Volunteering to make a difference

A DRIVE to encourage more people to volunteer in their spare time has been launched by a Paisley charity this week. Kibble will be hosting a Volunteer Open Day on Monday 27^th February to let people know about the opportunities available for those who want to make a difference in their community.

Volunteers of all ages and experience are being sought to help deliver the charitable programmes delivered at The Experience go karting arena in Hillington Park.  Roles include karting assistance, music & drama, photography, arts & crafts, social media and much more.

Last year over 23 million adults in the UK volunteered their time for charities. Recent studies have shown that volunteering can increase mental and physical wellbeing as well as reducing social isolation.¹

Kibble are asking for a commitment of a minimum of 4 hours per week in return for full training in new skills, expenses and a bite to eat, and the chance to make a difference in their local community.

Chief Executive of Kibble Graham Bell said:

“We know people volunteer for a whole number of reasons, whether it is to enhance their CV, to meet new people, or to give something back to the community. With our new charity programmes, volunteering with us can do all of this and more.

“The Experience is such an exciting venue that we want to make it accessible for as many charity and community groups as possible. With the help of volunteering, we are dedicated to removing barriers and providing opportunities for all.”

The Volunteer Open Day is being held on Monday 27^th February, 12-2pm and 5-7pm where food will be provided to this in attendance. For more details email enquiries@theexperience.org.uk or call 0141 883 4005.

Case Studies

These case studies are real examples of people who have already been volunteering with Kibble:

Audrey Sutherland, 21, Glasgow

When Audrey first heard about the chance to gain work experience that would help her degree studies, her lecturer told her to go for it. Now, it has opened the door to fulfilling a dream of becoming a graphic designer.

“I was at University completing an art related course which only involved me being there 3 days a week, so I decided to look for a volunteer opportunity that related to my course and gave me something useful to do with my time.

“I got in contact with Project Scotland and they told me about a volunteer opportunity at The Experience with Kibble. I wanted to gain practical skills in a role that related to my University course and volunteering at The Experience allowed me to gain this while being able to help out.”

“The best part about volunteering for me was definitely the amount that I learned from it. Because my role involved using the skills I had gained through college and university I didn’t expect it to be so informative but learning and doing are completely different and I found that I got a much better understanding of what my future in the design industry would involve.

“I would definitely recommend volunteering with Kibble to others. My travel was covered and I was given lunch every day, all it cost me was my time and I gained more than enough back from the opportunity.”

Hannah Jeffrey, 24, Newton Mearns

Hannah wanted the chance to learn more about working with young people. The Kids Clubs at The Experience were the perfect opportunity.

“I first heard about the chance of volunteering through someone who had also volunteered at Kibble and had said it was a great experience. l was studying psychology at Strathclyde University and l was keen to get involved in more volunteer work and help others.

“Through Kibble, l was placed at The Experience in Hillington Park. The best parts about being a volunteer is that you are helping others, making a difference, meeting lots of new people and gaining new skills – for example l volunteered in the Tuesday Children’s club at the experience, which involved helping in all the different activities. Through this l gained and enhanced my skills such as my creativity and confidence.

“I was offered great support as a volunteer – l felt valued, appreciated and part of the team, which motivates you even more. l felt it was important to be placed in a volunteer role that interested me so that you can fully contribute. There are quite a few volunteer options at the experience so there is something suitable for everyone.”