Earlier this month, as part of The Big Help Out campaign, thousands of organisations and community groups across the country invited people to join them and find out how rewarding volunteering can be.

One such organisation was Thurlbear School in Somerset, who invited members of their community to come along and lend a hand with some painting, gardening and general maintenance. The activity, organised by the school’s PTA (Parent Teacher Association), was attended by over 25 people, including our Volunteering Development Lead Nina Hurst Jones, and Vice Chair, Emily Taylor.

Emily, who is also chair of Thurlbear PTA, commented:

“The Big Help Out was a great way to shine a light on the amazing impact volunteers can have on local people and the local community.

“Organising an activity at Thurlbear as part of this initiative demonstrated the great work, we can do to benefit us all. It was a wonderful way to get the community together to work towards a shared goal and provided a real sense of wellbeing. Volunteering is a great way to give back, meet people from a variety of different backgrounds and shape your own experiences. I would recommend that everyone gives it a go!”

Steve Gillan, Head Teacher at Thurlbear School, said:

“The support of our parents, friends of the school and the wider local community is integral, helping us to maintain the site not only means we can focus on the education, but that we also provide great surroundings in which students can thrive. The Big Help Out was a great way to get everyone involved and create a ‘whole school approach’. You know The Big Help Out reinforces great community spirit when even your former pupils – now at secondary school – come back to get involved!”

If you are looking for new volunteers to support your organisation, you can advertise your opportunities here- www.sparkachange.org.uk

The Big Help Out may be over, but there are still lots of ways to get involved in volunteering in Somerset. Just click the link below to get started.

Volunteer Stories

Mental health journey: Gabriella's story

Uncovering the past: Anthony's story

Championing mental health: Clare's story

Nourishing communities: Kate's story

Dead hedging on the Quantock Hills

Adam's story

Diversity in volunteering

Michelle's story

Terence's story

Sara's story

World Mental Health Day

Carole's story

Joanna's story

Volunteer Voices panel

The Turner & Townsend team visit West Hatch Animal Centre

Moving more together

Nick's story

The power of listening: Maisy's volunteering story

Alison's volunteering story

Mary's story

Abby's volunteering story

The Big Help Out at Thurlbear School

Wayne shares his love for cars and volunteering

Adder surveying on the Quantock Hills

The Novanta Technologies Team visit The Geranium Trust

The Lendology team visit ARK at Egwood

The Somerset Positive People team visit Carymoor Environmental Centre

Chris's Story

Johanna's Story

Gill's Story

Esther's story

Louise's story

Karuna's Story

Grahame's Story

Alison's Story

Sue's Story

Sarah's Story

Linda's Story

Natalie's Story

Gabi's Story

Harmony Fire visit ARK at Egwood

Esmee's Story

Jane's Story

Sarah’s Team Beach Clean

Ellimae's Story

Mel's Story

Simon's Story

Alex's Story

Megan's Story

Message of thanks from the High Sheriff of Somerset

Celebrating Somerset's Vital Volunteers

Getting the most out of volunteering

Volunteering from home

Why People Volunteer

Virtual Volunteering - Getting Started

Get creative with volunteering opportunities