Make a difference this Volunteers’ Week
Make a difference this Volunteers’ Week
Monday 3rd June sees the start of Volunteers’ Week, when Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance joins thousands of other charities to celebrate the amazing contributions volunteers make to communities across the UK.
It is our chance to recognise and give thanks to our 155 volunteers who generously give their time to assist with a variety of roles, from setting up and aiding at events, speaking at presentations, picking up collection boxes, serving in our Mansfield Woodhouse and Wragby charity shops, help with admin and supportive duties at HQ, and countless other jobs in between.
LNAA volunteers are special people. They are our ambassadors giving precious time to raise awareness and funds for our life-saving work. Not everyone can give money but most of us can spare an hour or two every now and then. Each of our valued volunteers have their own story why they support out work.
2024 see us celebrating 40 years of Volunteers’ Week, so why not do something amazing and follow in the footsteps of Carol, Julie, Lucy and Andrew.
"We are like a big family working together for such a worthwhile cause"
Carol has worked in our Mansfield Woodhouse shop for over 15 years and loves the many varied roles from being on the shop floor with customers to making the shop look presentable and exciting, to working in the back where the donations are processed for customers to buy.
She became a volunteer as her son is an avid motorcycle rider and she thought one day he may be in need of the crew.
She is proud of what she does, knowing that even an hour of her time has helped towards saving a life.
"My message is please give it a “GO”. You will meet the most amazing people"
Julie (pictured second left) was a full time carer for her daughter who had special needs and epilepsy. Very sadly in November 2022, after caring for her for 24 years, she sadly died. LNAA’s Aftercare Team were loving and supportive in the following months.
Julie is now a very active volunteer helping out in the storeroom, getting merchandise ready to take to events, picking up collection tins and pretty much anything else she can do!
The role has enables her to meet new people and sharing her experience has made her able to face the future with greater confidence.
"I am full of admiration for the work of LNAA and wanted to contribute"
Lucy volunteers within the Lottery team at HQ where she contacts people who have recently signed up to the lottery to quality check their experience with our canvassers as well as offering a personal thank you for their support.
Lucy would encourage anyone to consider volunteering at LNAA and said: “The team dedicated to looking after volunteers is incredibly welcoming and well organised. I have met some wonderful people and feel very valued.”
"What could be better than knowing you support a charity that saves a life everyday?"
Andrew has needed the services of the Air Ambulance and wanted to give something back. As a retired teacher he is ideally suited to presenting the work of LNAA to groups. Following a presentation to students, a parent got in touch to say his son had not stopped talking about the charity. I have never seen him so fired up about anything like he has been tonight!!
Receiving this feedback means so much to Andrew, knowing he had such an impact on a young adult was so humbling and made him realise how rewarding volunteering for LNAA can be.
Do something amazing with your time…
Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance needs £13 million this year to keep its helicopter flying and critical care cars operational, providing life-saving per-hospital care to the communities in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
Volunteers can give as much or as little time as they are able to on a regular or occasional basis. Whatever your skills or experience, whatever time you can give, there are lots of different roles available to join our fantastic team.
As Andrew sums up: “We always need more volunteers, the more the merrier. Knowing you are making a difference is both overwhelming and gratifying.”
