With the Community Volunteer Squad, John has volunteered 120 hours since the Community Volunteer Squad started in the Autumn of 2023. Although Garden Clearances are his “speciality” - his volunteering has ranged from driving to DIY. Those who volunteer with him and have been supported by his volunteering have commented on his supportive and caring nature whilst humbly hiding his light under a bushel (which he’d probably then dig up and help clear away in one of the many garden clearances he has helped with!).
With his volunteering via the Community Volunteer Squad, John has helped and supported over 30 individuals within the London Borough of Sutton. However, as the below video shows – he doesn’t just volunteer with the squad. Yes, he also is part of Volunteer Centre Sutton;s award-winning MAPS Mentoring project where he meets weekly with a young person to provide one-to-one mentoring support for a year.
John also volunteers with St Raphael’s Compassionate Neighbour initiative as well as being heavily involved in the local Hackbridge community whether litter picking or being vice chair of their neighbourhood development group.
His volunteering journey with Volunteer Centre Sutton started as a Car Parking Marshall at Nonsuch Vaccination Centre during the Covid pandemic. And so, if you’ve only just started volunteering via Volunteer Centre Sutton – be mindful that you will be joining us on a journey as we build better lives through volunteering. It really does make a difference!
John says it best when he says:
“Recognition is nice – but I volunteer because it’s rewarding! You get out of the house, meet new people and make more friends. And you help someone too!”
Thanks John! We couldn’t have said it better!
The awards ceremony for the Sutton Community Awards 2024 will take place on Thursday 28th November at The Cryers Art Centre in Carshalton.
Interested in volunteering with the Community Volunteer Squad? Please give us your details here and one of the team will be in touch soon.
Interested in becoming a MAPS Mentor? Please give us your details here and one of the team will be in touch soon.
Want to find out more about the St Raphael's Compassionate Neighbour Scheme? Find out more on the St Raphael's Hospice website.
