Were you one of the many people who made a New Year's Resolution this year to keep in shape, meet new people or learn new skills? There is no better way to keep motivated than to take up volunteering with other like-minded people. This January there are plenty of opportunities to get involved in a good cause and get your year off to a flying start. So get adventurous in 2017 and have read of a few off the opportunities on offer in Ripon this month. Click on the links below for more information or to get in touch.
Keep fit and healthy
Ripon Walled Garden, well known locally for their Christmas Trees and veg shop, support people with learning disabilities to learn horticultural skills. Because many people don’t have first-hand experience of working with someone with a learning disability the charity provide full training for all their volunteers before they start. The Garden Volunteers help out with tasks like potting up plants and fruit picking. Volunteering at the Walled Garden is very sociable and the team have even been known to have the odd barbecue throughout the year.
Feeling youthful
The Boroughbridge Youth Club, for young people aged 9-14, are looking for an enthusiastic person to help out on Wednesday evenings during school term-time. There will be a couple of volunteers at the youth club helping to run activities including arts & crafts, pool, Xbox and Wii, games and food. Perfect for anyone who likes to be in a vibrant atmosphere.
New experiences
If you’ve ever wondered who organizes the popular Sights and Sounds of Ripon day there is a brand new role to join the team as a Ripon My Neighbourhood Events Coordinator. Sights and Sounds 2017 takes place in March and there will be lots of opportunities in the run up to the event to meet and get local businesses involved, show off your social media prowess and gain valuable experience in events organization. This is a short term role and could offer lots of hands on experience. The Events Coordinator will be supported throughout the 3 months by the team of organisers who are very keen to welcome someone who would like to gain valuable work experience in the field of events.
Get social
Lister House is the local Royal British Legion retirement home. Regular volunteers help out at the home with activities like singing, quizzes and trips out. As well as getting to know fellow volunteers the residents are also a fascinating bunch as many of them originate from around the world. Lister House particularly welcomes anyone who speaks another language and would like to chat with one of their residents. There are also opportunities to volunteer behind the drinks bar serving evening cognacs and snowballs whilst chatting to the residents.
Feeling youthful
The Boroughbridge Youth Club, for young people aged 9-14, are looking for an enthusiastic person to help out on Wednesday evenings during school term-time. There will be a couple of volunteers at the youth club helping to run activities including arts & crafts, pool, Xbox and Wii, games and food. Perfect for anyone who likes to be in a vibrant atmosphere.
There are plenty more charities in the Ripon area who would love to welcome new volunteers this year just take a look on our directory. If you would prefer to speak to someone about volunteering before contacting an organisation directly please give us a ring on 01423 504074 to arrange an advice session with Carol Gaiger at either Ripon or Harrogate Community House.
