Meet Colette and Mike. They give their time to helping improve the Barlow Hall area of Chorlton Park for the wider community, meeting every month to discuss current affairs and activities. Find out what they do and why they do it...
Colette
What made you first volunteer?
I joined the group because I wanted to know what was going on where I live, to get involved and to feel part of the community.
What does a typical day volunteering look like for you?
I don’t think there is a typical day, most of what I’ve done for the group has been rather ad-hoc; attending and contributing to monthly meetings, organising a Great Get Together picnic and delivering flyers to promote our AGM.
Have things changed for you at all since volunteering?
I feel part of the community more than I did before I joined the group. I know all our councillors and now understand what they do! I didn’t know much about the local council before I joined the group but now realise that they’re involved in so much of what happens in the local area. Incredibly busy people achieving great things for the local area.
Has volunteering helped you in any other aspects of your life?
Getting to know the local councillors has been useful.
What surprised you about volunteering?
I’ve volunteered with various groups and organisations for around twenty years so haven’t been surprised by what it involved.
I feel part of the community, more than I did before I joined the group. I'd recommend volunteering to anyone.
Collete, Barlow Hall Neighbourhood Group
Can you share a particular favourite story about being in the Group?
The Great Get Together picnic held in Chorlton Park a couple of years ago was the highlight for me. A small group of us worked together to get food, games, quizzes and decorations ready for the day. Because we were holding the event in a park we had no idea whether anyone would turn up or whether it would just be the few of us that organised it but lots of people came and joined in the activities and even the rain held off until we’d packed up and were about to leave.
Would you recommend volunteering? Why?
I’d recommend volunteering to everyone; so many charities and community groups depend on volunteers and no matter what you’re interested in and what you want to do there will be a group and a role for you. Whether you want to do something once a year or once a day your time will be very much appreciated!
Mike
What made you first volunteer?
I reported to the local councillors that vehicles were driving across the local Emery/Burrows green space and they invited me to share my findings at the next meeting.
What does a typical day volunteering look like for you?
- Checking the website is up to date and adding any additional information
- Creating and sharing content through the group’s social media channels
- Providing any additional marketing support
It surprised me how enjoyable and rewarding it could be to make a difference to where I spend most of my leisure time, at home.
Mike, Barlow Hall Neighbourhood Group
Have things changed for you at all since volunteering?
Yes definitely. I’ve seen a big improvement in the local green space and surrounding areas. It’s great to hear the facts about what’s happening in and around and why where I live.
Has volunteering helped you in any other aspects of your life?
Yes, it’s given me the opportunity to make a difference to the local area.
What surprised you about volunteering?
How enjoyable and rewarding it is to make a difference to where I spend most of my leisure time, at home.
Can you share a particular favourite story about being in the Group?
During Betel’s presentation about how the team have turned their lives around and improved the local area.
Would you recommend volunteering? Why?
Yes, because it’s satisfying and fulfilling to make a difference to the area where you live and improve the community space for everyone to enjoy.