This week we pay tribute to the selfless volunteers who give up their free time to support and deliver Witton Lodge Community Association (WLCA) services to residents across Erdington.

Volunteer Week 2025 (June 2-6) is a national celebration of the effort and impact being made by all those people who go the extra mile to ensure the vulnerable and needy in society are catered for.

Witton Lodge currently has 14 registered volunteers who, have, over the last 12 months, contributed nearly 2,000 hours of valuable support. Some of our main volunteer-led activities include wellbeing support session Tea with Tina, environmental and social engagement activity Seed Library, a weekly Chess Club IT Classes and Arts & Crafts sessions.

Volunteer Coordinator at WLCA, Paul Tse, said “In addition, they have continued to play a key role in reaching and supporting isolated, vulnerable residents through befriending initiatives, organised bicycle rides, arts and craft tuition and sensory walks.

“Working across all of our sites (Perry Common Community Hall, Erdington Wellbeing Hub, Witton Lakes Eco Hub, Sycamore Court and Perry Common Library) our volunteers also carry out reception duties, serve customers and prepare food.”

 

Volunteers are in our DNA

Linda Hines, Chair of Witton Lodge, said volunteers have always been the lifeblood of the organisation. “Witton Lodge Community Association was founded on volunteers 30 years ago, and today that same spirit is at the heart of everything we do. Our team of inspiring volunteers continues to grow from strength to strength, right across the organisation and each one is truly worth their weight in gold!”

The benefits of volunteering are well documented. From learning new skills, gaining confidence, boosting employability, making new connections and friendships, enjoying new experiences, contributing to community life and enjoying a sense of belonging and achievement.

John Robinson has been volunteering with Witton Lodge for several years. He currently helps to co-ordinate arts and crafts sessions at Sycamore Court, Witton Lodge’s independent living scheme, where he lives. He previously ran a film club for residents there.

“Volunteering has improved my wellbeing, being active has really helped me,” he said. “It has made me much more self-aware. Being involved in the local community and helping people is very rewarding.”

His sentiments are echoed by Theresa Senior,a local resident and devoted volunteer with Witton Lodge since 2017. Theresa used to support staff at Perry Common Library but is now based at Witton Lakes Eco Hub, serving customer and preparing food in the café there. “I love my volunteering, it has given me so many opportunities and I’ve learned a lot,” she said.

“I’ve been able to go on training courses to boost my skills and learn new things. I’ve been involved in so many things, from environment to employability and health and wellbeing and am very grateful for being given the chance to help do great things for the local community.”

It’s never too late to volunteer

And for those who think the opportunity to volunteer has passed them by, Denis Chalk is a perfect example of why you’re never too old to. Chess enthusiast Denis is 96-years-young and leads a weekly chess club at Witton Lakes Eco Hub. It has quickly become one of the most popular activities at the site with young and old alike pitting their wits against Denis whose love of chess spans more than four decades. The club is more than just a fun pastime, it is a hub for wellbeing, where people can learn, grow and connect.

Celebration

To honour our wonderful volunteers we hosted a special lunchtime celebration at the start of Volunteers Week, recognising their invaluable contributions and expressing our heartfelt appreciation for their dedication and commitment. Read more about this special event here

Opportunities

Later this month, colleagues from the Erdington Neighbourhood Network Scheme are delivering a Volunteer Recruitment Event at St Barnabas Church on Erdington High Street.

Running from 11am to 2pm on Thursday June 12th the event will feature a range of organisations offering volunteer opportunities alongside volunteers talking about their own volunteering experiences. For anyone looking to get involved in volunteering, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

Meanwhile, current opportunities for volunteering at Witton Lodge are varied. There are three distinct areas where people can get involved; these are Community Life, Health & Wellbeing and Employment & Skills.

Community Life includes initiatives like Duckling Watch, Community Watch and Gardening. Befriending, arts & crafts and benefits support are some of the opportunities delivered under Health and Wellbeing while CV support and administration roles are offered as part of the Employment and Skills provision.

“All Witton Lodge volunteers are assigned a mentor or buddy, dependant on the location they are working from,” said Paul. “When they start, they will receive a full induction which covers things like health & our safety regulations and building safety.

“Each volunteer is given their own unique online ID and password. This enables them to complete the required online training for their role. This will include health & safety and safeguarding.

“Anyone can apply to become a volunteer with Witton Lodge. They just need to fill in a simple form.”

If you would like to know more about volunteering opportunities at Witton Lodge, watch our video below to hear direct from some of our amazing volunteers. You can also call Volunteer Coordinator, Paul Tse on 0121 382 1930 or email Paul.tse@wittonlodge.org.uk for an informal chat – we’d love to hear from you!