Volunteers at Wordsworth Grasmere and the Wordsworth Museum say they have seen an improved social life and increased work opportunities after their time volunteering.
Wordsworth Grasmere is currently recruiting new volunteers for what it anticipates to be another busy year at the former home of poet William Wordsworth.
Volunteering is 'easier than ever', thanks to a two-year initiative known as Helping Hands which aims to make volunteering in Cumbria's cultural sector more accessible.
To date, Helping Hands says it has placed 380 individuals in more than 30 arts, culture, and heritage organisations, including first-time volunteers.
Edward Davies, passionate about Romanticism, wanted to learn about career opportunities in museums and heritage but, as a transgender man, was apprehensive about whether he would be accepted
He said: “When I arrived, I realised how supportive everyone was.
“Everyone encouraged me to be myself. It has made me feel a lot more comfortable and confident.”
He also found that the role inspired his own artistic tendencies.
He said: “I’ve created more art and more writing here than I have in months because it’s such a supportive environment to be in.”
Trevor Eastes and Paul Davies, two regular volunteers, say their social lives and wellbeing have improved since they started volunteering.
Mr Eastes said: “It makes me get up in the morning. It helps you interact with all sorts of people. It keeps your brain occupied.”
Mr Davies added: “There is real camaraderie. It does get you out interacting, perhaps when you don’t meet that many people on a day-to-day basis.
“Coming out as a volunteer gives you a real buzz. We have a cup of coffee as well, it’s quite a social part of the week.”
Sarah Nelson, a student from Utah in the United States, joined Wordsworth Grasmere for work experience.
She said: “It has been about connection, getting to connect with the staff who are really passionate about this work and about the arts and, I’d say, enriching people’s lives, and reconnecting with the important things in my own life.”
She has this advice for anyone thinking about volunteering in arts and heritage.
“Don’t be worried about not knowing what to do,” said Ms Nelson.
“There are so many people at places like this who are so excited to share their knowledge with you and teach you how to do things. It’s exciting how much it enriches your life when you’re the one volunteering.”
The initiative is helmed by the Cumbria Museum Consortium, involving 45 partner organisations. It is also working with Cumbria Deaf Association, Multicultural Cumbria, Anti-Racist Cumbria, and Triple A (Autism) Project.
To learn about volunteer placements, visit www.helpinghandscumbria.org or call 07442 972270.
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