At Volunteering Matters, we create meaningful volunteering experiences for employees across the UK. We partner with organisations of all sizes to match their teams with impactful community projects that need support.
Our employee volunteering offer is designed to benefit both the community and the volunteer. Whether it’s helping out on a community farm, mentoring young people, or supporting local wellbeing initiatives, our projects give employees a chance to make a tangible difference.
One of our community partners, Empowering Futures, shared this about the value of volunteering
Q1) Tell us your first name, a couple of sentences to sum up what your organisation is, what your role is, and how long you have been part of your organisation.
My name is Kelly, and my role at Empowering Futures (EF) involves leading on husbandry and land development. EF is a charity established to fill the voids in society for individuals with disabilities who have been marginalised or unable to access mainstream services. I’ve been a part of EF since 2019, and it’s been wonderful to witness the growth of both our participants and the care farm itself. I’ve especially appreciated the creative ways activities are structured to be meaningful and purposeful, turning every moment into a learning opportunity and making each day unique and engaging.
Q2) Can you tell us a little about your partnership with Volunteering Matters (how it started, how long, what has it involved, why you remain in partnership)?
Our partnership with Volunteering Matters began in 2019 when Valerie first reached out to us, and we’ve cultivated a strong working relationship ever since. The genuine interest that Val and the team have shown in our journey, particularly through challenging times, has truly strengthened this bond. We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming volunteers from numerous organisations and have been consistently impressed by their dedication and enthusiasm. Given our two-acre farm, there’s always a variety of tasks that evolve with the seasons. Engaging with volunteers helps raise awareness about disability and provides others with the chance to learn about and experience the tranquil environment of our farm.
Q3) What does ‘volunteering’ mean for your organisation?
For Empowering Futures, volunteering means invaluable extra support and an extra set of hands, enabling us to undertake activities that would otherwise be difficult to manage. It also makes us feel seen and appreciated for the services we provide to our community.
Q4) Can you share some reflections about your experiences with our corporate volunteers?
Regarding our experiences with your corporate volunteers, and the value and impact of your corporate volunteering offer, it has been incredibly beneficial. Volunteering support allows us to accomplish tasks that we would struggle to fund or maintain on our own. Additionally, it provides a platform to share our mission and the work we do, which is rewarding for our team. Many volunteers have a personal connection to disability, allowing them to understand and appreciate the services we offer.
