Leading college group launches new volunteering campaign
A leading college group has launched a new volunteering campaign to encourage those over 50 to pass on their skills, knowledge and expertise to the next generation of professionals.
WCG, which includes six colleges across Warwickshire and Worcestershire, has created a ‘Your Community Needs You’ initiative to give people the opportunity to give back to their community and inspire young people as they embark on their careers.
The campaign has been launched ahead of ‘The Big Help Out’ which is inviting people to mark King Charles III’s Coronation by signing up to volunteer in their communities on the one-off Bank Holiday on Monday, May 8.
Volunteering opportunities at WCG include everything from becoming a college governor, a mentor to students or an apprenticeship ambassador to being a guest speaker or sharing expertise with staff to help them develop new skills which they can pass on to learners.
The initiative was launched after WCG, which includes Royal Leamington Spa College, Rugby College, Warwick Trident College, Moreton Morrell College, Evesham New College and Pershore College, identified that Covid has acted as a motivator for many people to re-evaluate their priorities, resulting in a significant number of people in their 50s and 60s stepping back from their occupations.
It aims to give people the opportunity to continue to use their skills and wisdom while giving back to the next generation.
One of those currently volunteering with WCG is Louise Bennett OBE who was appointed President of the college group last year.
Louise, who was awarded an OBE for her services to enterprise, led Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce as its chief executive for almost 20 years – a position which saw her work closely with WCG.
Her role at WCG sees her work in partnership with the board and senior leadership team to support the group’s strategic goals and enhance its reputation with Government and national decision-makers.
Louise, who lives in Worcestershire, also volunteers in her role as Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands.
She said: “WCG’s volunteering initiative is a fantastic opportunity for those who would like to give something back and share their skills, knowledge, experience, or simply their time, to be part of a successful and welcoming organisation whose focus is to support its learners and local employers.
“As someone who has recently been part of the ‘big resignation’ – choosing to leave employment in my 50s and retire early – I very much value the benefits of volunteering.
“I believe volunteering is good for a person’s mental health and wellbeing. Offering your experiences, skills and time to others is highly rewarding and keeps you mentally astute, and also helps you remain connected to other people.
“I’m also incredibly passionate about nurturing and inspiring the next generation and understand how important it is to pass on knowledge to our future entrepreneurs, employees and leaders to help them succeed.
“I would certainly encourage others to contribute and take advantage of one of the many volunteering opportunities available at WCG.”
Further information on how to sign up to become a volunteer is available at wcg.ac.uk/giveback
