Volunteers' Week Spotlight - Paul

This national celebration of Volunteers' Week 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. Across the week June 1st - 5th, we’ll be featuring a few local volunteers and the differences 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.

PAUL

After a dedicated 40-year career working with computers, Paul retired two decades ago and has spent his time pursuing creative interests and an extraordinary range of volunteering roles. From site maintenance and driving for the Red Cross to acting as a charity Trustee, Treasurer, and Bipolar Group facilitator, Paul has supported an amazing variety of causes over the years. Locally, you can currently find him on Saturday mornings putting his practical skills to great use as a volunteer repairer for Bath Share & Repair!

Read on to find out more about Paul's story, his motivations and advice for others!

What inspired you to start volunteering?

"Having recovered from periods of mental illness I wanted to help others who had suffered similarly - but everybody's story is different. I don't "volunteer" ... I just do jobs that need to be done for worthy causes."

Have there been any especially rewarding or stand-alone moments or stories during your time volunteering?

"A post on MumsNet showing me repairing a music box for her daughter. See https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10226982809506440&set=a.4475935146720 "

What have you learnt from your experiences?

"Don't carry on doing volunteer work if you don't enjoy it (mostly). And never complain about "having to do it". Any worthwhile endeavour can be difficult at times, but if it gets to be too much, find something else (but don't leave people in the lurch)."

How do you balance volunteering with other responsibilities?  

"Baldly - Badly. But I get by."

What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?

"Give it a go. See how you like it. Don't commit a lot of time until you're sure. Most of all ... have fun!"

What is your favourite thing about your current volunteer role, or volunteering generally?

"Working with other people."

Thank You, Paul! To find out more about Share & Repair's work, check out their website here: https://shareandrepair.org.uk/

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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  Community Newsletter (it's taken a break recently, but will be back soon!) and 3SG's Volunteer Whatsapp group, to be kept up to date with new, local volunteer opportunities, on a regular basis.