Gill's Story

Some names have been changed to protect individuals' privacy. When Alfred retired, he knew he didn't want his connection to the community to end with his working life. He was looking for a way to stay engaged, meet people and contribute in a meaningful way. Around the same time, his wife Lorraine was deeply affected by the humanitarian crisis in Syria and wanted to do something practical rather than simply watch events unfold from a distance. They both found that opportunity through volunteering with Taunton Welcomes Refugees. Their first role was as part of a team supporting a Syrian family as they settled into life in Somerset. Working alongside six other volunteers, they helped make a new place feel less unfamiliar. Lorraine introduced the family to local services, parks, libraries and shops, while Alfred supported them as they navigated life in a new country. Before the family arrived, the volunteers prepared their home together. They made it comfortable, stocked it with essentials and left a photograph of themselves with their names written underneath so the family would know who was waiting to welcome them. The formal commitment lasted a year. The friendship didn't. Five years later, the volunteers and the family came together again for a celebratory lunch. They have continued to support one another, from attending children's birthday parties to acting as referees for official paperwork. What began as a volunteering project gradually became a lasting friendship. Today, Alfred and Lorraine continue volunteering through the organisation's weekly Coffee and Conversation sessions, where refugees and newcomers meet volunteers to practice English in an informal setting. For Alfred, the sessions are as much about listening as they are about speaking. He enjoys meeting people from different countries and has found that helping others improve their English has also made him more aware of his own language skills. "I've discovered that I must continue learning and expanding my own English knowledge," he says. The conversations have introduced him to different cultures and perspectives that he describes as "fascinating", while also giving him a renewed sense of purpose in retirement. Lorraine sees the sessions in a similar way. They help newcomers build confidence, but they also give volunteers the chance to understand lives and experiences very different from their own. Over the years, she has learnt about languages, customs and beliefs from people across the world. What has stayed with her most, however, is not the differences but the similarities. "At the end of the day, we have learnt that we are all human beings with similar fears and desires, wanting the best for our families." Neither Alfred nor Lorraine talks about volunteering as an act of charity. Instead, they describe it as a two-way exchange. Refugees gain support, confidence and local connections. Volunteers gain friendships, new perspectives and a stronger sense of belonging within their own community. Alfred believes volunteering has improved his mental wellbeing and given him confidence, hope and a broader view of life. Lorraine says it has shown her "the very best in people" and demonstrated how patience, humour, empathy and good communication can bring people together. After several years of volunteering, both remain convinced that the benefits extend well beyond those receiving support. Their advice is simple: if you want to meet new people, learn something new and become more connected to your community, volunteer. You may begin by offering your time, but you are likely to leave with much more than you expected. Louise Froud, Coordinator and Safeguarding Lead at Taunton Welcomes Refugees, added: "Alfred and Lorraine were some of the very first befrienders that TWR had. In the early days they helped define how the role could be carried out in a way that helped and supported families but did not overwhelm them. They bring a great personal warmth to the work they do and are really good communicators even when the boundaries of language mean that improvising is the way forward! They are so kind and full of good humour." Looking for your ideal volunteer role? Search Spark a Change today.

When Charlene moved to Frome, she was looking for a way to meet people and learn more about her new community. After attending a Volunteer Frome drop-in session, Charlene was signposted to Spark a Change, where she discovered volunteering opportunities that not only helped her settle into the town but opened the door to new friendships, experiences and a wide range of local causes. Charlene began volunteering with Froglife 's Wild Memories project, which provides nature-based sessions for people living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Charlene helps prepare and tidy up sessions, welcomes participants and provides practical support throughout activities. "It means the sessions leader and attendees are all better supported, helping everyone get more from the sessions," she says. Charlene also supports public engagement and local activities with the Frome Community Bike Project – a local organisation promoting cycling and sustainable transport. Through this, she helps to raise awareness of the organisation's work and encourages more people to access its services. She's even joined a subcommittee focused on public engagement. What started as two volunteer roles soon led to even more opportunities. Through the connections she made, Charlene now also volunteers with Frome Town Council Rangers , Frome Field 2 Fork and Broadway Community Garden , allowing her to contribute to a variety of community and environmental projects. For Charlene, volunteering has brought benefits she never expected. "I enjoy getting out of the house and into the community. Because I've been volunteering, it hasn't taken long for me to feel part of the community." Alongside gaining new experiences and learning more about her new hometown, Charlene has also built lasting friendships. "I have met friends that I meet up with beyond volunteering. I am gaining new and varied experiences and getting to know Frome from different perspectives." Speaking about the impact of Charlene's involvement, a representative from Froglife explains: "Charlene's support at our Wild Memories sessions helps create a warm and welcoming environment for people living with dementia and their carers. Her friendly presence and practical assistance make a real difference to both participants and staff." When asked what she would say to someone considering volunteering, Charlene's message is simple: "Volunteering is fun and rewarding. You feel really good about doing something that benefits the community, you meet new people, visit new places and gain new experiences. "There are so many opportunities to volunteer in and around Frome that it is easy to find organisations that meet your interests. Many organisations cannot run without the support of volunteers. Volunteering is vital! " Through taking that first step and exploring opportunities on Spark a Change, Charlene has become an active part of her local community, building connections, supporting local organisations and inspiring others to do the same. Looking for your ideal volunteer role? Search Spark a Change today.

Harry finished university this year and moved home, uncertain about his next steps. He visited the Job centre who recommended he try volunteering, so he chose to join the Spark iT Digital Café in at the Hub in Bridgwater. "I use a computer all the time, so I thought it was a good fit," Harry explains. "It's been a good way to get my confidence up. Each week I speak to someone new and I've got something to talk to them about." Harry helps with everything from sorting out SIM cards and Facebook accounts to council tax queries. "Sometimes it's very specific questions, but mostly it's standard to me. Everything today is online, which is very difficult for some people but really simple for me. I just hope I can help everyone learn." As well as supporting others, the experience has meant Harry feels ready to find employment. "I have more confidence speaking to people. I went straight through school, college, university, and coming here and volunteering makes me more ready for work . It's meeting new people in a new environment. It's hard to find a job and I'm doing everything I can, but now I'm not avoiding things. I've had a fresh start. I'm talking to people and I want to carry on doing it." If you would like to volunteer as a Digital Champion like Harry, click the link below to see the current opportunities on the Spark iT profile page.