Volunteers support The Baytree Centre in a number of ways: offering classroom support and extra learning opportunities (one-to-one reading, conversation groups, IT sessions) to our students, running and supporting after-school youth activities such as cookery, science, maths and art clubs for local girls aged 8 – 18 and organising fundraising events to raise much needed money and the profile of The Baytree Centre within the local community.

The Baytree Centre Volunteer Service has on average 150 volunteers contributing on a weekly basis. We estimate that our volunteers contribute 141 hours per week. We attract volunteers of all ages and from all walks of life; 40% of our volunteers are under 25 years of age, 95% of whom are in full time education, and 8% are over 65, all of whom are retired. 10% of our volunteers are currently seeking employment and are volunteering to boost their skills and confidence while improving their C.V., as recommended by the Department for Work and Pensions. The Baytree Centre Volunteer Service is committed to our volunteers’ personal, work and social development to ensure that they are gaining as much from their experience as we are from their contribution.

Linda Stevens, PEACH Mentor.