Why did I volunteer to volunteer? 

I had retired from teaching in baby steps over 2 years and faced a future of days out, lunches and daytime TV. Then along came the news that Coventry was to be an Olympic venue in 2012 and would need – yes- volunteers. My enthusiasm for the Olympics and eagerness to be involved must have been obvious and so my volunteer life began. 

From the start I felt I was amongst people who were like me. We enjoyed meeting people, many new to the city. Where else could I chat to visitors from Japan, Hungary, Mexico, Canada etc and help them enjoy the day? We answered questions, smiled a lot and tried to make the day go smoothly. But when we met at the end of the day to share stories, I realised this volunteering was for me. 

My teaching experience had given me so much I could revive as a volunteer but without the admin, marking and stress  As Coventry Ambassadors developed, so did I. 11 years on I am still enjoying being involved ‘backstage’ at events, learning how much goes into organising them. I enjoy that helper’s high when sorting out a family’s problem. I enjoy being part of a team again, seeing an event going well with our help, or leading a team who all have the same aim. But as well as  volunteering at events, being part of the EnV family has given me friendships, purpose, confidence, opportunities to practise my skills and learn new ones. Showing a group of Ukrainians around the city centre with an interpreter was a challenge. But at the end one lady said she would like me to visit her in Kyiv – ‘when it’s over’. Tears and helper’s high hit together.

 I have retired from my career but not from having purpose. I have become involved in more aspects other than the act of volunteering at events and enjoyed being challenged. It is impossible for me to say how volunteering has impacted my life the most. Perhaps pride ? In my city, our awards, getting positive feedback. Confidence? In media activity, leading Welcome Walks, needing to adapt. Friendships? With people from all ages and backgrounds I am lucky to have met through volunteering. 

So this Volunteers Week what am I doing? Motofest shift on Sunday, EnV Zoom meeting with Chiba [Tokyo 2020 volunteers], starting newsletter planning, Welcome Walk final tweaks for the following week. Impact on my life? This week is just an example of how varied the experience of volunteering can be. And it’s all of my choosing.