Enfield has many volunteering opportunities. Take a look at why people get involved, their biggest achievements and how they benefit from volunteering.
Philomena
How I volunteer
I volunteered with Ridge Avenue Library in Enfield and I now have a permanent job as a Customer Service officer with the Enfield Library service.
Why I got into volunteering
I have always wanted to do something for the community and since I had some free time I decided to apply to become a volunteer. I saw the advert for volunteers on the Enfield Council website. I viewed volunteering as a way of helping the community, especially the elderly and those who aren’t tech savvy.
My biggest achievement while volunteering
My biggest achievement while volunteering was learning how the library system works and as a result helping the community effectively. For example, I learned how to search for books, discharge and renew books for customers, which gave me a sense of satisfaction knowing that I had helped members of the public with their enquiries. Libraries are a great place to volunteer and I could see the effects my efforts made on others in the community.
How volunteering has benefited me personally
Personally, volunteering has helped me a lot because it contributed to me getting a job as a Customer Service officer with Enfield Council. The experience of volunteering gave me the confidence I needed when I started working because I already knew the basics of how the library services works. Also, I made a real connection with the people that I was helping and made friends with other volunteers and employees.
Brendon
How I volunteer
I am the chairman and treasurer of the Royal British Legion (RBL) Enfield Branch committee and chairman and secretary of the RBL ceremonial committee. This committee organises the Armed Forces Day parade and the Remembrance Day parade in Enfield. I am also involved in annual Poppy Appeal collections, including many hours standing with collecting boxes. I work with many great people who also give up their time for this great cause.
Why I got into volunteering
To help to improve the lives of the Armed Forces community, service people, veterans and their families.
My biggest achievement while volunteering
I am very proud of my role as standard bearer.
How volunteering has benefited me personally
Volunteering has benefited me in many ways. I've enjoyed the comradeship and have made great friends. I enjoy helping and supporting other people. It makes me feel happy that I am helping ex-service members, many of whom are often too proud to ask for help and are unsure about what support is available.
Costakis
How I volunteer
I volunteer with Edmonton Eagles Amateur Boxing Club and also oversee the running of the following projects: Running with the Vision – Youth Football and Youth Zone Youth Club.
Why I got into volunteering
I want to invest and make a positive contribution, especially to young people's lives, to help maximize their life opportunities.
My biggest achievement while volunteering
The recognition and different awards the club has received such as 'Enfield Club of the Year' 2010 and numerous other awards. This culminated in 2015 with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, which was such an honour and a great encouragement to us all. I would also say that the biggest achievement is helping inspire and see individual young people develop and achieve success beyond their expectations.
How volunteering has benefited me personally
I have received more back than I have really contributed and every day I learn something new. It is life-enriching to have the opportunity to interact and learn how to communicate with people from different backgrounds, cultures and faiths. I have had the privilege of working with some of the most wonderful people, from my colleagues who selflessly dedicate so much of their time, to working with other organisations and those that have provided the essential backing needed. I have been overwhelmed by the incredible support the club has received over the years, and the added bonus is that I have made lifelong friends. There have been so many positives that space and time do not do justice with regards to answering this question fully.
Claire
How I volunteer
I volunteer in a marketing and communications role at Healthwatch Enfield. I help them by writing news articles, information booklets, summary reports, and update social media. I also volunteer once a week doing gardening at Myddelton House.
Why I got into volunteering
I wanted to return to the communications profession following an extended career break, but I'd lost my confidence and some skills too. I also wanted to start building toward a different career within my community, rather than return to the corporate world. Gardening at Myddelton House is my weekly therapy session of fresh air and contact with nature.
My biggest achievement while volunteering
By taking on some of the marketing leg work at Healthwatch, I have managed to free up some precious time for the permanent staff to focus on other important projects. I've been able to re-discover my old skills and learn new ones in a supportive environment.
How volunteering has benefited me personally
It has helped ease my crippling social anxiety to the point where I am now ready to start going out dealing with the public again. Healthwatch Enfield are an incredibly inspiring team of lovely people who have helped give me the support and encouragement I needed to get back on my feet.
Dennis
How I volunteer
I have always had an interest in gardening and environmental issues and about the year 2000 I joined the Enfield in Bloom (EiB) Committee.
Why I got into volunteering
Previously I had entered into the EiB competition and had some good results winning gold awards several times. I realized just how important the EiB competition was for our local gardeners, offering recognition for all their hard work, so that's why I decided to join the committee. All my volunteering now is in the form of administration and promoting EiB. Some periods in the year are busier than others, but there is always something that needs attention.
My biggest achievement while volunteering
I would say my biggest achievement in volunteering, is seeing EiB growing every year and seeing record entries into the competition. In 2017 we had 350 guests at our Awards Ceremony at the Royal Chace Hotel and gave out 117 awards.
How volunteering has benefited me personally
Volunteering for EiB I have made many good new friends not only on the committee, but so many in the community and I feel that I am achieving some good in the community promoting horticulture and environmental issues. I am very proud of what EiB does around the borough and will continue to offer my services. I am 71 now but will plod on!
Grace
How I volunteer
I have been involved with the Parent Engagement Panel for over three years and within that time I volunteered in several different service areas in Enfield. I have volunteered with the Parent Abuse and Reconciliation Service (PAARS), the Family and Adolescent Support Hub (FASH), I have helped in a street survey of the early pregnancy services in the borough and I am presently with the Every Parent and Child (EPC) team.
Why I got into volunteering
I got into volunteering to gain experience within different areas of work, to be able to broaden my expertise and to work with different people from all walks of life. I found that it also enabled me to help, support and share some of my knowledge with others. I have also gained a wealth of information and knowledge from other people.
My biggest achievement while volunteering
My biggest achievement was working with and supporting families to enable them to reconcile and work on understanding their own and their children's behaviours.
How volunteering has benefited me personally
Personally, I have greatly benefited from volunteering. I have experienced different areas of work and gained knowledge that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to access. Volunteering also gives a little taster of the work arena and lets you do something worthwhile.