CAS in Conversation – A Podcast Led by Community Action Suffolk, featuring the county’s VCFSE sector

In this episode, we chat to Bryan Laxton, Chair of Grundisburgh Village Hall.

One year on from the opening of the superb modern facility in the heart of its Suffolk community, Bryan discusses what it took to fund and achieve the building’s creation, and what it’s meant to the community in the 12 months since.

In this episode, Ben Poole tells us about why and how he came to set up Lowestoft Boxing Academy.

A winner of the Suffolk Community Awards, he opens up about the challenges in running a volunteer-led organisation, while celebrating the tremendous generosity and community spirit which has enabled his academy to thrive.

Ben also discusses why volunteering is something everyone should consider, and how it can help transform lives.

In this episode, Michael Strand, Community Fundraising Manager for Suffolk Wildlife Trust tells the story of Martlesham Wilds.

He reveals how the land became available, the status of fundraising to fully own the site, and all the many and varied plans for how it may develop in the coming years – and what opportunities there are to get involved as a volunteer.

If you’re listening to this ahead of Wednesday 5th April, you may wish to access the Trust’s latest webinar:

https://link.edgepilot.com/s/82180069/04NcQ_juBkips9s8dQ9Oug?u=https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/events/2023-04-05-wildlife-live-webinar-martlesham-wilds

For further volunteering opportunities with Suffolk Wildlife Trust, take a look at https://www.suffolkwildlifetrust.org/volunteer

We all know that charities and voluntary sector organisations have been finding it difficult to recruit and retain volunteers, particularly since the dawning of the cost of living crisis.

One charity which urgently needs more volunteers, is Riding for the Disabled – Woodbridge and District.

Here, Kelvin Silburn, from the charity, talks about the importance of attracting more people to help the organisation continue its good work.

In this episode, we talk to Andy Skinner, of AMS Business Consultants.

Andy talks about why he chooses to be part of Suffolk Prohelp, and discusses some of the projects and organisations he’s been able to help through his voluntary work.

If you’re interested in chatting to Andy about AMS, or want more advice about becoming involved in Prohelp in the way he did, please contact him directly at [email protected]

Find out about Prohelp at https://www.suffolkprohelp.org.uk/

Karen Harris, Head of Citizens in Policing for Suffolk Constabulary, discusses the great many roles and opportunities which are available for anyone considering a volunteer role with the police.

You might be a young person keen to be a cadet – whether or not you’re considering a future in the force, or you might be an adult looking for something additional to your career, or to further your community engagement whilst also being a parent or carer.

Take a listen to the many opportunities, and listen out for ways in which to reach Karen and the team if you’re keen to know more.

We would also love to hear from anyone who has taken on such a post in recent years. Email [email protected]

In this episode, Jo Dixon, from Girlguiding Suffolk, gives a timely insight into the guiding movement, in the very week that the world celebrates Thinking Day.

As Jo explains, Thinking Day was selected because it coincided with the date of Baden Powell’s birthday (and indeed, his wife’s) and allows us to think about the community of guiding across the globe.

Jo shares some of the great and many benefits of being involved in the guiding movement, and talks about the opportunity to be a volunteer within your local group.

In this episode, Community Action Suffolk’s Premises Manager, Kareena Chapman, talks about the many activities and initiatives taking place at Lowestoft’s Kirkley Centre.

She shares an insight into some of the more recent meetings and events, as well as timely community support projects, like Warm Rooms.

And, as a further note of interest for anyone considering a new location in 2023, Kareena reveals an opportunity for a business or VCFSE organisation to take over one of the office spaces at this superb facility.

Do get in touch with Kareena if you’d like to know more.

[email protected]

Here, he chats about his motivations to volunteer, the various roles he’s taken on within the community, and what it takes to be an effective trustee.

Calling on his many years of experience within and around the sector, he shares his views on the many mental, physical and social benefits of getting involved in volunteering initiatives.

You can read more about Kevin here: https://www.communityactionsuffolk.org.uk/trustees/kevin-ward/

As a busy East of England charity, Ormiston Families has a wealth of opportunities for volunteering – be it in back-office roles, in supporting children, or in assisting with prison visits.

Here, Anya and Ginny talk about some of those roles, about why volunteering matters so much to the organisation, and what benefit is brought to adults of all ages who give time to support a good cause.

Ginny and Anya also reveal their own personal experiences of volunteering, including detailing how shared reading can give anyone a ‘warm fuzzy’!

Visit Ormiston Families’ website to find out more about current roles, or to arrange an informal chat.

https://www.ormiston.org/