News

Joanna’s Experience as a Holiday Activity Volunteer

5th June 2022

The Holiday Hunger programme began during the pandemic with footballer Marcus Rashford leading the initiative and providing families with the opportunity to get the support they very much needed over the holidays.

In light of that, fellow partners of Barnet Together, Young Barnet Foundation, started the Holiday Activity Volunteer scheme whereby children could receive a nutritional meal and educational play during school holidays. With the support of Volunteering Barnet, volunteers signed up to support a number of organisations across Barnet who were taking part. Volunteers kept children and young people who qualify for free school meals, healthy and active over the school holidays.

One such volunteer was Joanna and we’re delighted that she shared her story with us…

About me.

I am 46 years old, single and live in New Barnet.  I am currently looking for a job in childcare or a residential care home as I was made redundant during the pandemic.  I worked as an Activity Assistant in a care home for the elderly in the afternoons and volunteered in different childcare settings in the mornings. I like knitting and sewing and all types of craft work. I like helping other people.  I attend my local church and help with creche and Kids Church.

What inspired me to volunteer?

I like helping and meeting other people and being part of the community. I found the Holiday Activities Volunteer role through Volunteering Barnet as I am registered with them, and given my experience, I signed up!

Insight into your role.

In the Holiday Activity scheme I had to make sure the children were enjoying learning and playing safely. I helped them to do the activities correctly, and I joined in the activities wherever I could!

I liked everything about the experience, especially being with the children. It was a very positive and inclusive experience; all of us joining in together.

Can I sum up my experience in 3 words?

Rewarding, positive, enjoyable.

If you would like to find a new volunteering experience, or would like to see how volunteering can work for you, email us on enquiry@volunteeringbarnet.org.uk or you can search our database here to find your perfect role!