Happy Volunteers’ Week!

hannah General

Last year, we had almost 100 volunteers supporting the charity in 19 different roles. We are incredibly grateful for all of our volunteers for their dedication and hard work. A huge thank you to each and every one of you.

This week is Volunteer’s Week and we asked some of our volunteers why they love giving their time, energy and skills to help support veterans with health conditions get back into work.

Jax

Q1. Complete this sentence, ‘I feel proud to volunteer for The Poppy Factory because… everybody works together as a team for the benefit of our veterans who need help.

Q2. What do you do for The Poppy Factory? 

I am a Tour Guide Assistant at the factory. I welcome guests who attend our tours at the factory, serve refreshments and assist with the lunch service if required. I help the Tour Guide to supervise the groups around the factory and attend to the shop at the end of the tour for guests wishing to buy our products or make donations.

Q3. How long have you been a volunteer for TPF?

I have been a volunteer for nearly a year now.

Q4. What three things do you like most about volunteering for TPF?

I love meeting the guests and hearing their stories. Each group is different so no tour is the same. The staff at The Poppy Factory are all so lovely. I always feel welcome and valued. I have learnt so much about the history and ethos. It truly inspires me.

Q5. Have you learnt any new skills or had new experiences while volunteering for TPF?

The most important thing I have learned is how much volunteering at The Poppy Factory has boosted my confidence. This new found confidence has enabled me to have the courage to pursue other projects which I would not otherwise have done.

 

Steve

Q1. Complete this sentence, ‘I feel proud to volunteer for The Poppy Factory because… because it helps veterans every day.

Q2. What do you do for The Poppy Factory? 

I am a volunteer receptionist . This involves welcoming visitors, delivering post around the factory estate and booking people onto our tours who call up wanting to find out more about the charity’s history. I also help out at events which allows us to speak to the public and raise awareness of The Poppy Factory. I am a veteran with a long-term mental health condition, volunteering at The Poppy Factory has helped me cope in a supportive environment.

Q3. How long have you been a volunteer for TPF?

I have been a volunteer since 2016. I started as a Tour Guide Assistant and then in 2018, I became one of the volunteer receptionists.

Q4. What three things do you like most about volunteering for TPF?

Working with nice people, the sense of belonging and being part of an amazing charity.

Q5. Have you learnt any new skills or had new experiences while volunteering for TPF?

I have learnt more about working for a charity and some of what that involves. I have worked for many years in customer service in West End theatres which has come into good use when welcoming our visitors.

 

Gam

Q1. Complete this sentence, ‘I feel proud to volunteer for The Poppy Factory because… it allows me to meet new people, make new friends and share opportunities.

Q2. What do you do for The Poppy Factory? 

I am an assistant tour guide, which involves welcoming visitors, guiding them around the factory during their tour and being there to answer any questions. I feel proud to volunteer for the Poppy Factory because I am an injured soldier (a Gurkha from Nepal) and I am happy to help other injured soldiers.

Q3. How long have you been a volunteer for TPF?

I have been a volunteer at The Poppy Factory for three years now.

Q4. What three things do you like most about volunteering for TPF?

Guiding new visitors, meeting new people and creating new friendships.

Q5. Have you learnt any new skills or had new experiences while volunteering for TPF?

I have learnt how to guide people and tell the full history of The Poppy Factory, from it’s inception to how it moved from Old Kent Road to Richmond back in the mid 1920s. I enjoy talking to different people and I am always telling them to visit The Poppy Factory. 

Find out more about our Getting You Back to Work service
More you might like