Volunteers play a vital part in making the National Trust successful. Could you find time to help out a property in the East Midland?

Who volunteers?

Our volunteers come in all shapes and sizes and do a host of valuable jobs for us from working behind the scenes in conservation, helping out with gardening and landscaping, meeting and greeting our visitors, helping out with school parties and education work and supporting regional office staff.

Some volunteers have retired and come to work with us because they are passionate about the properties we look after but volunteering also provides vital experience for those who want to work in the Heritage industry.

We also welcome people who just have a few hours to spare and want to meet new people or simply build up a bit of confidence before going back to work.

Property Manager at Hardwick Hall, Denise Edwards, remembers one volunteer who was so nervous when she first came to see her she was shaking

'She had been out of work for a while and lost her self-confidence. She is now one of our best volunteers, brimming over with confidence, has refreshed her skills and made some new friends'.

A wealth of opportunities

There are a host of opportunities available in the East Midlands right now.

Sudbury needs volunteers to help out at the new £2.2million Museum of Childhood. The museum is also hoping to introduce family volunteering soon and is interested in talking to families who have children aged 10 and over. Any families interested should contact Hannah Steggles by email hannah.steggles@nationaltrust.org.uk

Hardwick Hall are looking for volunteers to help man the Stone Centre, work with the Community Learning Officer and wardens in the Park and with groups in all parts of the property.

At Tattershall Castle volunteers are needed to help out in the grounds, shop and as room stewards.

Clumber Park is looking for volunteers to help out in the shop , at major events and within visitor services; there are also opportunities for volunteers to be involved with the production of the property newsletter or to assist with ‘outreach’ into the local community.

The Workhouse at Southwell needs volunteers for their thriving storytelling club which runs workshops in the local community.

Rewards

As well as meeting new friends and learning new skills rewards for regular volunteers include an admission card for all National Trust properties and discounted rates in our cafes and shops.

National Trust Volunteer Groups

If you can’t spare a few hours a week you can always join one of the Trust’s group volunteering events.

These groups volunteer once or twice a month at properties – a great way to get involved in conservation activities in the outdoors whilst having fun and making friends.

Companies also regularly work with the National Trust on team building volunteer events. Groups of colleagues get to know one another better while learning and practising new skills and getting through a surprising amount of work.

If you want to find out more details about any of the vacancies or want to volunteer at a particular  property contact  Jane Cawrey on 01909 511027 or Louise Budd on 01909 511007.

Current opportunities

Visit the central National Trust volunteering pages for a full list of opportunities.

To find out more about volunteering tel: 01909 486411 or email us.