Volunteers' Week Spotlight - Gill ✨

The countdown to Volunteers' Week 2025 is officially over! This national celebration takes place every year during the first week of June, honouring the incredible impact volunteers have on their communities. It's a perfect moment to recognise, celebrate, and thank those who give their time so generously.

To mark the occasion, we’re highlighting the amazing volunteers supporting communities and charities across Bath & North East Somerset. To champion their contributions and show our appreciation, 3SG has spoken with several local volunteers to share their inspiring stories. Each day from June 2nd to 8th, we’ll be featuring a different volunteer and the difference they make.

On behalf of all charities, community groups, and third sector organisations across Bath & North East Somerset, we extend a heartfelt thank you to every volunteer. By sharing these stories, we hope to not only celebrate your efforts but also inspire others to get involved.

Gill

Our first volunteer, Gill, is a retired Civil Servant, born and bred in Bath. She has experience of volunteering in a range of different roles and organisations, including The Theatre Royal Bath, the RUH, Dorothy House and she is also the vice chair of trustees at the Peggy Dodd Centre. Read on to hear more about Gill's experiences, motivations and advice.

What inspired you to start volunteering?

When I retired I wanted to do something with my time in the community. I was already a Trustee at the Peggy Dodd Centre and when Vaccination Centres required volunteers to help with the rollout of COVID vaccines I became a part of that program. When that came to an end after 2 and half years I decided to stay with the NHS and support the RUH.

What have you learnt from your experiences?

I have learnt that it costs nothing to be kind and considerate to people whatever their background. Some people can be quite dismissive and disrespectful but I treat everyone the same. I find helping people very rewarding and enjoy the comradeship with other volunteers.

Have there been any stand alone moments or stories from your volunteering that you'd like to share?

There have been many rewarding moments just helping people get to appointments and taking away some of their stresses and anxieties chatting to them as I walk with them to their clinic. As part of my Dorothy House role I have sat with patients allowing their l loved ones to get a much needed coffee and sandwich.

I also remember an evening at the theatre when a noticed a member of the audience slumped in their chair. I went to get the Front of House to organise medical support and to ensure as little disruption to the audience and production team as possible.

What advice would you give to someone looking to start volunteering?

Definitely give it a go. It is so rewarding and makes great use of spare time. There are so many volunteering roles, some where you may work alone but many where you are part of a team.

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Interested in becoming a volunteer?

Check out our Volunteer page for more information, and where else to find opportunities.

You can also subscribe to 3SG's monthly Community Newsletter, and 3SG's Volunteer Whatsapp group, to be kept up to date with new, local volunteer opportunities, on a monthly basis.