Rebecca: Hi everyone, welcome back to our Shout! Podcast. I hope you've been enjoying the sunny weather like we have recently. I'm Rebecca, content editor here at Fire Fighters Charity, and this month we're shining a spotlight on something really close to our hearts: our incredible volunteers. They're at the heart of everything we do, and if you've ever thought about getting involved, this is the episode for you. We'll be chatting about some of the exciting volunteering roles available and the difference they can make not just to others, but to your own wellbeing too.
First up, I'm joined by Rebecca Webster, our Organisational Development and People Partner. She gives us a great overview of the huge value volunteers bring and the kinds of roles available for those looking to lend a hand. Thank you so much, Rebecca, for joining. Tell me about some of the varied volunteering roles we have available at the moment.
Rebecca Webster: Of course, we've got a range of volunteering opportunities here at Fire Fighters Charity. There’s lots available for people, whether it's at our centres or remotely across the UK. Some of our roles include our visitor services volunteers, gardening volunteers, and telephone befrienders.
Rebecca: Tell me a little bit about what the visitor services volunteer role includes. What kind of things do they do?
Rebecca Webster: Our visitor services volunteer roles are fabulous. They’re based at our centres and meet and greet our service users at the start of their stay. They offer a warm welcome, provide a tour of our facilities, a briefing session on what service users can expect, and help settle them in. It's so valuable – we're really grateful to those who do it.
Rebecca: It must be so important, especially when people might feel anxious about their first visit.
Rebecca Webster: Absolutely. It can be daunting not knowing what to expect. Having someone there to offer a friendly face and answer questions really helps.
Rebecca: Do visitor services volunteers need to have stayed at a centre themselves?
Rebecca Webster: No, anyone can volunteer. Some volunteers have stayed with us and want to give back, but it’s open to anyone who’s warm, friendly, and happy presenting to small groups. Training is provided.
Rebecca: What day of the week do visitor services volunteers usually attend?
Rebecca Webster: It's normally on Sundays, towards the end of the afternoon as service users start to arrive. We ask volunteers to commit to a couple of hours.
Rebecca: You also mentioned gardening roles. What do those involve?
Rebecca Webster: They’re lovely roles too. Volunteers work alongside our estates teams, helping to maintain our centres' outdoor spaces. Tasks can include fence painting, light gardening, and planting. It all helps create a relaxing environment.
Rebecca: I'm sure it’s incredibly rewarding, whatever role people choose.
Rebecca Webster: Absolutely. Many people volunteer to give something back, but they also learn new skills, meet new people, and gain a sense of connection.
Rebecca: It’s a really valuable way of supporting the charity beyond donating money.
Rebecca Webster: Definitely.
Rebecca: Have you had positive feedback from current volunteers?
Rebecca Webster: Yes, it's lovely to hear. Many talk about the connections they’ve made and the sense of community. One visitor services volunteer recently said they’d seen the advert, applied straight away, and felt it was a perfect fit.
Rebecca: Brilliant. And if someone wants to volunteer, where should they start?
Rebecca Webster: They can visit the volunteers page on our website or check out the link in the show notes.
Rebecca: Thank you so much for joining me, Rebecca.
Rebecca Webster: Thank you.
Rebecca: Please remember to rate, follow, or subscribe to the show to keep up to date. Next, I'm speaking to Jonny Hincks, a firefighter from Warwickshire who's discovered a love for gardening and shares how it's helped his mental wellbeing. Thank you so much, Jonny, for chatting to me today.
Jonny Hincks: Hi, I'm Jonny Hincks, a firefighter at Nuneaton Fire Station. I'm here to talk about how gardening has become more than a hobby – it's exploded into a bit of a social media phenomenon too.
Rebecca: It’s a unique combination – firefighter and gardening influencer! Tell me about your connection to the charity.
Jonny Hincks: I had support from Harcombe House after a serious rugby injury. I was off work for about five months with a major ankle operation. I was really worried about my mental state as an active person. I reached out to the charity and was offered respite at Harcombe House. It was amazing – so good that we’ve been back three years in a row!
Rebecca: That’s wonderful to hear. Do you encourage your colleagues to reach out for support?
Jonny Hincks: Definitely. I rave about it at the station and recommend it to anyone who’s struggling.
Rebecca: When did your passion for gardening start?
Jonny Hincks: It’s always been in my blood – I'm half Dutch and some of my earliest memories are of tulip fields in Holland. I’d earn pocket money helping my grandma with her garden, learning the hard way what was a weed and what wasn't! I got really into it when I bought my first house in my twenties.
Rebecca: Do you think gardening helps with the pressures of your job?
Jonny Hincks: 100%. Gardening is my way to switch off from the difficult things we sometimes see. Just pottering outside, fresh air, and looking after plants is incredibly relaxing.
Rebecca: And you don't need a big garden to enjoy it?
Jonny Hincks: Not at all. Even a small pot or a few houseplants – although I'm terrible at houseplants myself!
Rebecca: We’re always looking for gardening volunteers at our centres. Would you encourage people to get involved?
Jonny Hincks: Absolutely. It’s social, relaxing, and a brilliant way to give back.
Rebecca: Thank you so much, Jonny.
Rebecca: Next, I spoke to Mike Harris, a retired firefighter who volunteers at Jubilee House.
Mike Harris: I joined Lancashire Fire Brigade in 1975, moved to Merseyside in 1977, and worked as a station officer and in community services. I retired in 2002.
Rebecca: What made you start volunteering?
Mike Harris: After retiring fully, I needed something meaningful to do. I got in touch with Jubilee House and started as a visitor services volunteer. I welcome new arrivals, help with luggage, show them around, and help them settle in.
Rebecca: Do you think your presence helps service users feel more at ease?
Mike Harris: Definitely, especially for first-time visitors. It’s all about offering a warm welcome and answering any questions.
Rebecca: How easy is it to get involved?
Mike Harris: Very easy. There’s some guidance, but it’s mostly about being friendly and approachable. The staff are really supportive.
Rebecca: Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Mike.
Rebecca: Finally, I spoke to Kayleigh McInnes, a Watch Commander with Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and a long-time supporter of our charity.
Kayleigh McInnes: I'm a station rep, charity ambassador, and company member. I organise events, share charity updates, and raise awareness among colleagues.
Rebecca: What inspired you to get involved?
Kayleigh McInnes: My dad and grandpa were firefighters, and I’d seen first-hand the support the charity offers. I started organising events during Covid when traditional trainee fundraising wasn’t possible.
Rebecca: Have you seen colleagues benefit from the charity too?
Kayleigh McInnes: Yes, many have – especially with injuries from sports or work. It’s great to be able to signpost them.
Rebecca: Any particularly memorable fundraising events?
Kayleigh McInnes: Running the London Marathon with a charity place was a standout moment. We raised money through car washes, race nights, and social events.
Rebecca: How do you balance volunteering with work?
Kayleigh McInnes: It’s very manageable. The charity and fire service are both supportive, and it’s entirely up to you how much you take on.
Rebecca: Thank you so much, Kayleigh. It’s been brilliant hearing about your journey.
Rebecca: Thank you to Rebecca, Mike, Jonny, and Kayleigh for joining us on this episode. If you’re feeling inspired, head to the show notes to find out more about volunteering or getting involved. See you next time!
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