THIS WEEK is National Volunteers Week – it began on Monday and runs until Sunday (June 2 to 8).
There are plenty of opportunities for volunteers across Kidderminster, Stourport and Bewdley.
Here are some ‘shout-outs’ to volunteers doing great things in the Wyre Forest and some organisations which could do with your help.
Severn Valley Railway
The SVR says it would not be able to successfully do what it does without its volunteers.
It added: “Thank you to each and every one of you.”
Anyone wanting to volunteer on the railway should visit: svr-vlo.org.uk for more.
Bewdley Museum
The museum’s volunteers dedicated over 1,200 hours of time to the venue in 2024.
A spokesperson said: “You may see volunteers when you come to visit – be it in the air raid shelter, making clay pipes, supporting with children’s activities, gardening or stewarding events.
“But not all of our volunteering is front of house – such as archiving photos linked to our Floods Project.
“Volunteer support such as this enables us to achieve more than we could alone.
“Thank you to all our volunteers.”
Anyone wanting to volunteer at Bewdley Museum can email volunteer co-ordinator Anna Pavard at: [email protected] for more information.
KEMP Hospice
The charity thanked its volunteers for their work.
Caroline Beech, KEMP Hospice’s chief executive, said: “Volunteering with KEMP is a truly meaningful way to support your local hospice.
“The care we provide to patients and families across our community is only possible because of the incredible individuals who give their time so generously.
“Their compassion, commitment and selfless support ensure we can be there when it matters most.”
Anyone interested in volunteering at the KEMP Hospice should email: [email protected] for more information.
Age UK BRWF
Volunteers also make a vital contribution to the lives of older people in the area via the hours they contribute to Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest.
Age UK BRWF CEO, Amanda Allen, said: “Our volunteers are the foundation which allows us to build and grow as a charity and to continue supporting our local community.
“I am continually inspired by all those that volunteer – I understand that time is precious and to choose to give some of those treasured hours to help charities like ourselves/ your community is something very special indeed – I celebrate you all.”
The charity added it particularly needed volunteer Befrienders in Wyre Forest and volunteers for its Walter Nash Road and Lickhill Shops.
Volunteer Befrienders talk, listen and share information with older people who feel they can trust and rely upon them. As part of the free service, Befrienders regularly visit an older person in their home or call them for a chat, providing a listening ear and links to other local support and services.
Anyone interested should email: [email protected] or visit: ageuk.org.uk/northworcs/get-involved/volunteer/ for more information.
Scouts Hereford and Worcester
The Scouts want to say a big thank you to everyone who volunteers, adding: “You are all amazing.”
For anyone interested in volunteering in Scouting, there are a number of roles across Wyre Forest working with young people aged four to 25.
Volunteer roles can be shared, similar to a job share and people do not have to volunteer every week.
“We are grateful for whatever time you are able to spare.
“If you do not wish to volunteer directly with young people we also have roles as charity trustees, supporters and volunteer managers.”
Visit: scoutshw.org.uk/join/adult-volunteers-18 or email: [email protected] and Scouts Hereford and Worcester will find you a suitable role for you and provide free training too.
The League of Friends of Kidderminster Hospital
The group wants to thank its ‘lovely group of fantastic volunteers’ but is are always looking for more volunteers to join the team.
Its aim is to aim is to provide funds to support services at Kidderminster Hospital and to provide extra amenities for both patients and staff where they are not available from the NHS.
Among the volunteer roles are staffing the popular coffee shop.
Message on Facebook messenger here or email: [email protected]
Simply Limitless Wellbeing Charity
The charity have an amazing group of volunteers, but we really need new volunteers who can spare an hour or two a week to visit someone who is lonely and isolated in their home or their community.
The health and wellbeing charity provides support for the local community across all age groups.
Simply Limitless Wellbeing Centre run a project called MOJO which is support for adults who are struggling with loneliness and isolation.
The charity receives referrals who meet with a caseworker and they make a support plan together before being matched with a volunteer who can provide support to them. It receives referrals from across the Wyre Forest from a range of ages.
Simply Limitless is in need of volunteers who can support these referrals through a variety of support such as telephone calls, visiting them at home or in the community to build confidence and encouragement to attend activities to widen their social circle.
There are also other roles which involve volunteering to support within group activities if this is preferred and volunteer coordinator Laura would be happy to talk to anyone interested about them.
A current volunteer recently said when asked what they get from volunteering: “Seeing people benefit from services offered, the enjoyment they get, making new friends makes it worthwhile.
“Also, I have made new friends, learnt a lot about how important it is to look after ourselves mentally and physically.”
Email: [email protected] or call 01562 751144 for more information on how you can help.
Alternatively, get in touch at: facebook.com/SimplyLimitless
The Civic, Stourport
The Civic has volunteering roles ranging from anything from bar work and maintenance to general office tasks, in the box office, art and Front of House. The registered charity provides a venue for the whole town.
Call 01299 823 339 or visit: thecivicstourport.co.uk for more information.
