Suzi Best Suzi Best is an Above & Beyond volunteer. Expand Suzi joined as a volunteer in 2015, after becoming a grandma and caring for her elderly mother decided that paid employment was no longer practical. Suzi previously worked for the NHS, so chose to volunteer with us to continue helping our hospitals. We spoke to Suzi about her time volunteering: “I started helping out with admin in the office and now my main task is to man the Fundraising Hub at the BRI twice a week. In May 2016, I ran the Bristol 10K for Above & Beyond, because I can and because it is worth every painful step! I even get to bake cakes for the cake sales that we host in the BRI - baking is my favourite past time! There’s also lots of cheering to do at various running events, selling raffle tickets at street parties, a day at the races, a music event or two, and a lot of laughing and meeting new people. Now who could say no to that! It is very comforting to know that there is a charity in place that provides our hospitals with just that little bit extra for when we need it most. It is well worth doing the tour of the hospital when you start as a volunteer, as you can witness just how much the charity has done for the hospitals so far, it is a real eye opener. The very fact that we shall all need the services of our hospitals in some form or another throughout our lives makes volunteering for Above & Beyond a bit more personal.“ Find out more about volunteering with us here.
Rosie Munson Rosie Munson is an Above & Beyond volunteer. Expand Rosie began volunteering for Above & Beyond in 2014, shortly after she moved to Bristol. Being newly retired from her job in school administration, she was looking for an opportunity to help and to keep her brain active. She wanted to help support our local hospitals because four members of her immediate family are in the medical profession, so she is all too familiar with the need for additional resources within the NHS. Here’s what Rosie has to say about volunteering at Above & Beyond: “Working with the wonderful staff and volunteers at Above & Beyond has been such a rewarding experience. I do not have a naturally outgoing personality but it has enabled me to usefully employ my skills as well as encouraging me to try something new. I volunteer on two days each week, working in the Fundraising Hub in the Bristol Royal Infirmary where we collect and sell second-hand books and new donated items as well as taking in donations and talking to patients, staff and visitors about the work we do. I sometimes help out at fundraising events, answering enquiries about the charity, selling cakes, cheering runners and cyclists or collecting donations. If you are looking for an opportunity to help a really good cause, have some fun and get to know some marvellous people, then Above & Beyond is the place for you!”
Nigel Currie Nigel Currie is an Above & Beyond volunteer. Expand Here’s what Nigel has to say about volunteering at Above & Beyond: “We hear a lot about how we are living through a time of economic ‘austerity’, in which public services, including the NHS, are in a continuing battle to keep up and hopefully improve their standards and services. A friend of mine already volunteered for Above & Beyond, and a little research showed me that the charity does an excellent job in raising funds for the city centre hospitals to provide extra items of equipment or an enhanced environment for staff and patients.” I started volunteering by distributing leaflets about the Bristol to Paris Cycle Challenge at Temple Quay, then helped clear a card shop in Clifton Down which had donated their remaining stock to Above & Beyond. Many retired people find their time taken up with grand-parenting commitments, DIY, or travel, but many also get great pleasure from volunteering, and we are lucky in Bristol to have some excellent charities which rely on volunteers. Above & Beyond staff are friendly and respectful, and provide training where necessary. It’s up to the volunteer how much time they give and it’s all appreciated and helps a worthy cause. If it sounds right for you – get in touch!”
Gurmit Singh Gurmit Singh is an Above & Beyond volunteer. Expand Gurmit joined as a volunteer in the summer of 2017 and the Above & Beyond office simply wouldn't be the same without him. Having volunteered for a number of charities doing data entry, front of house duties and sorting clothes, Gurmit wanted to gain experience in an office environment. Every Thursday he helps out with tasks such as laminating posters and certificates, stock-taking our charity materials, helping us set up for events and doing web-based research for the community fundraising team. Gurmit is an avid movie fan and is always on hand with a review of the latest box office blockbuster. Here's what he said about volunteering for Above & Beyond: What do you like most about volunteering for Above & Beyond? "Everyone is so nice and friendly and it's a fun place to work. I enjoy coming in to chat with everyone, catching up with what they've been doing in the week and what their plans are for the weekend." What is your favourite task to do in the office? "I enjoy working on the computer most of all as it is relevant to my degree."
Susan Howe Susan Howe is an Above & Beyond volunteer. Expand Susan joined us in 2015 and is a passionate advocate of volunteering. She currently volunteers for over 10 organisations, taking on activities including gardening, dog walking, stewarding at music and film festivals and working in libraries. Here’s what she had to say about volunteering: How did you first hear about Above & Beyond and why did you get involved? I found out about Above & Beyond during Bristol’s year as European Green Capital, when the Council was really focusing on volunteering in the community and I signed up to as much as possible. Over the past 18 years I’ve volunteered for around 35 organisations – I just love volunteering! What do you like most about volunteering for Above & Beyond? I work part-time as an administrator so I particularly love volunteering that gives me the opportunity to get outside or, at the very least, away from a desk and computer. One of the first events I helped Above & Beyond with was the Bristol Balloon Fiesta, which was so much fun. I’ve since helped out at events including the Christmas Star Concert for three years running, the launch of the Bristol Heart Institute Appeal last Autumn, donation counting at corporate events, bake sales outside the Fundraising Hub in the BRI and even a collection at a Bristol Rovers match – so it’s quite a variety! What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering? I currently volunteer for over 10 organisations including Above & Beyond and aim to do at least two hours of volunteering each week. I do it because I really enjoy it but it’s a chance to learn and explore, to find out more about your community and perhaps even step outside your comfort zone and do something that challenges you and helps you grow as a person. Helping others is a huge part of volunteering and to hear just one person comment on how much they value what you do is worth a thousand thank yous. In the year that the NHS turns 70, it feels more important than ever to support it. Volunteering for Above & Beyond to support the work it does in our hospitals is a fantastic way to contribute to a service that we've all used before and will most likely rely on again in the future. Ultimately, it's for us.
Beverley Cox You can become and Above & Beyond volunteer like Beverley. Expand Beverley is a dedicated member of the team who began volunteering with us earlier this year. Here's what she had to say about volunteering with Above & Beyond: How did you hear about Above & Beyond and why did you decide to volunteer for us? I had been volunteering for 3 years in Johannesburg for orphaned and abandoned children, so when I returned home I wanted to carry on doing something. I heard about the charity and decided I would love to work in the Fundraising Hub. I have been volunteering at the Hub since January 2018. I do one full day a week with a volunteer helping out in the morning and one in the afternoon. What have you enjoyed most about volunteering at the Hub? It is great to meet people from all walks of life, and to do something that you really enjoy. It's easy to feel passionate about the charity due to the good work they do for the Bristol hospitals. What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering for Above & Beyond? I would say do it because you get loads out of it; meeting people and doing something worthwhile. Even if it's only for a few hours a week, it all helps this wonderful charity.