Voluntary organisations in Somerset have joined forces to launch an initiative to encourage and inspire more volunteering across the county. Led by Spark Somerset and funded by the Government's Levelling Up scheme via Somerset Council, Volunteer - your time, your way aims to showcase the diversity of roles available and break down some of the barriers that prevent people from getting involved.

The demand for volunteers in the UK has been on the rise since the pandemic, which has been observed in Somerset, and the latest insights from The National Lottery Community Fund's Community Research Index shows this is not set to change in 2024.

Published in June 2023, The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) released its latest Time Well Spent 2023: A national survey on the volunteer experience report which revealed the barriers to volunteering. A third of people (33%) reported not wanting to make an ongoing commitment, and almost a quarter (23%) stated they would be unable to volunteer due to work or study commitments, whereas 14% of those surveyed were worried they didn't have the right skills or experience.

This has been experienced across Somerset. Hester Watson, from West Somerset Green Forum, comments, "Up until the COVID-19 pandemic, we had a regular flow of volunteers coming through our doors. Today, we have a number of ongoing projects - which includes the upkeep of a community woodland to improve biodiversity and providing firewood for those who are living in fuel poverty. Traditionally, retirees have filled these roles, but as they step back, there is a pressing need for new individuals to step forward. From talking to our charity colleagues across the county, we know many are facing similar challenges."

In response to these challenges, Spark Somerset, a charity which supports voluntary and community organisations across Somerset, is championing a new campaign: Volunteer – your time, your way. This exciting initiative aims to inspire and empower people across the county to discover the joy and impact of volunteering. By breaking down the barriers and showcasing the diverse opportunities available, the campaign invites individuals of all ages and backgrounds to become catalysts for positive change in their communities. 

Saphron Gafney, a 25-year old volunteer at Yeovil Railway Centre, comments, "I have been volunteering at Yeovil Railway Centre for 18 months. I started volunteering due to my love of steam and heritage railways. I have since developed many new skills during my time, including planning and managing events, woodwork and restoration, which I wouldn't have had the opportunity to do without Yeovil Railway Centre. The support I provide to the railway centre easily fits around my day job and I love that I'm able to give back to the local community!" 

The NCVO 2023 Time Well Spent survey also revealed that over four-fifths (82%) of respondents felt the organisation they volunteered for was flexible around the time they could give.

Nina Hurst-Jones, Head of Operations at Spark Somerset, adds, "Somerset offers an incredible range of volunteering opportunities, whether you're looking to develop your CV, create new connections or simply find a sense of community. 

"We're shining a light on the diversity of volunteering across the county. Time is precious and so we want to help people to get involved in ways that work for them. There are hundreds of opportunities listed on our dedicated website, Spark a Change. Why not take a look and see if there's an opportunity near you to volunteer your time, your way?"

Volunteer – your time, your way encourages volunteers to explore the range of roles available within Somerset. By getting involved, volunteers give back to the community and gain valuable skills, expand their networks and experience personal fulfilment.