New role launched to support volunteering in West Devon’s rural communities

A new Community Engagement Co-ordinator has been appointed at West Devon Community and Voluntary Services (CVS), supporting volunteering and community involvement across the borough.

Dawn Todd, who has more than ten years’ experience working in the voluntary sector, is the new co-ordinator, and said volunteering benefits both communities and individuals.

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“Volunteering is vital for many organisations, but it can also be very empowering for the people who take part,” she said. 

“It can improve wellbeing, build confidence and help people develop new skills.”

Ms Todd pointed to research showing that volunteering can have positive effects on mental and physical health. 

“For older people, volunteering can reduce social isolation and increase self-esteem through a sense of purpose and connection,” she said. 

“For younger people, it can improve social skills, boost confidence and provide valuable experience.”

West Devon CVS works with a wide range of not-for-profit groups across the area, many of which rely on volunteers to operate. 

These include organisations supporting physical and mental health, libraries, conservation projects, heritage groups, local theatre and sports clubs, and animal welfare charities.

ABOVE: Dawn Todd, new Community Engagement Co-ordinator at West Devon CVS (Image: WDCVS)

Brett Elliott, Chief Officer of West Devon CVS, said the new role comes at an important time for the sector.

“Many of the organisations we work with depend on volunteers,” he said. 

“Since the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of people volunteering has dropped, and this has made it harder for groups to meet the needs of their communities.”

He added: “Our research shows that one of the main barriers to volunteering is that people don’t know what opportunities are available. 

“This role will help bridge that gap by working with organisations and individuals to find roles that suit people’s skills and interests.”

Part of the role will involve helping organisations make volunteering more accessible, including for people with additional needs or disabilities.

“Sometimes it’s just about having a conversation,” Ms Todd said. 

“Asking what someone needs to make a role accessible can open up opportunities for people who may not have considered volunteering before.”

The funding for the post comes from the National Lottery Community Fund, which supports community activity across the UK.

Mr Elliott said: “We’re pleased that National Lottery funding is supporting this work. It will allow us to strengthen volunteering across West Devon and help local groups continue the services they provide.”

West Devon CVS is a registered charity that has supported the local voluntary and community sector for nearly 20 years.

It works with community groups, charities and social enterprises across the borough.