Volunteers' Week Spotlight - Libby ✨

Volunteers' Week is a 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 6th, 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.

LIBBY

Last but by no means least, we have Psychology student and young adult carer, Libby. Alongside her studies at the University of Bath, Libby is currently volunteering with Bath Gateway Out & About, to help children and adults with learning disabilities engage in fun activities. Hear Libby's inspiring volunteer story, her motivations, and advice for others.

"I am currently in my second year at the University of Bath studying Psychology. I am a young adult carer to my younger brother who has a rare genetic syndrome and severe autism, something I am sure has sparked my interest in both volunteering and in Psychology. Next year I am carrying out a work placement year for my degree as an Assistant Psychologist at Queen Mary College, London. In my free time I enjoy swimming, running and playing the piano."

What current or past volunteering have you carried out?

Just before lockdown I began volunteering with a swimming club near home called Colchester Phoenix Swimming Club. I would work as a 1:1 helping children with disabilities and learning difficulties learn how to swim. I really enjoyed seeing their joy when learning new skills, and this was an incredibly rewarding experience for me. 

Currently, I am volunteering with Bath Gateway Out and About. I really enjoy talking to the members every week and celebrating their successes with them, as well as having general chit chats about life. And of course, seeing their amazing dance moves on disco weeks!!

What motivates you to volunteer?

I have found it to be incredibly rewarding to volunteer with children and adults with disabilities and learning difficulties. I feel that my experiences growing up with my brother has helped me to have to confidence to volunteer with the adults at Bath Gateway Out and About and deal with situations and think on my feet. I also particularly enjoy volunteering while at University as it dedicated an evening of my week where I can contribute to the community I am living in, and it gives me a break from being in a student role.

What have you learnt from your experiences?

I have definitely learnt to see life through a different lens. Attending sessions at Bath Gateway Out and About where members can juts be themselves is lovely to see, such as disco or quiz nights.

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

Celebrating the successes of members is really poignant for me. This can be from starting a new job, to moving out of home, to making new friends. It is wonderful to share in the celebration of this.

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

I would say to volunteer in an area you are really passionate about and use any past experience that you have.

What is your favourite thing about volunteering?

The joy I get from hearing other's stories, or helping members with a question, whether this be from fashion advice to something more serious!

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Interested in becoming a volunteer?

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

The local service provider for the Bath & North East Somerset Volunteer Service, Everyone Health, have advised that their advertising platform will be live from the end of June. We hope this will make finding and advertising local volunteer opportunities easier for all.

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.