How one West Devon woman became a ‘serial volunteer’ helping local charities

The rise of the serial volunteer

Across the UK, volunteering remains a quiet but powerful force for good. National figures show that around 17 per cent of adults give their time at least once a month, with numbers remaining steady in recent years.

But look a little closer and a new pattern is emerging: the rise of the serial volunteer. These "super volunteers" support multiple organisations, give generously of their time, and play an increasingly vital role in keeping community services thriving.

Serial volunteers often share a deep sense of purpose and a desire to connect with others. Among them is someone who exemplifies this spirit perfectly: Barbara Dalton.

A chance encounter

Barbara lives near Okehampton and still works part-time, but her schedule is as full of community activity as it is of paid work. Her journey into volunteering with Devon Air Ambulance began almost by chance. While visiting town for Edwardian Evening, she stepped into the charity's bright and welcoming shop for the first time.

"I was struck by how friendly it felt," she explains. "Devon Air Ambulance is such a noble charity. You never know when you might need their help, so I wanted to support their cause."

She now volunteers front of house, serving customers with a warm smile and a quick chat. For Barbara, who loves meeting people, it was the perfect fit.

"I enjoy helping the customers and knowing that every sale helps keep the helicopters flying," she says.

But the shop is just one part of her volunteering story.

Putting experience to good use

Barbara's background in social work has proved invaluable to Torridge TVS, where she helps people complete Attendance Allowance forms on an ad hoc basis. It's work she first did 20 years ago with Age Concern, and she's delighted to put that knowledge to good use again.

"It feels natural to return to it," she says. "It's a small way to make someone's life a little easier."

Her weeks are also busy with activities at the Methodist Church in Halwill, where she is a Local Preacher in training. She can be found there several times a month as she helps run the church's Lunch Club, the Good Companions group, and the monthly Memory Café. Each year, she also supports the Christian Youth Camp, keeping watch overnight for young campers at Merton Camp.

Supporting one-day events

Then there are the one-off opportunities, like marshalling at the exciting abseil event at Meldon Viaduct, organised to raise funds for Devon Air Ambulance.

"I saw the opportunity advertised in their newsletter and thought it sounded like a fun way to meet people," she laughs. "That's what I love most, meeting people. There's a real camaraderie across most charities. You get a sense of belonging to something bigger."

Making a difference

Her newest role builds on that desire to make a meaningful difference. Barbara recently signed up as a Community Engagement Volunteer for Devon Air Ambulance's new Help with Your Heart programme. After attending their Train the Trainer course, she is now preparing to deliver CPR and defibrillator training to local groups in her community.

"Previously, paramedics would run these sessions," she explains. "But if trained volunteers can take them on, paramedics are freed up for more life-saving work. I used to be a nurse before going into social work, so I understand how vital quick access to defibrillators is."

Start small

To many, Barbara's commitment might sound overwhelming, but she insists it isn't.

"People are surprised by how much I do," she says with a smile. "Serial volunteers are a breed of their own! But all my roles are flexible. Volunteering can be as intensive or as relaxed as you choose."

And that, she believes, is the heart of it. Volunteering doesn't require huge amounts of time, just the willingness to give what you can.

"Even a couple of hours a week can make a big difference," Barbara says. "It gives me a sense of purpose, and I get so much joy from meeting people and helping where I can."

Barbara's story shows that volunteering isn't just valuable; it's rewarding, social and surprisingly fun. And for anyone thinking about giving it a try, she has a simple message: start small, find something you enjoy, and see where it leads. You never know, you might become a serial volunteer too.

If Barbara has inspired you to try volunteering, please get in touch with Dawn, Community Engagement Coordinator at West Devon Community and Voluntary Services, at [email protected] to find out about local roles suited to your skills and interests.

And for the full collection of Dawn’s volunteering features for The Moorlander, click here.