Andy

Please could you tell us a little about who you are and when you started volunteering with us at The Maypole Project:

I’m Andy Cook and live locally to The Maypole Project’s offices in Orpington. In the summer of 2021, I started volunteering for the charity as a fundraising assistant as I was looking to potentially change careers and work in the charity sector.

What area of volunteering are you involved in and why did you decide to join Team Maypole?

I thoroughly enjoyed the five months that I volunteered as a fundraising assistant, working once to twice a week in the Orpington office. My activities included helping with events, general fundraising administration, organising talks and contacting businesses for donations.

Due to my new work commitments, I now occasionally help out at fundraising events such as Christmas choir collections at The Glades involving collecting donations and offering information about the charity and its services to the local community.

I am a member of Orpington Runners Club and The Maypole Project was our nominated charity for 2020-22 so I was aware of their excellent work they do for children with complex medical needs and their families in the local area. From volunteering for the charity, I realise how hard the volunteers and staff at The Maypole work in providing support, respite and great memories for both the children and their families. I am keen to support the charity where I can.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at The Maypole Project?

Being part of a friendly staff and volunteer team, raising funds for such a worthwhile cause that makes such a difference to children and their families when they need it the most. Also, learning new skills and having fun in the process!

I also ran the Royal Parks Half Marathon on behalf of The Maypole Project and was given great support by the charity.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with The Maypole Project in 2023?

It is a very fulfilling, humbling experience that will not only develop your personal skills and experience but also support the work of the charity in reaching out to as many families as they can.

If you could describe your volunteering experience in 3 words what would they be?

Fulfilling, inspiring and fun

Jamal

Children’s Activities and Event Volunteer

Why did you decide to volunteer for The Maypole Project?

I really wanted to do something to help people less fortunate than me and The Maypole Project sounded like a really good opportunity. I don’t think I realised how much I would enjoy volunteering there and how amazing the people running it would be!

What do you find most enjoyable about your volunteering?

Seeing children gain in confidence while being at a Maypole Active session is really special, especially when you know how much they have enjoyed being there and that you helped to make it enjoyable for them. I also love watching how the more experienced volunteers and staff are able to engage with the kids and I’ve learnt a lot from them.

What three words sum up your volunteering at The Maypole Project?

Inspiring, uplifting and humbling

Amelia

Activities Volunteer

Please could you tell us a little about who you are and when you started volunteering with us at The Maypole Project:

Hi, I’m Amelia Mallors and I started volunteering at Maypole about 18 months ago. I’m in year 13 at Bromley High and hoping to go on to study medicine. I live in Bickley and besides volunteering with Maypole enjoy playing my viola in orchestras.

What area of volunteering are you involved in and why did you decide to join Team Maypole?

I volunteer in the Wednesday Active group based at Raglan Primary School. This session is for the younger children, and I help with activities adapted to their various needs. I love it! Doing the activities with the children is hugely rewarding.

I decided to join Maypole as it’s a local charity. As I’m hoping to study medicine, I wanted hands on experience to understand some of the challenges faced by vulnerable children in Bromley. I think I’m quite a caring and compassionate person, and seem to have slotted right in engaging well with the children.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering at The Maypole Project?

It’s hard to pick out just one thing that I enjoy at Maypole because there are lots! First of all, it feels like a family. All the children and their parents (and sometimes siblings too) are lovely. They appreciate what Maypole offers for their children and them as a family. And that’s really important to remember because a children with difficulties isn’t the only one affected – sometimes it can have a large impact on the whole family. One of the other great things is working with the other volunteers and Maypole staff. It’s great to feel part of a team and get to know people who I’d never met before particularly as we all have different interests so it’s an opportunity to learn more about others. But the best bit is watching the children’s faces light up or smile when they play and interact with each other, it makes me smile too!

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with The Maypole Project in 2023?

Just go for it! It’s such an amazing opportunity and whilst you might see it as a chance to ‘give something back’ to your community, I promise you that you will gain as much, if not more than what you give!