Rachel’s executive career includes publishing, museum management and business research but her volunteering began as a child helping her mother with Meals on Wheels.  This proved to be a rewarding experience and since then she has volunteered for many organisations:  English Heritage; The Tower of London; the V&A and Hampton Court Palace amongst others.  Rachel outlined questions to ask yourself when considering volunteering: why are you interested? What purpose do you have? Will you feel adequately rewarded for your time and effort? Do you have enthusiasm for it and will you be able to make a difference?

People volunteer for many different reasons, very often to meet people of all ages and backgrounds, to help others and to give something back to the community and hopefully to make a difference.   We heard that volunteering can open new opportunities for learning and self development on a diverse range of topics including Bee Keeping; or how to use Excel spreadsheets; how to communicate with different groups or to travel – Rachel went to China.

Rachel stressed that volunteers need to create their own goals and structures – for example Rachel started, and still teaches, exercise classes for older people and talks to them about ageing healthily and their own volunteering.

Rachel’s enthusiasm was contagious and working with such varied organisations has obviously been a very important part of her life, one that is both enjoyable and satisfying.  Her talk was followed by a general discussion on volunteering, both abroad and in the U.K., and the motivation and opportunities available for young people. (Summary: Anthea Shaw)