Joanna's story

Q volunteers at the Spark iT Digital Café at the Waffle Hub in Burnham-on-Sea, bringing his professional expertise from his previous role as an employee of EE. Since April 2024, he's supported 748 people with everything from account recovery to price comparison, but for Q, it's about far more than technical fixes. "When I first came to Spark Somerset, I'd been out of work for three years. I was experiencing fear of failure," Q remembers. "Spark just asked me to give them an hour, and it built my confidence. I got out of the house, which I hadn’t done in three weeks." Now Q runs the café his way, understanding that digital support is about catering to individual needs. "One of the most important skills I have is listening. Sometimes I'm the only person they might speak to. Lots of my regulars come back to tell me how something has worked. I call it digital dignity, but it's really more about dignity." Through a partnership with Vodafone, Q provides SIM cards to people struggling with expensive pay-as-you-go contracts. He recommends free services like WhatsApp for communication and helps people find safe Wi-Fi access points, crucial for people without home broadband. But for him, volunteering isn't just about helping others; it's been life changing for his own mental health and sense of belonging. "Every day I come here, I feel appreciated. My clients appreciate me. I enjoy solving problems and I do a jig when I get things to work. Volunteering has given me confidence and that helped my mental health. I really feel part of my community." If you would like to volunteer as a Digital Champion like Q, visit the link below.

After arriving in the UK from Ukraine in 2022, Iryna wanted to give back to the community in Frome that had supported her and found the perfect way to do that was through volunteering. "When I arrived in this country, I was deeply touched by the support that was offered to us. I wanted to express my gratitude and be helpful in some way." Iryna joined the Artists in Dialogue project , connecting artists based in Somerset and Ukraine. In her role as an interpreter and translator, she helps overcome language barriers and raise awareness about the war. "I act as a bridge between the parties, enabling effective communication. I interpret during Zoom calls and translate all email correspondence as well as texts written on the Conceptboard, the platform used for displaying the artworks. "I am proud to be part of this project, and I’m grateful that there are people who keep the war in Ukraine in the conscience of local residents.” She also became part of the Nifty Needle group, whose handmade items support people helped by the Fair Frome food bank. Through volunteering, she found not only a way to help others, but also a sense of connection, purpose and a positive boost to her wellbeing. "What I discovered when I joined the group is that a hobby can be incredibly beneficial for my mental health. It has a therapeutic effect. "Now I encourage people who experience anxiety or have mental health related challenges to find something they enjoy doing, because they will see how helpful it can be for their wellbeing. "As a displaced person and a Welcome Hub manager supporting other displaced people, I find that volunteering can be very beneficial. It’s a great way to integrate into the local community, develop communication skills, improve English, gain new skills, and have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing. "Volunteering is about kindness and caring for others. We live in very worrying times, when values can be easily undermined and many important things are disregarded. If people want to live in a truly civilised society, it must be a society built on values. " If Iryna's story has inspired you and you’d like to make a difference in your community, click the link below to find out how you can get involved.

“Coming here gives me friendly company…" John, who attends the Warm Welcome at the Crispin Community Centre in Street, explains. He continues: "It’s a privilege that Street has this facility. I have met new people here and now we go on day trips together. I really enjoy chatting to all the people that come in for coffee.” This is Warm Welcome Week and with another cold snap forecast for Somerset, warm spaces offer a comfortable place to sit, enjoy a hot drink and spend time with others in a friendly, inclusive environment. They are open to all, and people visit for a variety of reasons. For many, it’s about more than just warmth, it’s a chance to build friendships, connections and a sense of belonging. Michaela, who runs Crispin Community Centre, explains why their space attracts many people from the town and surrounding areas: “We have a host of wonderful volunteers who happily give their time to make food, drinks and make everyone feel welcome and valued. “The outcome is truly heart-warming, a room full of people chatting and enjoying something hot to eat or drink on a cold wet day, leaving brighter than when they arrived means the world to everyone involved." “We love being able to help out so that people have a warm and welcoming space to gather and socialise," says one of the Crispin volunteers. "It's especially important as so many places have closed down in our area and the weather means they cannot get together outside.” Laura Bazley, who oversees Warm Welcome for Spark Somerset, explains: “These spaces are about so much more than warmth; they’re about kindness, community and support. They help ensure no one has to feel isolated, providing a lifeline to many, and are often made possible thanks to dedicated volunteers.” Want to make a difference in your community? Find the perfect role for you by clicking the link below.