Volunteering provides the perfect opportunity to meet-up and reconnect outdoors. So why not take advantage of the Council’s volunteering policy and find an opportunity for your team?
Whether you’re missing colleagues, want to welcome a new team member or simply would like to give back to your community, visit the Get Re-connected Connects webpage for the upcoming volunteering opportunities events calendar – all part of the Council’s employee volunteering programme which allows for up to 2 days a year per employee.
Esther Gibson, Sustainability Officer at North Ayrshire Council, was one of the colleagues who recently helped out Ranger Graeme at a Get Re-Connected session over at Eglinton Country Park.
She is now encouraging others to do the same. She said: “Our team would definitely recommend others to spend some time volunteering at the upcoming sessions. It was a different way to spend the morning compared to our usual roles.
“We were kitted out for the weather but luckily the rain and wind subsided before we got started.
“It looked like we had a huge task ahead in clearing the muddy pathway and overgrown bushes, but by working together we cleared much more than we expected.
“By clearing the area, it makes the entrance to the park safer for walking and more opportunities for new plants and wildlife to flourish next spring.
“I’m really not an outdoor person, but I got a lot of benefit being outside. Our team rarely has the opportunity to be together face to face, the session helped us strengthen our bond, while doing something different, and making a difference. We had more than a few laughs, too.”
Countryside Ranger Graeme Walla said: “Thank you so much to everyone who has volunteered with us so far this year. Stay tuned to Staff News where we’ll have more photo highlights soon…
“From a Ranger Service perspective, we are so appreciative to have the extra hands needed to help us keep our green spaces as accessible as possible here across North Ayrshire.
“There’s opportunities all over, however if we use the paths at Eglinton as a recent example, you can see how beneficial this has been, especially with the launch of the upcoming STEM trail on the horizon as more visitors come to the park.|
“Our parks and open green spaces are in constant need of maintenance, so if your team want to get involved, visit the Connects page to book now, you won’t be disappointed.
“We welcome all abilities and it’s a great way to boost your physical and mental health and wellbeing too; being active outdoors in the fresh air, whilst doing something so worthwhile – it’s a win-win!”
Get Re-connected sessions (otherwise known as planned staff volunteering days) are happening right across North Ayrshire between now and October, so why not give one a go as a real team effort? Visit the booking page to sign up now – let’s do this!
The next sessions available are as follows:
- Tuesday 24 October – Get Re-Connected Volunteering Eglinton Country Park – 9.30am until 12.30pm with Ranger Helen working in first path formal gardens. More info and how to book on Connects can be found here.
- Wednesday 1 November – Get Re-Connected Volunteering Eglinton Country Park (all day event) – with Ranger Joanne. More info and how to book on Connects can be found here.
- Wednesday 8 November – Get Re-Connected Volunteering at Eglinton Community Gardens – (Time TBC) with Ranger Linda. More info and how to book on Connects can be found here.
Countryside Ranger Graeme Walla said: “Thank you so much everyone who has volunteered with us so far this year. Stay tuned to Staff News where we’ll have more photo highlights soon.“From a Ranger Service perspective, we are so appreciative to have the extra hands needed to help us keep our green spaces as accessible as possible.
“Our parks and open green spaces are in constant need of maintenance, so if your team want to get involved, visit the Connects page to book now, you won’t be disappointed. We welcome all abilities and it’s a great way to boost your physical and mental health and wellbeing too; being active outdoors in the fresh air, whilst doing something so worthwhile – it’s a win-win!”
If you have recently taken part in a volunteering day with us or in your own time that you would like us to celebrate or spotlight your combined commitment to focus, passion and inspiration, email: communications@north-ayrshire.gov.uk for your chance to be featured next time!
Stay tuned to other opportunities across North Ayrshire by following the Ranger Service on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NorthAyrshireRangerService