Volunteering
Beds RCC offers a range of volunteering and work experience opportunities, whether you are looking to get more involved in your local community or seeking a way into employment.
These include:
Ivel Valley Conservation Volunteers
The Ivel Valley Conservation Volunteers (IVCV) have been undertaking weekly tasks in east Bedfordshire for nearly 20 years.
For more information please contactĀ Will Langrish by email (preferred) on will.langrish@bedsrcc.org.uk.
MEET: Men, Engage, Exercise, Talk
Do you enjoy being outdoors?
Want to make a difference to others?
MEET is a group that gives men aged 18-35 a chance to get to know others and get more active to help support their mental wellbeing.
The role will help to lead the young menās activity group at Golden Gardens, Bedford.
Download the role description here.
For a chat about the group, please contact Alex Goulding on alex.goulding@bedsrcc.org.uk
or call 07415 387894.
If you are interested in getting involved, please email: nicola.scholfield@bedsrcc.org.uk or call 07984 275652
Wellbeing Walk Leaders
Do you love the outdoors? Want to make a difference to others? Weāre looking for people to help guide regular Wellbeing Walks in their local area. By becoming a volunteer walk leader, you can play a part in helping people to improve their health, wellbeing and confidence through walking. Wellbeing walks are regular walks which are free and open to all ā though aimed particularly at people who are presently doing little or no exercise ā and usually last for an hour or so.
Download the Wellbeing Walk Leader Role Description.
For more information about becoming a Wellbeing Walk Leader, please contact Mike Fayers onĀ (01234) 832619 or emailĀ mikef@bedsrcc.org.uk
You Can Do IT! Digital Inclusion Project
Could you help people with using the internet to support their health and wellbeing?
To show someone how to use online patient tools, find health information or connect with support groups? And crucially help them feel independent and in control?
If yes, then why not volunteer as a Digital Health Champion today?
For more information, email YouCanDoIT@bedsrcc.org.uk or phone 01234 838771.
Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre
There are a number of volunteering opportunities available at the Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre. The Welcome Desk and Museum are staffed by volunteers. We are also looking volunteers to help behind the scenes with research, care of the museum collection and exhibitions.
Please contact Stephen Sleight onĀ (01234) 832645Ā or emailĀ stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk
Rails to Roots
Have you ever wondered how to grow your own food? Dreamed of green fingers? Or just want to be part of your wider community?
We run wellbeing garden at Ridgmont Station Heritage Centre and we want you to be involved. Volunteer days take place weekly on Wednesdays, 10am - 1pm.
Ridgmont includes:
- Food growing
- Memorial rose garden
- Accessible gardening
- Herb garden
- Ornamental plants
Express your interest or find out more: greenwellbeing@bedsrcc.org.uk
Refreshments included but bring own lunch.
Warden Abbey Community Vineyard
The vineyard is now cared for all year round by volunteers.
If you are interested in getting involved, please email: info@wardenvineyard.org.uk
There is also lots of information on the vineyard website at:Ā www.wardenvineyard.org.uk
Dunstable Wellbeing Space
We are looking for volunteers to help run our Wellbeing Space on Thursdays, 10:30am to 12:30pm at Dunstable Community Halls.
Help bring together the local community and make a real difference to people's lives.
For more information, email bex.mcbrearty@bedsrcc.org.uk or phone 07392 722296.
We are looking for volunteers who will help to support the running of the Wellbeing Space and activities during these sessions in one or more of the following roles. The tasks of these roles may include the following:
Session volunteer:
- Greet attendees and help them feel welcome
- Ask attendees to add their name to the registration sheet
- Lead and join in on simple activities, such as board games and arts & crafts
- Help with any supervised activities being led by Beds RCC staff or volunteers
Food volunteer:
- Helping to make teas and coffees for attendees and assist with preparing light refreshments
- Washing up and ensuring the kitchen is left clean and tidy at the end of the session
Set-up/tidy-up volunteer:
- Setting up of the hall including tables, chairs, activities and refreshments
- Setting up of the activity and sign-in tables
- Helping to clean and tidy the hall at the end of the session
Community Rail Partnerships
Marston Vale Community Rail Partnership andĀ Beds & Herts Community Rail Partnership
As well as engaging thousands of people in volunteering, bringing people together and creating pride in station and community, Station Friends Groups play a critical role in making their stations welcoming, pleasant and attractive places. Their work includes maintenance of floral displays and gardens at stations and design & painting of murals and history panels. They are also the āeyes and earsā of their local station reporting any faults and issues.
MVCRP Station Friends: Bedford St Johns, Kempston Hardwick, Stewartby, Millbrook, Lidlington, Ridgmont, Aspley Guise, Bow Brickhill, Woburn Sands, Fenny Stratford, Bletchley, Bedford in partnership with Carers in Bedfordshire.
Beds & Herts CRP are looking for volunteers to help run their Social Media.
Beds & Herts Stations: Bedford (Midland), Flitwick, Harlington, Leagrave, Luton, Luton Airport Parkway, Harpenden, St Albans City
Marston Vale CRP are looking for volunteers to help with administration and events. To find out more about these opportunities please call Stephen Sleight on (01234) 832645Ā or emailĀ stephens@bedsrcc.org.uk
Walk Buddies
Do you enjoy meeting people and supporting those in your local community?
Do you enjoy being outside in your local area and can share this enthusiasm with local residents who need someone to support them become more active and confident walking?
Could you spare an hour or two each week to support a local resident with a walking activity either in their home or in the local area?
Full support from your Walk Buddy Coordinator with training and information sessions and opportunities to meet other volunteers.
Benefits for volunteers:
- Help to make a difference to residents in your community
- Company and a chat!
- Exercise and fresh air
- Boost your mental health
- Work or everyday life
If you would like to volunteer as a Walk Buddy, please contact Debra:
debra.aitken@bedsrcc.org.uk
07951 175241
River Warden
River Wardens are volunteers who keep a regular eye out on particular stretches of waterway. They notice changes and spot issues. A reporting and support system allows any issues found by them to be dealt with promptly by the relevant people.
Anyone who already or would like to regularly walk a section of watercourse can be a River Warden.
Training is given on health and safety, what to look out for and how to report issues. Any resources required will be supplied by us.
To get involved, or learn more, click here >
Bedford Jubilation Community Hub Volunteers
We are looking for friendly and reliable volunteers to support the day-to-day running of our community hub. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with people and wants to make a positive difference in their local community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Set up the space before sessions, including putting out tables and chairs
- Prepare and serve refreshments such as tea and coffee
- Welcome and greet attendees in a warm and approachable manner
- Help create a friendly, inclusive, and safe environment for all visitors
- Assist with tidying up and packing away at the end of sessions
Skills & Qualities:
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- A positive, can-do attitude
- Reliability and punctuality
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Willingness to help with practical tasks
Sandy Wellbeing Space
We are looking for volunteers who will help to support the running of the Wellbeing Space and activities during these sessions in one or more of the following roles. The tasks of these roles may include the following:
Session volunteer:
- Greet attendees and help them feel welcome
- Ask attendees to add their name to the registration sheet
- Lead and join in on simple activities, such as board games and arts & crafts
- Help with any supervised activities being led by Beds RCC staff or volunteers
Food volunteer:
- Helping to make teas and coffees for attendees and assist with preparing light refreshments
- Washing up and ensuring the kitchen is left clean and tidy at the end of the session
Set-up/tidy-up volunteer:
- Setting up of the hall including tables, chairs, activities and refreshments
- Setting up of the activity and sign-in tables
- Helping to clean and tidy the hall at the end of the session
For more information, email amanda.higham@bedsrcc.org.uk.
Other opportunities
There are also opportunities to be elected as a member of theĀ BRCC Board of Trustees.
Alternatively, why not get in touch with your localĀ Good Neighbour Scheme.
