A family volunteering effort
Lisa Jones-Hill, Sector Director – Professional Services recently used one of her volunteering days to support MIND. The challenge was for a group to complete 10 Snowden mountains in just 48 hours – and Lisa volunteered to support and motivate them along the way. She climbed to just past the mid-point (around two thirds up), where she gave aid, water and moral support. She saw them do four climbs, as the majority were in the pitch black with use of headlights!
The group collectively raised £3k for MIND. Of the six starters, only one finished all 10 in just under 47 hours, enduring some horrendous weather conditions and with no sleep. The completer was Jamie Hill (Lisa’s son)
– so she's a very proud mum! Jamie completed the summit for the 10th time.
An incredibly enriching experience
Sarah Brierley, Senior Account Manager of Green Skills has recently volunteered at Meltham Wildlife Rescue. She initially allocated her volunteering days, but the experience was so rewarding she now goes there every other weekend! Sarah told us the experience has been incredibly enriching:
"My decision to volunteer at the sanctuary stems from a desire to aid in the protection of delicate species like birds, hedgehogs, and other wildlife – while also making a positive contribution to my local community. My involvement revolves around hands-on care and rehabilitation of these animals, which isn't always glamorous... cleaning out aviaries and ensuring a steady supply of food. However, I do spend some valuable moments in the hospital area providing one-on-one care when necessary."
"Thanks to my Green Skills Academy knowledge and recent Carbon Literacy Training, I'm also actively promoting sustainable practices at the sanctuary. It's heartening to see how small steps in sustainability can have a positive impact, even in such a specific setting."
Our volunteering policy, Volunteer2day, allows you to take up to two days leave in any one-year rolling period to volunteer. To find out more, visit the Volunteering Opportunities page.
Supporting alternative education and young people
Steven Badger, Skills Development Tutor has been working on volunteering projects with Broomley Grange Residential Activity Centre as a Trustee. He's installed an internet link and an interactive whiteboard in their outdoor classroom for an alternative education provider in Northumberland. They're partnering with local schools to help 'last chance' young people gain GCSEs, as well as develop their physical education.
He's also been working with The Boys’ Brigade UK & ROI to house and support their young people and adult events in a new venue at the centre. They unfortunately had to sell their England HQ, which forced some courses and young people events to be cancelled this year. Broomley Grange have taken on a vast amount of these events for 2024 to ensure young people and leaders can still train, communicate, learn and have fun for years to come.