Volunteering

Melton Community Transport is looking for more volunteer drivers. The number of volunteers has reduced dramatically from around 40 to just 15, which limits the number of people being able to use the service. 

This is a vital service to many, not just taking them to hospital, doctor and dentist appointments, but also taking them to the shops, to meet friends and many other things. This service is available to those who are frail elderly or disabled and cannot use public transport, or none exists and live within the Melton Borough. A wheelchair accessible car is also available. 

As a volunteer driver, you use your own car but receive reimbursement for every mile you travel when driving for the scheme. 

They also have available for hire a Community Minibus, which can be hired by any Community Group within the Melton Borough. It can either be driven by the group, provided the driver holds a normal license and must be between the ages of 25-70. It can also be hired with a driver. 

If you enjoy meeting people and driving, this is an ideal volunteering opportunity. You can give as much or little time as you want, either on a regular basis or have the flexibility to help when you can. Any time you can give would be extremely helpful. 

Please contact Angie on 01664 482903 if you would like more information.

Our Community Coordinator recently visited the Melton Matters Wombles and shared her experience. The Wombles are dedicated to collecting and recycling aluminium cans to support the Air Ambulance. They have strategically placed collection points at local supermarkets where residents can drop off their cans. During the visit, the team gathered at a farm near Saxelbye, where over 100 large sacks of cans awaited them. These cans were emptied into a massive pile, then crushed by a tractor driven by Andrew Spicer. After the cans were crushed, they were packed into 46 sacks, which are expected to raise approximately £750. To date, the Wombles have contributed over £14,000 to the Air Ambulance. 

Support and Connections from Melton attended also, and brought along adults they assist, adding value through their hard work. The day was both productive and enjoyable, with laughter, tea, and homemade cake. Despite the physical demands, everyone left with a sense of fulfilment and camaraderie. 

Apart from recycling, the Wombles actively engage in litter picking across the town and countryside, often tackling particularly messy areas like lay-bys and busy roads. The group comprises six regular members and about ten occasional volunteers. Their efforts significantly benefit mood and mental health, providing great exercise and a sense of accomplishment. They are always looking for more volunteers. Those interested can find more information on the Melton Matters Wombles Facebook page.

Starting as a small garage on Kings Road, the Melton and District Furniture Project has grown into a large warehouse on Park Road. They’re open to the public from Tuesday to Saturday, 9 am to 1 pm. 

Our Community Coordinator recently visited them to learn more. “I didn’t realise anyone could buy items there. Alongside furniture, they sell small electrical items and bric-a-brac. If you're on benefits, you get a discount. They deliver furniture for £10, helping cover costs. 

“With five paid staff and around 26 volunteers, it feels like one big family. Ivor has been volunteering for over 30 years, and his daughter Izzy, now a staff member, has been involved since childhood. Izzy and her brother used to help sort toys while their parents volunteered.  

Volunteers describe the experience as feeling like a family, enhancing their wellbeing. Many start as volunteers and take on roles such as drivers. Long-term volunteers find the work rewarding and enjoy interacting with regular customers. Others are dedicated to helping with deliveries. There is even a waiting list of people eager to volunteer. 

They welcome donations and can collect furniture. Soft furnishings need a fire safety label. 

This is an excellent project that benefits the whole community, both customers and volunteers. 

Once Gavin, who has learning difficulties left college, he found that he fell in between the category of being able to work, and not being able to work. Gavin wanted a reason to get out of bed, and have a purpose, like any citizen should.  

Gavin worked with CERT-Community Enablement and Reablement Team and secured two days a week at Mary’s Place Cafe at the Samworth Centre in Melton Mowbray. Whilst there they assisted him with Travel Training, which has enabled Gavin to make the journey to Melton from Syston on his own. Through attending a Fencing Club, Gavin and his family also were advised that the police offer fantastic and inclusive volunteering opportunities. Following contact with Melton Police, they offered a couple of options in which they would welcome Gavin, and Gavin opted to assist with the washing of the Police Cars. 

Since Mary’s Place closed following the pandemic, Gavin has continued to volunteer twice a week for Melton Police and now has 10 years service under his belt. The role has established a fantastic relationship with the Police, and has seen his confidence blossom. The Police have gone above and beyond to ensure that Gavin’s work does not go unnoticed, and aswell as feeling appreciated Gavin was awarded the Saville Trophy for Volunteer of the Year in 2023. The act of volunteering has allowed Gavin, who is unable to have the same amount of independence as many others, to feel like he has earnt his place in society just like everyone else.

Started as a charity shop in Muston, which closed due to a requirement to move premises, and they obtained a room in Bottesford in the Parish Rooms which now operated on Wednesday and Saturday mornings as a community hub. The community in Bottesford and the surrounding villages have received this opportunity well, and the venture has blossomed. 

The hub has helped many residents that struggle with loneliness and has become a lifeline and facilitator of many friendships aswell as being a Charity Shop. They have embraced the donations creatively and find many a solution for items that are unable to be donated in the shop, particularly for bra’s, which are unable to be sold. However, they are donated to an organisation that sends them out to Gambia to help reduce abuse to vulnerable women. 

The hub takes place simultaneously to the Rural Food Hub Network, and has worked with our Food Hub Coordinator with their smiley face scheme, the smiley face sticker system allows users of the food bank to have a free coffee and cake. The Hub is wisely used by the community and has become a safe and welcome space.

The Melton and Oakham Waterways Society (MOWS) actively campaigns for and works on the restoring the Melton Mowbray Navigation. Entirely operated by volunteers, their efforts focus on the ‘ring’ around the town created by the river and canal, ensuring local residents have access to the waterway. 

Recently, the Network Scouts joined forces with MOWS, significantly boosting the efforts of the regular volunteers. This collaboration allowed them to accomplish a substantial amount of work, including preparing the rowing boats for the upcoming season by painting below the waterline. 

MOWS supports a variety of interests, such as conservation, angling, walking, cycling, boating, and local history. If any of these resonate with you, consider becoming a member. They rely on new members to succeed in restoring these beautiful waterways. 

Owning seven rowing boats, MOWS is looking for someone to manage these as a business. Additionally they operate the Wreake Voyager which offers trips along the river. 

More volunteers are needed to help with their work parties; they undertake a wide range of maintenance tasks, often using their work boats. Why not join them? They meet on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month at the bottom of Wilton Road Carpark. For more information check out their Facebook page: The Melton & Oakham Waterways Society (link in panel below).

The most recent activity was planting a wildflower garden and making a new bench for the community orchard, this was funded by a V.E. Community grant from Melton Borough Council. 

They are on the lookout for some more volunteers, you can give them as much time as you are able, whether it is a one off or a regular commitment. Not only will you be helping to improve the park, your health and well-being will benefit from enjoying social interaction and physical activity in a green space. 

Find out how to get involved on the Friends of Melton Country Park webpage in the link panel below.