Volunteering Many organisations in the third sector rely on volunteers to help them provide their services. Based in Carlisle, Safety Net supports those affected by rape, exploitation, and domestic and sexual abuse across Cumbria. It offers advice, support, counselling and therapy and a safe space to help people recover from the trauma of abuse. The charity relies heavily on its volunteers who facilitate befriending and therapeutic activity sessions. This experience can be mutually beneficial, with volunteers gaining new skills and building self-confidence while contributing to the recovery of others. Approximately 40% of its volunteers bring lived experience to their roles. One female volunteer said: “Volunteering with Safety Net has really helped with my recovery and kept me in a good place, mentally and emotionally. It is like a second family when we are all together, supporting each other. I have gained so many new skills which has helped with my confidence.” Mike, a befriender and Men’s Group volunteer said: However, not all volunteers need to have lived experience or specific skills before they start working in the third sector, and there are always a variety of opportunities out there. Gosling Sike is an organic working farm in Houghton, just outside Carlisle, and the site of Cumbria Wildlife Trust's northern office. The Trust’s volunteers work alongside staff to manage the hedgerows, gardens and ponds to improve the biodiversity of the site. Ruth Alcroft, the Trust’s volunteer coordinator said: Volunteers gain by learning new skills and a greater understanding of the importance of biodiversity. They also get to socialise and meet new people with similar interests all while spending time in the great outdoors. Lynda became a volunteer at Gosling Sike to help her recovery from a traumatic life event. She said: “The importance of being in nature with regard to our mental wellbeing is widely recognised, but working in nature is a much deeper connection. We get muddy and dirty and very close to nature. This level of connection does so much more for our wellbeing than simply being outside in nature as an observer or a visitor.” CASE STUDY The Rebuild Site The Rebuild Site CIC has operated in Carlisle since 2021 and is a good example of regeneration in action. It works with local construction partners to reduce surplus materials from site going to waste and instead makes them available at low cost, or for free, to community groups and members of the public. Business and Projects Director Maisie Hunt said: “Our purpose is to encourage everyone to rethink how to better use building materials, reclaiming and reusing what is currently thrown away or down-cycled, thereby creating value in what is often treated as waste." To date, the Rebuild Site has diverted over 2,000 tonnes of materials from down-cycling and landfill and saved over 3,200 tonnes of embedded carbon from being emitted into the atmosphere. It provides part-time employment for six staff and supports 87 community projects with free materials. The staff are supported by an army of volunteers (including placements for ex-offenders) who have given over 8,000 hours of their time to run its shops, maintain tools, and help deliver materials. Maisie said: “Our aim is to have full coverage of our activities across Cumbria, alongside developing a social franchising model that will allow Rebuild Sites to be established across the UK.” CASE STUDY The surplus materials we pick up go to community groups and charities to help with their building, gardening, crafting and repair projects. We sell nearly new and surplus materials to trades and members of the public at reduced prices. Our Tool Library currently has over 200 members who can borrow tools instead of buying them, and we host sustainable skills workshops to improve basic practical skills. Volunteering at Safety Net allows me to become part of the net that caught me in my free fall. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and all abilities; people who like being outdoors but don’t know how to get outdoors. People don’t need particular skills to volunteer with us as we are happy to provide training where necessary.” Carlisle: Opportunities & Challenges 2025 74 75
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