significant difference to unpaid Carers across the country.
Many of our volunteers have a personal connection to caring. They know first-hand or via family what it means to support someone who relies on you, and the challenges that can come with it.
That experience often motivates them to give something back and help other Carers access the support, information and understanding they need.
Our Carer Ambassadors epitomise this.
They help raise awareness of unpaid Carers and the caring role within communities, workplaces and services.
Hearing from somebody who has been in a similar situation can be what helps a person recognise themselves as a Carer and realise support is available.
Alongside our volunteers, we are also fortunate to work with hundreds of Carers and former Carers through our Carers Voice programme.
By sharing their experiences through surveys, focus groups and consultations, they help us understand what Carers need and how services can improve.
Volunteers also play an important role within our local services.
During Volunteers’ Week, we wanted to shine a light on two volunteers from the Dudley Young Carers service who each each contribute to the delivery of support in their own unique way.
You can read about what they enjoy about their roles, below.
To all of our volunteers, Carer Ambassadors and everyone who contributes through our Carers Voice programme, thank you. Your time, insight and experience help us improve what we do and reach more Carers.
Debbie’s Volunteering Story
Why did you start volunteering with Dudley Young Carers?
“I started volunteering with Dudley Young Carers when my daughter Sam moved over to Forward Carers. She needed some extra help at the Youth Clubs, so I offered to lend a hand when needed. At first, I thought it would just be occasional support, but I quickly became more involved. I now have my lanyard and attend every club!”
What sort of things do you do?
“I mainly help in the kitchen, preparing and cooking meals for the Young Carers. I know how important it is for them to have a warm meal and feel looked after when they come to club. I also help with setting up before sessions start and tidying away afterwards, making sure everything runs smoothly and the space is welcoming for the Young Carers and their families.”
Debbie, one our volunteers at the Dudley Young Carers Service
What do you enjoy about it, and what have you learnt or what skills have you developed?
“I really enjoy meeting the Young Carers and their families and having conversations with them. Having gone through cancer myself, and also having been a Carer for my husband when he had cancer, I feel I can relate to some of the challenges families may be facing. It helps me offer understanding, kindness and support in a way that feels personal and genuine.
Through volunteering, I have also built my confidence and developed new skills. I have completed my food hygiene training through Dudley Young Carers, which has helped me feel more confident preparing meals safely.”
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
“I would thoroughly recommend it. You get so much out of volunteering, and it feels really rewarding to know you are helping Young Carers and their families. Even giving a small amount of time can make a big difference, and it is a lovely team to be part of.”
Caitlyn’s Volunteering Story
Why did you start volunteering with Dudley Young Carers?
“I am a Carer myself and was with Dudley Young Carers and they helped me a lot, so I thought I could offer my help back.”
What sort of things do you do?
“I do loads of crafts with the children. It can be anything like colouring or making things such as keyrings or loom bands (though they do get everywhere!). I also help out on trips as an extra pair of hands.”
What do you enjoy about it, and what have you learnt or what skills have you developed?
“I enjoy being able to help the children with what they need or if they need help with a task. I guess a skill I’ve learnt is understanding children and what they need.”
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
“Do it. It’s fun, you get to do things you didn’t think you were able to do and you get to make friends!”
Volunteer with us
Debbie and Caitlyn came to volunteering through different experiences, but both share something in common: caring has been part of their lives and they wanted to use that experience to help others.
Their stories reflect something we see across Forward Carers. People often get involved because they understand the difference that support, understanding and the right opportunities can make.
Thank you again to all our Volunteers, and we will continue to work tirelessly to support unpaid Carers across the UK.
If you are interested in volunteering with Forward Carers, you can find out more about current opportunities, we’d love to hear from you.