Whether you have a few hours a week to spare or are just curious about getting involved, come along for an informal evening where you can meet our team, hear from current volunteers, and see how you could play a part in something meaningful.

From helping out at community events to supporting our café, assisting with projects, or lending a hand with admin, there’s something for everyone. Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience, build confidence, and feel more connected to your local area. We also have a few new projects coming up that might be right up your street. Maybe the development trust and the Beacon is not for you, but there are so many groups and organisations in Gorebridge we may be able to guide you to one of them.

No commitment is needed—just come by, have a chat, and enjoy a welcoming evening with others who care about making a positive impact in Gorebridge. Can’t make the date but want to know more? Fill in the form below and we will give you a call.

We hope to see you there. Can you help us out by completing the wee sign-up for below (just in case we need to contact you in emergency, or we need to make more cakes)

Venue: The Gorebridge Beacon
Date: Tuesday 20th May
Time: 7pm – 8.30pm

If you have any questions beforehand, feel free to get in touch—we’re always happy to help.

Sam provided a delicious lentil and cumin soup and energy balls, I made beetroot hummus (obvs) and Jaimie led a beeswax wrap workshop. All our volunteers really enjoyed making this reusable version of cling film, not only will it help prevent plastic waste but it was also a nice memento of the evening.

After we ate, everyone shared their skills, what they could offer and what they were hoping to gain. We were surrounded by some very talented people whose skill set varied from translator to knitter! Most people said they wanted to get more involved with the Gorebridge community, as well as some looking for an excuse to get out the house.

What is particularly interesting about volunteering is that even though the primary aim is to help others, it also feels great! Research backs this up, indicating that it doesn’t just provide a warm glow and a sense of connection but it can improve mental health as well as reduce the risk of dying by 22%.

However, before becoming a volunteer, it’s important to ask yourself what you’d like to learn or accomplish from the experience.  If you jump into an opportunity that doesn’t resonate with what you’re already passionate about on some level or doesn’t align with your current skills or interests, you could walk away with a negative volunteer experience, which would be a shame!

Here are some of the volunteering opportunities we have available:

• Upcycling and Repair Volunteer – this would really suit someone crafty or someone wanting to learn new crafty skills
• Community Engagement Volunteer – this would suit someone who enjoys community events
• Community Fridge Volunteer – this would suit anyone who has an interest in food, cooking, waste reduction and people
• Community Gardener – this would suit anyone who enjoys being outdoors
• Volunteer cycle ride assistant
• Health walk leader/back-marker – both these roles would suit someone keen to be a bit more active

20 Awesome Benefits of Volunteering

1. Reassess your strengths and weaknesses
2. Explore your interests
3. Strengthen past skills
4. Develop new skills
5. Learn something new
6. Become the teacher you never knew you were
7. Broaden your horizons by interacting with new people & places
8. Strengthen your compassion for others
9. Improve or develop new interpersonal skills
10. Gain a natural sense of accomplishment through helping others
11. Achieve a new or strengthened sense of purpose
12. Increase your self-esteem and self-confidence
13. Have a brighter outlook on life
14. Develop a new support system through those you meet volunteering
15. Improve your physical health through more active volunteer opportunities
16. Improve your overall mental health by helping others
17. Experience greater happiness through volunteering
18. Expect a healthier and longer life expectancy when you’re a regular volunteer
19. Advance your career through new connections, work experience and skills
20. Experience more fun and greater life fulfilment

If you are interested in volunteering with GCDT and the Greening Gorebridge Project please contact us, or email michaela.jackson@gorebridge.org.uk