Richard’s Volunteering Story
Our Green Team support residents in the Dorset Council area who need help, by carrying out gardening and odd jobs. They also grow produce at two allotments in Dorchester, which is harvested and donated to local community projects.
Tim and Robin, Team Leaders on the Green Team, enjoy meeting and working with the variety of volunteers who help out. They aim to create the most supportive environment possible for their volunteers, and ensure that everyone involved is able to contribute to the best of their abilities. Coaching and guidance provides a great framework for getting the best out of their team, and can provide the structure needed to help someone ease back into a working environment if that is what they’re looking for.
Richard is one of the most recent volunteers on the team. He joined when advised to take on some therapeutic activities, and decided the concept of volunteering suited him. He was looking for something without the pressure of paid work or responsibility, something where his contribution would be valued and appreciated, and where he would be encouraged and supported.
Richard describes how he found this in the Green Team. From the first day he was completely welcomed – he says felt like he had joined a family when he walked through the door. He loved travelling across our beautiful county in the van, visiting areas he didn’t know and making connections with other volunteers and service users alike. “The guys I worked alongside were lovely people from a range of backgrounds, and hearing their stories and sharing experiences made my time there truly fulfilling. There were times when we laughed all day! Both practically and emotionally, this was one of the best experiences I’ve had!”
