It’s Volunteers Week! A national celebration acknowledging the many volunteers across the UK. We will be bringing our volunteers here at Gilbert White’s House & Gardens into the spotlight along with the benefits of being a volunteer.  

Why volunteer? What can I get out of volunteering? Is volunteering really for me? If you’ve ever had these questions, we’re here to help you answer them.  

Social  

As human beings, many people enjoy the human aspect of being with other groups of people, often with similar interests, and creating a community. Depending on which stage of life you are in, you may find yourself around less people; in retirement, as a stay-at-home parent or as someone who works remotely, and wishing you had more social opportunities, or alternatively you may be seeking the company of lots of people! Our events volunteers speak with large numbers of people through leading activities, serving refreshments from the horse box and guiding visitors through the events we run.   

Physical 

Volunteering can be an active experience, from more exertive activities such as planting and maintaining flower beds to slightly gentler activities like roaming through the museum to check on the collections. Movement doesn’t have to be high intensity to count, simply having the opportunity to move outside the home can provide so many positive benefits.  

Mental 

Leading on quite nicely from the social and physical benefits, this is something that can have the largest impact. A fresh environment, meeting new people and tasks that engage your mind with learning, problem solving and reading are some of the ways volunteering can improve your mental health. Creating a community with like-minded people who you see on a regular basis can create a sense of togetherness and can help to combat the sense of being alone. The gardening volunteers in particular are a social bunch of varying ages who enjoy a group tea break and lunch where they can have a good catch-up.  

Work Experience/ Career Progress  

Volunteering can be a great way to gain skills that help with career goals or help to gain a better understanding of the types of careers out there. One of our current gardening assistants started as a work placement student who stayed on to volunteer and then successfully became a member of the gardening team. Other skills our volunteers gain are customer service, teamwork, and communication.  

If this has piqued your interest and you would like to volunteer with Gilbert White’s House & Gardens take a look at our webpage here: Volunteering – Gilbert Whites House or send an email to volunteerteam@gilbertwhiteshouse.org.uk 

Check out the Volunteers Week website here: Volunteers’ Week –