Volunteers Week

From 1^st to 7^th June we celebrated volunteers week. A special opportunity to recognise and appreciate the incredible individuals who keep the Jog Derbyshire network thriving.

Over 500 volunteer leaders and co leaders support the network and they truly are the heart and soul of all that we do.

Each week 49 sessions take place across the county, creating welcoming, spaces where people can move, connect and improve their wellbeing. Over the last year these sessions have brought more than 2000 people together in their local communities. This is only made possible because of they dedication and endless time and kindness given by the volunteers. Simply put – they are all amazing!

To celebrate volunteers week groups across the county opened their doors to one another and some joined forces to host shared sessions, meet volunteers and participants from other areas and strengthen connections across the network. In true Jog Derbyshire style Lucy and Chris went along to all of the sessions armed with enough cake for all, a small gesture of thanks for the big difference the volunteers make to so many every day.

While out and about with the groups we heard countless stories from participants about the difference their Jog Derbyshire group has made to their lives, from improved confidence, new friendships and positive impacts on both physical and mental health and we wanted to hear more from the people who make it all happen, so we asked the volunteer leaders what inspires them to give their time and what volunteering means to them.

A two way street

It quickly became clear that while volunteers freely give their time and energy to support their communities, they also gain meaningful benefits themselves, from personal growth and motivation to new connections and a strong sense of purpose.

Rob Marron, Ilkeston Joggers leaders said “I just love it, I used to run solo and thought I enjoyed it but as soon as I started running in groups I soon realized it is much more fun! Been able to volunteer to lead sessions is so rewarding as I get as much satisfaction in helping others achieving their own milestones as I do achieving my own”

While Amy, Alfreton Jog club leader said, “It gives me purpose and helps to motivate me to keep going on my own runs.

Connections and friendships

Another strong theme that emerged was how the groups create an environment for friendships to develop and how the care and support shown is mutually beneficial for both leader and participants.

“I’ve made new friends and met people from all walks of life. One of the best things is the friendship groups that form as part of the jog club and you see people going out together at weekends and supporting each other at races. To have them cheer for me at me last marathon was incredible”

“The Ilkeston Joggers is a great setting to meet new people and socialise. Our regulars include long standing friends who use our Wednesday sessions as their weekly catch up, Strangers who became friends during one of our couch to 5k cohorts and people new to the area who were just looking for new things to do and to meet new people.”

Giving back

When ever we speak to a leader  about what first inspired them to volunteer, the answer comes without hesitation. They tell us that their own experience within a group and that someone else’s kindness has impacted their lives for the better and that they want to pass that on.

“I didn’t believe I could be a runner and a JD leader helped show me I could. I wanted to give something back after that and help people realise that they are capable of more than they think.”  

Making a difference

The motivation behind the volunteers commitment is unmistakable. Seeing others grow in confidence, enjoy themselves and improve their wellbeing is deeply rewarding and in turn, it boosts the wellbeing of the volunteers themselves.

“Seeing somebody running their first 5k, their first marathon, weight loss, improvements in mental and overall health. Every one of these moments big or small is special”

“I love seeing how supportive all our joggers are, all it takes is one person to spot a local running event that they are interested in doing and before you know it 5 or 6 and arranging training runs and get togethers. The couch to 5k courses are always pretty special, seeing people go from never having run before to running 5km non stop in just 8 or 9 weeks is always rewarding.”