WWTW partners with Local Council to support Ex-Military
Employment Advisor, Alex, and her clients volunteer to clean up Hampshire Countryside
WWTW Employment Advisor, Alex Todino, has been working closely with Hampshire County Council and their volunteering project, Hampshire Countryside Services. The project engages volunteers with a team of Countryside Rangers to work alongside serving and ex-military personnel with their 'Right of Way' volunteer tasks. This involves ex-military volunteers meeting and working alongside the small team of Countryside Rangers to keep 'rights of way' accessible to the public in the Hampshire countryside.
Compliant
with Covid-19 restrictions, the volunteer team, alongside Alex, have been out
three times so far with the Countryside Rangers to complete a job involving the
removal of 10 broken stiles and the installation of 10 kissing gates in their
place. The team were also involved in clearing a large area of vegetation in
preparation for a ditch installation. More dates are confirmed, with work
continuing year-round and a growing interest from more volunteers wishing to
attend.
One client
in particular struggled with isolation and boredom during lockdown and
thoroughly enjoys the work with Countryside services. He is reluctant to return
home at the end of the working day and signs up for every volunteer day going.
The volunteer commented,
“When you
are struggling to support yourself and those who depend on you, whether
financially or emotionally, volunteering would be the last thing that
approaches your mind. I have mostly heard negative comments whilst seeking
advice from people and friends about investing my time in volunteering.
Comments such as free labour, no return investment and so much more. But since
I have started volunteering, I have seen and experienced a completely new side
and benefits to it. There is so much to gain from the wealth of knowledge and
skills that volunteering provides. I have met such incredible people and shared
their knowledge on their own journeys. I have found that I can use my new-found
skills and knowledge to improve my own life.”
As a direct
result WWTW’s partnership with Hampshire Countryside Services, WWTW volunteers
can go on to gain further training and qualifications in areas such as brush
cutting and using chainsaws; as well as ongoing, valuable work experience with
Rangers to improve their confidence and employability prospects.
Interested
in getting support? Click here
