Volunteers are at the heart of Move On Wood Recycling, supporting our social enterprise in a wide variety of roles. As Volunteers’ Week is currently being celebrated across the UK, we want to share the experience of another one of our amazing volunteers, Paul. With a history of DIY and woodworking training, Paul shares what he enjoys about volunteering in our workshop and why he considers volunteering with Move On to be “gold standard”.
How did you hear about Move On Wood Recycling?
It was through the Volunteer Edinburgh website.
How long have you been volunteering?
I’ve been volunteering in general since 2011, but with Move On since November 2019 so about 14 months.
Do you have any previous experience of woodworking?
Yes, I’ve done a lot of DIY and I went to a couple of training weekends run by James Thomson who does timber frame buildings in Fife, where I had a more formal training.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
I think the staff team are amazing. I think the way the volunteers are treated at Move On is an example of gold standard treatment.
I like the kind of work I’m asked to do and this is because I’m strongly motivated by recycling and so would only work for a charity that was involved in environmental care.
Move On is doing an amazing job generally and in terms of what it does with collections, trade relationships and volunteers, it deserves every success.
Volunteers can help with a variety of tasks, including driving our van, helping on wood collections, speaking to customers and making upcycled furniture in our workshop.
We welcome people from all backgrounds and provide full training and support. You don’t need to have previous experience, just a desire to help and willingness to learn.
Due to social distancing restrictions, we’re not currently looking for any new volunteers. If you would like to be added to the waiting list, please contact James on wood@moveon.org.uk.