You can achieve so much more when you work as a team
Lauren looks back on her first year as Group Coordinator of our Exeter Group, and shares the group's future plans to support the local MS community.
I took a step back from full-time work towards the end of 2023, and was looking for a new opportunity. I came across an Admin Volunteer role for the MS Society’s Exeter Group. This seemed like a chance to gain some different skills and get more involved in my local community.
I’d previously volunteered with the Merlin Neurotherapy Centre in Cornwall and found it a rewarding experience. So this was a great opportunity to help the MS community once again.
When I applied for the admin role, the MS Society’s Volunteer Support Team reached out to me as they felt I’d actually be a great fit for the Group Coordinator role. They encouraged and supported me to apply for this, and I haven’t looked back since!
A fresh start
When I joined the group, it had been inactive for a few years. A very experienced Finance Volunteer was in the process of retiring and handing over to a new one, and there was a new Admin Volunteer. I then recruited another Admin Volunteer and a Communications Volunteer. It really felt like a fresh start — and we’ve achieved a lot in our first year!
There was a need for a social group in Exmouth, so one of my first actions as Group Coordinator was to set up a coffee and chat there, which is now successfully running on the first Thursday of every month.
I also checked in with the subgroups that fall under the Exeter Group. These are run by longstanding volunteers who keep in regular contact with people affected by MS in their immediate area. It was important to figure out how the main group could best support them.
Getting going
Now the group’s fully up and running, we run two monthly coffee and chats. We’ve formed a benefits advice partnership with Age UK Exeter and we offer health and wellbeing grants. We work closely with the South West MS Centre to meet the needs of the local MS community, and had a stall at their summer fete. This was a fantastic way to meet more people, enjoy the sunshine and give out free resources from the MS Society.
We also attended an MS education event run by the MS nurses to introduce ourselves to those newly diagnosed with MS. With the help of our new Communications Volunteer, we’ve set up a Facebook page and the views are on the up and up!
As I write this, the group’s going to meet our local MP this week. I hope we can really highlight how MS affects our local community. And gain the MP’s support for how important the services provided by the charitable sector are for those affected by MS.
Looking ahead
Our next focus is to expand our social media reach, and work alongside the South West MS Centre to provide more activities and services to benefit the local MS community. We’re thinking about starting some walking groups and expanding our coffee and chats to a third location. And we hope to finally have our newsletter ready for launch early next year.
I’ve had a lot of assistance from the Volunteer Support Team. They run sessions for volunteers to connect and benefit from peer support, and a support group for Group Coordinators. No question is a silly question, and you’re always signposted to the best person to help with your query.
Being a Group Coordinator has been great fun, and I’ve particularly enjoyed how social the role is. I’ve met lots of different people who I wouldn’t have met if I wasn’t doing this role, including people affected by MS. I look forward to attending the monthly socials and catching up with everyone.
Helping the team to thrive
Volunteering has increased my confidence and helped me develop my leadership and financial management skills. I hope to take both of these skills forward into my future career. I’ve learnt that you can achieve so much more when you work as a team.
One of the most important skills of being a Group Coordinator is being a good team player — using everyone’s strengths so they do something they enjoy, and checking in regularly with them. And when the team thrives, it’s more successful in supporting those with MS.
To anyone that’s thinking of volunteering for the MS Society, I’d say go for it! It’s a great organisation with lots of support for volunteers in many different roles, both locally and nationally. Volunteering in one of the local groups really helps you get out in your local community where you can actively see the difference you’re making.
You may also be interested in
