Being a staff volunteer

The Staff Volunteering Scheme gives staff the opportunity to get involved with the local community. As well as building local relationships, you can also add to your professional and personal skills by volunteering in roles ranging from mentors and activity camp volunteers to trustees for local non-profit organisations.

Rachel Grant

Rachel Grant volunteers with Lisa’s Stars and we asked her to fill us in on her voluntary role and what she gains from volunteering. Rachel is the Graduate Destinations Statistics Officer in the Careers Service (part of Student Services) and also works as a Human Resources Assistant in Human Resources.

Tell us a little bit about the project or organisation you volunteer with.

Lisa’s Stars is a not-for-profit organisation, formed in Autumn 2010, providing free-of-charge knitted, crocheted and sewn items for babies born too small to survive, so that their parents can dress them with the love and dignity they deserve. The organisation tailors what it provides to the needs of the hospitals and funeral directors they supply, but these typically include tiny blankets, wraps, clothing, cribs and keepsakes for parents, lovingly made by a team of volunteers. The organisation is new to the Brighton and Hove area, but already supplies Worthing Hospital’s maternity unit and will shortly begin deliveries to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

Why did you decide to volunteer?

The aims of this organisation are very close to my heart and I was aware of how much of a difference a small amount of my time could make to bereaved parents in the local area. I really wanted to do whatever I could to help them through what is understandably a very difficult time.

What do you do in your volunteering role?

My role as a local representative involves liaising with local hospitals as well as recruiting and keeping in touch with volunteer knitters in the local area. I am also quite active on the Lisa’s Stars’ Facebook page, answering queries from some of our 9,500 ‘likers’. I have also recently learned to knit, so that keeps me occupied too – you may have seen me busily knitting away on the train to Moulsecoomb of a morning!  

What do you get out of volunteering?

Besides the great sense of wellbeing I get from knowing I am making a difference, and the lovely feedback we get from our hospitals, I’ve also found it a great opportunity to develop skills in areas that don’t form part of my paid roles. Although I’ve only been volunteering for a relatively short time I’ve already had opportunity to work on my marketing and networking skills, and will soon be helping to put together materials for the redesign of the organisation’s website.

Would you recommend volunteering to other staff and why?

I would definitely recommend this to other staff because you get so much back from offering a small amount of time. It can seem really tricky to fit volunteering around other commitments, such as work, hobbies, family and caring responsibilities, but there are so many different opportunities out there – from one off events to regular volunteering, meaning there really is something for everyone. The Staff Volunteering Scheme is a great way for busy people to give something back to the community. 

Any other comments regarding your experience of volunteering?

Lisa’s Stars are currently looking for volunteer knitters (or crocheters!), and are always in need of donations of wool, buttons, ribbon and decorations for baby clothing.

Register with the Vacancy and Events Service for more information about the Volunteer Knitter role with Lisa’s Stars. If you think you can help with donations, please email Rachel at  Rachel_lisasstars@hotmail.co.uk