We put a poll out on LinkedIn recently to see how many of you get volunteer leave at work. Although the results were pretty evenly split, we were pleased to see 46% of people did get volunteer leave.
At Brightside, volunteers are the beating heart of our programmes. Without them, young people wouldn’t be able to access tailored support to make confident and informed decisions about their future.
Because we’re always on the lookout for new volunteers, we need to practice what we preach. We’ve had a volunteer leave policy for the last few years that allows our staff (known as Brightsiders) to take time off to volunteer for other organisations.
Here’s how three Brightsiders have used their leave to help others…
Nawshin, Programme Manager
I’ve used my volunteer leave to support the Wrap Up campaign with Human Appeal.
Having worked in Human Appeal for short period, their Wrap Up campaign was very close to home – supporting those who live locally over the winter period by donating and distributing pre-loved coats, jackets, scarves, hats.
I supported by campaigning and getting various donations from work, family and friends. I was then able to take volunteering leave from work and help organise the donations at the local sorting centre via age, gender and item of clothing. I was also able hand deliver the donations to various organisations such as schools, youth groups, shelter homes and so on which made me feel so proud of the work I have achieved.
Knowing that something I no longer need would keep someone warm and prevent weather-related illnesses this winter really made me feel happier with my commitment to giving back to the community.
It allows me to remember and teach my daughter what our religion tells us – “support those who are less fortunate and more good will come your way.”
Nick, Senior Business Development Manager
When Brightside first gave us volunteer leave, I decided to make the most of it and got involved with Bookmark, a charity that helps primary school children to love reading and increase their confidence.
I really enjoy reading now, but books and reading weren’t a big part of my childhood so I wanted to try and make sure that a few more kids got the chance to discover that reading could be fun too!
I love how accessible volunteering with Bookmark is, with two 30-minute video calls each week, but that I still feel like I’m making a difference. The sessions are usually focused on reading and literacy-based games but they have been known to include conversations about how long we’d be able to live on the moon without being bored, which Star Wars character is best, and I even got help writing a quiz for my colleagues which included the question “what’s the most biggest school in the world?” (the answer was, of course, Hogwarts).
Whatever happens in the sessions though, they’re always fun and a great way to break up the workday.
Bookmark regularly send updates about the impact on their programmes on thousands of pupils across the country, which helps to recognise the value of volunteering. But what makes me keep signing up to support more pupils every term is seeing them learn a new word, helping them discover a new story, or watching them get more confident and chattier as the weeks go by.
Lauren, Senior Programme Manager
I’ve been volunteering since I was at university, so I feel really lucky that our volunteer leave supports me to continue to contribute to causes I care about alongside my job. I’m currently a School Governor and, as if working for a mentoring charity wasn’t enough, I also mentor young people on a university-focused programme.
I became a School Governor when my university alumni network shared an opportunity with Governors for Schools. Intrigued by the role, I applied and was matched with a local primary school. Three years in, it’s been both fascinating and challenging! As a younger governor, I’ve gained confidence from discovering the unique perspective I can bring to the role.
I’m also a strong believer in the power of mentoring. I see its impact daily at work and often look for opportunities to support others. I use my volunteer leave to mentor young people applying to university. It’s a flexible commitment, allowing me to respond to mentees’ messages, review applications, or do extra research whenever it fits into my day. Seeing my mentees grow and hearing about their achievements is extremely fulfilling!
Volunteering doesn’t just benefit those you help – it’s equally rewarding for you. It gives me a fresh perspective that I can share with others, and I’ve built on key skills like critical thinking and giving constructive feedback. I’d recommend anyone with volunteer leave to use it to support something important to them – you never know what you’ll gain!
If your organisation gives you volunteer leave, why not use it to become an online mentor? It’s super flexible and easily fits around your schedule. Find out more: https://brightside.org.uk/volunteers/
