With over 6 million participants expected to take part across the country*, Buckinghamshire residents can tap into over 145 local volunteering roles, including some #BigHelpOut roles in May, by registering with the Buckinghamshire Volunteer Matching Service (now Volunteer Bucks).
Local #BigHelpOut roles registered with Buckinghamshire Volunteer Matching Service range from volunteer drivers and museum guides, to helping at local events and classes including:
- Volunteer guides at various locations including looking after guests visiting the residence of John Milton (Chalfont St Giles) and Ford End Watermill.
- Volunteer drivers in several locations including Winslow and Wendover.
- Volunteers to support various events including marshals at Waddesdon Horse Event (14th May) and assistants at the Beer and Music Festival in Holmer Green on Sunday 28th May.
- Communications’ volunteers to support sessions for 10-16 year olds in Buckingham.
- Volunteers to provide one-to-one support during sports classes in High Wycombe.
- Befrienders who can take up a regular activity or hobby with a physically disabled adult (range of locations).
If you are aged 16+ and live in Buckinghamshire, there are three simple steps to take to access these local volunteer roles and many more:
- Fill in the 5-minute registration form including details of your volunteering preferences (interests, skills and available time)
- The Buckinghamshire Volunteer Matching Service team will look for a role that matches your preferences and get in contact when a potential volunteer role is found
- You then decide if the role is a good fit and if you want to proceed.
“Since its launch in Spring 2020, the Volunteer Matching Service team has placed nearly 1800 people into roles where they are most needed in the county,” commented Stephanie Thompson, Buckinghamshire Volunteer Matching Service’s lead at Community Impact Bucks. “The matching team is itself made up of volunteers so they bring lots of experience of identifying roles that are right for individuals, and also have a great insight into volunteering and opportunities you might not have thought of.”
Bucks residents who want to find out more about volunteering in the county should visit the Volunteer Bucks platform, to see current volunteering roles. They also can read about the experiences of local volunteers on ‘Our success stories’ webpage. Anyone who is under 16 years old and keen to take part in The Big Help Out can get tips on how to find an age-appropriate volunteering role on the Volunteer Bucks platform.
* Big Help Out national poll found 6 million adults are planning to get involved in the campaign (reference Daily Telegraph)
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Notes to editors
- For any media enquiries, please contact Rachel Fisher at Community Impact Bucks comms@communityimpactbucks.org.uk/ 01844 617216
- Community Impact Bucks is an independent charity that supports people and groups to get involved and make a difference in Buckinghamshire communities. We offer expert advice and training, help people to find volunteering opportunities, and help charities and not for profit groups to get started, be effective and grow.
- Buckinghamshire Volunteer Matching Service is run by Community Impact Bucks and matches registered volunteers to roles where they are most needed in the county. Since it was established in March 2020, it has placed nearly 1800 volunteers in volunteer roles throughout the county. It is now under the new name, Volunteer Bucks, which is free online platform that connects organisations and volunteers directly.
- A selection of volunteer stories can be found on Our success stories webpage.
- The Big Help Out is a national campaign which marks the King’s Coronation and is encouraging people to try volunteering and make a difference in their community. For more information, visit The Big Help Out website.
- Buckinghamshire Council has some useful information to help you plan your Coronation event safely including street parties, large events and funding. Visit Buckinghamshire Council’s website for details.
