Volunteers praise confidence boost from art scheme

An art gallery is celebrating the fifth anniversary of its volunteer scheme which has seen people give thousands of hours towards supporting the city's cultural life.

Bosses at Wolverhampton Art Gallery said the initiative had welcomed them from all walks of life – with 48 regular volunteers who have given a combined total of almost 13,000 hours of their time over the past year.

"I think it gives me more confidence and has helped show me I am more capable than I believed," one of the volunteers, John, said.

Their duties include welcoming visitors and helping with workshops and events, with their ages ranging from 18 to 81.

John added that being part of the programme helped him get out of his house and to stay active.

"I work with nice people and have made some new friends," he said.

Volunteers are asked to volunteer a minimum of four hours per week and are given training.

Another, Kieran, first started helping at the gallery during a work placement organised by Walsall College and he remained afterwards.

"Helping out with craft club and showing new volunteers around gives me the confidence to have a go at things and learn new skills that I never knew were there," he said.

"They help bring our exhibitions and events to life by creating a welcoming environment for visitors and sharing in the stories behind the art," said councillor Chris Burden, from the City of Wolverhampton Council.

People who are interested in volunteering can find out more by visiting the art gallery's website or visiting on 7 June between 11:00-15:00 BST.

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