Our Volunteers
Phillipa
I love volunteering at TPH as I love helping other people and I love being involved with more roles
during the activities! I volunteer because I love to make people happy and to be out doing things and having the responsibility!
Sarah
I’ve been a volunteer at the People Hive for about 6 years now – I started off as an Activities
Volunteer helping out at monthly Puzzles and Games sessions, and after a few months started
volunteering in the Gallery shop as well.
I now work in the shop on Mondays, which is always a busy but absorbing day as we have local
artists coming in for meetings and delivering new stock that needs booking in and putting on display.
It’s really interesting to meet the artists and find out how they produce their work, and we are also
often busy with customers, many of whom are regulars and very enthusiastic about our range of
beautiful products.
I still like to help out with our client activities when I have the time as our clients are a lovely bunch
of people, always enthusiastic, friendly and kind. My regular slot is helping with the monthly
relaxation sessions, but I enjoy participating in outings when possible. Kew Gardens is always a
favourite and I’ve been on very interesting visits to local museums that I’ve never been to before,
and last summer I accompanied a group on a fun day out to Brighton. Over the years I’ve also had
fun helping out with local rambles, cooking classes, craft sessions, and line dancing
I’ve found volunteering with The People Hive a very rewarding experience – it’s a friendly,
welcoming environment with inspiring staff who are determined to make a difference in the
community, and working with the clients is always enjoyable and fulfilling.
Laurence
Supporting the activities is a privilege. It is very fulfilling to assist an organization with such
an important cause within the local community. I have been involved with the charity for
several years and it is great to work along the staff members who each have a great passion
for the work that they do.
We run Singalongs and Picture Bingo on alternative Wednesday evening, as well as film and
pizza nights. We also take the clients out for dinner nights within the borough. It is very
satisfying to know that the activities we host give the clients a chance to socialise with each
other on a regular basis. It is great to see the connections that they have built up over
several years. The activities are well attended and it’s always rewarding to see our client’s
having a good time and enjoying themselves.
Sean
I’ve been a volunteer at the People Hive for over 2 years – my wife is a client so I already knew a lot
about the activities. I work in the shop on Mondays and Wednesdays, and help out with pottery
sessions, Kew Gardens trips, and the Bushy Park walk when needed.
I like the challenge on Monday mornings of getting the new stock onto the system and deciding how
to display it. I was at home recovering from an illness before I started working at the Hive, and when I started I was quite quiet but my confidence has really grown thanks to the friendly environment and the new skills I’ve learnt.