Unlocking the power of community support to ensure every student in the local area reaches their full potential
GET INVOLVED
VOLUNTEER
Connect the Community deeply values the role that our trained volunteers play. Their dedication, passion and unwavering commitment are truly appreciated and we strive to ensure that their volunteer experience is both fulfilling and rewarding.
Our volunteers currently provide weekly literacy and numeracy interventions as well as in class support in schools in and around the Richmond Borough. If you would like to join this dedicated team of individuals and volunteer your time and expertise to support students and teachers, please click below and let us know how you might be able to help.
MAKE A DONATION
We are raising money to help fund extra resources in our Connect the Community schools.
Connect with like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the educational outcomes of our children. By pooling our resources, we can have a greater impact on the educational outcomes of children in our local community.
If you have any questions or would like to help fund a particular activity in local schools, please click below to email us.
KEEP IN TOUCH
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Interested in keeping up to date with Connect the Community news and seeing how you could help in the future?
Sign up here for our Connect the Community newsletter or click the button below to email us directly.
MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS
Meet Debra
Literacy support volunteer
How did you hear about Connect the Community?
'After a very long career break to bring up my children, I was interested in finding something to do that engaged my brain but didn’t involve full-time work. A friend mentioned Connect the Community and the work they do; plus the fact they were looking for volunteers to get involved.
I had worked in language publishing for a number of years and had some experience of teaching abroad, both French and English as a foreign language – so helping in a school felt like a very good fit. Also, it allows me to commit to just one day a week which works perfectly for me.'
What is your favourite part about being a volunteer in a school?
‘Without a doubt my favourite part is spending time with the students, seeing them enjoy reading and make an effort, even when they might seem to be reluctant at first. Over the course of a term, or more, it’s lovely when students begin to grow in confidence and show more of their personality during our sessions.
I also really enjoy being part of a team – the teachers we work with in the SEND and English departments are so welcoming and supportive and make you feel extremely valued.’
What has been the most rewarding part of your involvement?
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‘It’s incredibly rewarding when students improve in their reading to the point where they can graduate from the reading group.
The sense of achievement and pride they feel is very special, and that is also fulfilling for me.
However, I think for me the most rewarding part has been working with students who are shy and reluctant and seeing them become more confident and outgoing. Hopefully gaining a little confidence in Reading Club can translate into other areas of their school life.’
Meet Jake
Gap year volunteer
What led you to contact Connect the Community?
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‘During the summer after my A-Levels, I found myself facing a question that most prospective gap-year students know well: what am I going to do for the next twelve months? I wanted a job that was local and have always enjoyed working with other people but beyond that, I felt unsure. This is why I am so indebted to Connect the Community. They put me in contact with a nearby school – one interview with the Headteacher later, and I had a volunteer role for September.’
What was most rewarding for you?
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‘I worked two days per week with Year 5 and loved it. Although I had a different, paid job elsewhere, volunteering at the school was the most valuable experience of my year off. I had a significant level of responsibility, received training from outstanding teachers and developed my interpersonal skills through working in an environment that was challenging and rewarding in equal measure.
Anyone in a similar position to me at the start of their gap year should get in touch with Connect the Community. The impact that working with the charity will have, both on you and on others, is transformative.’
What is your favourite/fondest memory of your time volunteering?
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‘I couldn’t possibly pick one memory as my favourite. Looking back at my time at the school, though, what I remember most is just how much everyone progressed over the course of the year. It’s fantastic to be able to play a small part in that process.’
