National Volunteer Week - Meet Vicky

5 Meh 2023

"Volunteers Week takes place 1-7 June every year. It's a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and say thank you."

At Small Woods, we are incredibly grateful to the people who dedicate their time to helping us keep the Green Wood Centre up and running.To find out more, we spoke to Vicky, one of the wonderful volunteers at our Cruck Barn Gift Shop, which opened in May.

Tell us a bit about yourself?

I'm 51 and a mum and nanny and adore my cat! I also have bipolar disorder.

How did you hear about the volunteering role? Why did you decide to apply?

I heard about the role, as I am already a volunteer at the Greenwood Centre on a different project. I'm also a newly appointed project assistant, self employed but contracted to Small Woods - I applied because I'm more than happy to give back to a place that has given so much to me.

What does your role involve?

To serve in the shop,rearrange and replace stock as and when needed and to promote, promote, promote sales as much as possible!

What have you got out of volunteering?

There are not enough words to describe how much volunteering has changed my life! I lacked confidence and had no social interaction with anyone other than family and was terrified of trying anything new or out of my comfort zone due to ongoing struggles with my mental health. Now however, I have a job as well as have staying on as a volunteer and I have a purpose and a passion for something other than my family! My children are so proud of me and its all thanks to the boost I got from becoming a volunteer! 

Would you encourage others to volunteer? Why?

Not only is it a way to feel useful and helpful to others but also an incredible way of boosting one's own self esteem and confidence, and to gain skills that one may not already have.

If you are inspired by Vicky's story and would like to find out more about volunteering, click here.