#VolunteersWeek - Suzanne

Volunteers - A spotlight on the people who make a difference.

All sorts of people, for all sorts of reasons, volunteer.

As part of Volunteers Week we want to celebrate and show our appreciation for  some of the amazing people who support and contribute to Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust. We hope they inspire and motivate you to make the most of your neighbourhood. 

Today the spotlight is on Suzanne, our CEO.

I love Lockleaze, I’ve worked at Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust since 2016 and have been involved in loads of things from festivals, arts projects, community led housing, climate action and the community plan. I like getting to know different people, having fun outdoors, reading books, watching plays and movies - last thing I watched at the cinema was Guardians of the Galaxy 3 and it was AWESOME!

I’ve done lots of different volunteering over the years as a way to meet people, help where I can, find out something new. In all cases I have found that I get much more from volunteering that I give. I’ve learned things that helped me get jobs, I’ve made friends, and been totally humbled by the things that other people face and privileged that they share their vulnerabilities with me, and grateful if I can help in some small way. 

I’ve recently started volunteering with the Churches City Fund they encourage donations from Christians in Bristol to support critical needs in our City, such as for foodbanks and soup kitchens, refugee support, mentoring young people, holiday food clubs and helping people manage their money.

I’ve learned about the amazing work and kindness of people in our city helping each other. I love being a tiny part of helping make that possible. 

If you are thinking of volunteering - do it! You can help with green volunteering working outside or befriending someone, help them fill out forms, read with a young person or be on a board of trustees and help run a charity or help refugees settle in a new country, whatever your passion or interests there is somewhere that needs your help and if you are not sure what you want to do just have a go at something - I promise you will get more from it than give.

Thank you Suzanne, from the team at Lockleaze Neighbourhood Trust.