Coastline has published its Volunteer Annual Statement for 2024/25, celebrating the impact that our many volunteers make across the company.
Our Volunteer Scheme was established in 2013 and has grown from strength to strength, widening the number of experiences we are able to offer each year.
Since 2015 we have also been successfully awarded the Investing in Volunteers accreditation - the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management.
During 2024 a fantastic 76 volunteers donated their time to us - totalling 5,955 hours and generating a social value of £337,533.
Of these volunteers, eight progressed into employment with external companies and 43 accessed training courses during the year. Between them, the volunteers earned 2,486 time credits.
Louise Beard, Deputy CEO at Coastline, said: "Our volunteers have an enormous impact on the engagement and support for our customers. They make a difference to people's lives and are very much part of the Coastline family. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has volunteered at Coastline for all the wonderful work they do and the amazing difference they make."
This year in particular, Coastline has seen an increase in young volunteers engaging in formal opportunities. The number of young volunteers has risen from just one in 2023 to five in 2024. Coastline now offers the opportunity for school-age students to undertake volunteering as part of working towards their Duke of Edinburgh award.
Many of these volunteers help out at Miners Court, our Extra Care scheme for older people in Redruth. This intergenerational volunteering has really fostered a sense of community at Miners Court, creating a chance for both generations to share their skills, knowledge and experiences with one another.
One of our young volunteers said: "I've enjoyed meeting new people. One of the customers I visit when I drop back their laundry seems lonely and always looks happier when he sees me. I stay to have a chat and it makes me feel good."
Another added: "Not only has it taught me many valuable things for my future, but it's also been an amazing working environment. I've been overjoyed to help out the community and look forward to volunteering again soon."
If you have a specific skill that you think you could put to use volunteering with Coastline, or you would like to see what general volunteering opportunities we have available, visit our volunteering page.