Recruitment is once again underway for friendly, helpful and polite individuals to become City Host volunteers to continue the volunteer movement following Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture.
EnV, the local Community Interest Company that continue to lead the City Host volunteer programme, have been leading the local volunteer legacy since the London2012 Games receiving the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2012 and 2020 with the Coventry Ambassador volunteers.
Anyone who is 18 years of age or over can apply on-line today at www.env.uk.com/cityhosts
Following a successful application final ‘Get Set’ training events will take place during May and June 2023 located in Coventry city centre. Applicants who do not have access to make an on-line application can call the EnV Volunteer Team on 02475122675 for further support and applications can be made at any time.
David Boughey, Managing Director, EnV said:
“We are looking for new volunteers to join our award winning volunteer community, making a positive difference. Our City Hosts are capable, committed, inspirational volunteers building on our proud history of volunteering since 2012. Roles that are mostly undertaken involve customer service, meet & greet, registration and marshalling. Our volunteers have supported hundreds of exciting events of all sizes such as music festivals, sports events, arts and culture displays, media exhibitions and many more.”
In 2022 alone EnV deployed volunteers 11,967 times providing 31,045 volunteer hours. EnV volunteers were also involved across the summer as part of the Commonwealth Games and International Children’s Games.
The City Host volunteers can currently be found supporting the Dippy Exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery, providing guidance across the city as Digital Champion volunteers with the #CovConnects programme and they will be visible once again at events in 2023 such as The Myton Hospice – Glow for Myton, MotoFest, the UK Corporate Games and the Godiva Festival.
Astrid Clarke, a City Host and a volunteer with EnV as a Coventry Ambassador since 2012 said:
Volunteering was a new experience for me but I wanted to be involved, be part of an exciting time for Coventry. Along the way I have learnt much more about my city, can share my knowledge with people confidently as well as help support at lots of events. I enjoy being able to make a difference. But as well as helping the public and event organisers, I also help my own well-being. 'Helper's high' is a reality! Becoming a City Host is like joining a big, supportive family but with the extra plus knowing you are supporting the city.
Research undertaken with City Host volunteers during the City of Culture year found that they gained increased confidence, learned new skills and improved their wellbeing with 94% stating they interacted with people they wouldn’t have normally. Other benefits include access to free training and the opportunity to be involved in a variety of events and occasions.
Find out more about how to apply at www.env.uk.com/cityhosts