Category: Volunteer of the Month

We love recognising our volunteers! This month, our volunteer of the month was nominated by YCC’s Thriving Kirklees team. Gareth started volunteering for the team when he heard they needed a helping hand with their admin. Gareth jumped to the rescue and donated dozens of hours to facilitate the delivery of Safety Rangers! THANK YOU GARETH!!

See what Gareth had to say when we interviewed him, below:

Name: Gareth Morris

Tell us a little about yourself? I found out about volunteering whilst on the Hopeful Families service and put myself forward as a volunteer, to feel useful.

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? Around 6 months.

Explain your volunteering role: When the TK team do their Safety Rangers event, they have around 300 gift bags to hand to the children that attend. I organised each and every gift bag to make sure every single child would receive one during the event.

What made you want to start volunteering with YCC? I wanted to build my confidence with others, feel useful and have something positive to do.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with YCC? If you’re looking for something do then why not volunteer? I was very happy after volunteering because it was really appreciated and made a big difference whilst saving a few hours out of the day for the staff members so they could do everything else they have to do.

If you would like to volunteer in our Charity Shop, or dedicate your time to another of our services, please contact Lucy, YCC’s Volunteering Development Officer, on 07849 398829 or email [email protected].

It’s really important that we take the time to recognise our volunteers – as without them, the charity would not be able to help so many people across the community.

This month we are thanking Jason Scott, who has been supporting YCC’s charity shop, for over a decade! Here’s what Jason had to say about his time volunteering at Pass It On.

Name: Jason Scott.

Tell us a little about yourself? I am an avid Leeds United supporter and I also enjoy listening to music and watching DVDs. I enjoy all types of music and films including comedy, drama and thrillers.

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? I returned in December after Covid lockdowns etc., but prior to that I had volunteered for approximately 10 years.

Explain your volunteering role: I volunteer in the Pass It On shop in Heckmondwike 1 day each week.  I assist the team with the day to day running of the shop and help out in any way I can. I like to keep busy during my shift.

What made you want to start volunteering with YCC? I started volunteering with Pass It On through an occupational therapist – she suggested that this might help with my social skills and build my confidence.

Sum up a typical day of volunteering for you? I make sure any beds which have been sold are dismantled ready for delivery that week. I then build up more donated beds to replace these for sale. I make sure all the DVDs are topped up and in age range order. I help to make the shop presentable by arranging the layout and vacuuming the shop floor.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with YCC? I would advise anyone wanting to volunteer with Fresh Futures to give it a go, as they are a great bunch of people and you can work in a friendly atmosphere and  learn new skills in different roles available.

If you would like to volunteer in our Charity Shop, or dedicate your time to another of our services, please contact Lucy, YCC’s Volunteering Development Officer, on 07849 398829 or email [email protected].

It’s really important that we take the time to recognise our volunteers – as without them, the charity would not be able to help so many people across the community.

Each month we recognise a Fresh Futures Volunteer that has gone above and beyond in their role. Kicking off 2022, is Tracey Twizell, who volunteers as a face-to-face befriender. We caught up with Tracy earlier this month and asked her a few questions…

Name: Tracey Twizell

Tell us a little about yourself? I am 58 years old and was lucky enough to retire from working four years ago, along with my husband Michael.

How long have you been volunteering for the charity? I have been volunteering now for three years.

Explain your volunteering role: My role as a volunteer is to try and visit my befriender once a week, plus a cosy telephone chat one or twice a week. I have also done shopping on occasion for her, and if I have been baking, I will take some cake or home-made soup to my befriender.

What made you want to start volunteering with YCC? When I first retired, I found I had a lot of time on my hands and I knew I wanted to help someone, although at the time I didn’t know how.

Sum up a typical day of volunteering for you? Initially I would visit my befriended every Wednesday afternoon pre-Covid. Then, we could only telephone which still worked for us, and now it’s a mix of both of these forms of keeping in touch.

And finally, what advice would you give to people considering volunteering with YCC? I would just like to say that I find the older generation have so much to offer, both in life experiences and humour. I find it so rewarding being in their company, and they should most definitely not be dismissed as the past generation. If anyone is considering volunteering, I would highly recommend it and I hope you are as lucky in your chosen befriended as I have been.

If you are considering becoming a face-to-face or telephone befriender, please contact Lucy, YCC’s Volunteering Development Officer, on 07849 398829 or [email protected].