Report Sheds Light on Volunteer Impact
Nourishing Norfolk
Across the Nourishing Norfolk Network, volunteers play a crucial role. In any given week, the network boasts over 300 volunteers who collectively contribute more than 1,000 hours of their time! From stocking shelves and working tills to offering emotional support and connecting individuals with additional resources, their presence transforms simple social supermarkets into vital community hubs.
Norfolk Community Foundation has released an interim report on the significant impact of the Volunteer Coordinator Fund, which aimed to address the local decline in volunteering post-pandemic. The fund provided £150,000 to 17 food hubs across Norfolk to boost volunteer recruitment, help volunteers enjoy volunteering even more, and provide them with valuable opportunities to learn and support their communities.
Enhancing Volunteer Management and Recruitment
One of the key impacts of the Volunteer Coordinator Fund has been the improved organisation and management of volunteers. Many food hubs used the funding to hire dedicated volunteer coordinators, which increased reliability and extended operational hours.
This increase in volunteer resources freed up existing staff, allowing them to focus on other crucial areas of the operation. Additionally, hubs have continued to attract a diverse range of ‘atypical’ volunteers, including younger individuals, people from deprived areas, and those with disabilities—volunteers who don’t typically engage in the wider voluntary sector.
Investing in Volunteer Training
Several hubs heavily invested in training their volunteers, equipping them with essential skills such as food safety, mental health first aid, and trauma-informed care. Magdalen Street Pantry, for instance, supported seven volunteers in achieving NVQ-3 level qualifications, while the SOUL Foundation prioritised de-escalation training to help its team manage challenging situations.
‘Atypical’ volunteers were also empowered many to take on more significant roles in their communities. Their lived experiences proved to be invaluable, as those with personal mental health struggles or experiences of homelessness found a sense of purpose and fulfilment by helping others in similar situations.
Supporting Volunteers’ Broader Life Goals
As well as finding personal enjoyment through volunteering, volunteers have found personal growth and opportunities to pursue broader life goals. Confidence can be a major barrier for many, but they have built their self-worth and confidence through volunteering at food hubs.
Several hubs have dedicated resources to helping volunteers transition into employment. Magdalen Street Pantry, for instance, promoted a former service user to a part-time Volunteer Coordinator, while Coastal Community Supermarket introduced a ‘volunteer passport’ scheme to help volunteers develop structured skills which have led to job opportunities.
What’s next?
The fund is clearly already improving the volunteer ecosystem within the Nourishing Norfolk network. Coordinators were better able to manage volunteer strengths, which enhanced service delivery and volunteer retention. However, the report highlights challenges, including the complexities of the onboarding process and difficulties in maintaining a consistent volunteer pool due to local factors.
As the funding period for some hubs nears its end, the future of the programme remains uncertain, but the successes achieved so far offer a strong foundation for future development. With continued support, the momentum gained through this initiative can continue to drive positive change across Norfolk.
Norfolk Community Foundation looks forward to sharing further updates as the fund continues to support the communities and volunteers involved.
[Published 12.09.2024]
