Rayleigh Rochford & District Association for Voluntary Service

Rayleigh Rochford & District Association for Voluntary Service RRAVS promotes, supports and represents the interests of voluntary and community groups in the Rochford District to help achieve their full potential.

Meet our Volunteers...Linda lives in the Rochford DistrictCurrent volunteering roles: New Steps Friendship and Bereaveme...
05/06/2026

Meet our Volunteers...

Linda lives in the Rochford District

Current volunteering roles: New Steps Friendship and Bereavement Group and St Luke’s Hospice Charity Shop, Rayleigh

We chatted to Linda about her role and how she got involved. 'I’ve volunteered with the group for about nine years, since joining after my husband passed away and really enjoy supporting other bereaved people. Volunteering keeps your brain going as well, for me it’s a case of ‘use it or lose it’’ Linda said.

Linda, who describes herself as a ‘Jack of all trades’ worked in a range of jobs during her career including working in a factory, being a personal assistant and even hairdressing.

Linda says she has always done volunteer work as well as caring for her son including 30 years as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels as well as working with the original Mayday Mobile (now Wyvern Community Transport), helping transport people to hospital appointments.

‘The New Steps group welcomes anyone who has experienced bereavement and the group organises events such as quizzes, games, walks, fish and chip lunches and annual parties. Every week there’s a warm welcome with tea and as much cake as you can eat for £2.50.’ Linda added.

‘I get great satisfaction out of helping people, if it wasn’t for volunteers in this country I think it would grind to a halt. I would recommend anyone to volunteer, I get great joy out of it and would honestly be lost without it’ Linda said.

Looking to find out what volunteering opportunities might suit you? Visit www.volunteeressex.org today.

04/06/2026

Still thinking about volunteering and not sure if it's for you? Check out what these local volunteers think about giving their time and experiences to help others...

Visit www.volunteeressex.org to search for volunteering roles near you.

Meet our Volunteer...Emma, lives in the Rochford DistrictCurrent volunteering roles: Community Supermarket Volunteer at ...
04/06/2026

Meet our Volunteer...

Emma, lives in the Rochford District

Current volunteering roles: Community Supermarket Volunteer at Revive Community Supermarket and Hockley Social Group Volunteer

Emma is a recent recruit to volunteering. ‘It felt like the right time to get in to volunteering’, Emma said. ‘I had taken early retirement from my role in Public Health and before that had worked as a Customs Officer but now I had more time to commit to volunteering and the Community Supermarket really appealed to me.’

Emma says she really values the time she volunteers every week, helping to set up the mini supermarket and serve the customers, ‘It’s a lovely atmosphere’, Emma said, ‘People shop then sit and chat as we serve free tea and biscuits. The time just flies by because I really enjoy it’ she said.

Emma also helps out at Hockley Social Group every week, making sure all the attendees are well fed and watered with more tea and biscuits. Emma said ‘I would 100% recommend volunteering, lots of my friends are reaching the age where they now have more time on their hands and I always suggest volunteering. It gives me a routine and structure to my week that I really enjoy.’

Interested in finding out about volunteering opportunities? Visit www.volunteeressex.org for more information

Rochford District Council are excited to share that they will be running a Family Fun Festival with ourselves and The Me...
03/06/2026

Rochford District Council are excited to share that they will be running a Family Fun Festival with ourselves and The MegaCentre Rayleigh on Friday 24th July, 11am–3pm, at Rayleigh Methodist Church and the outside grass area in front of The Megacentre Community Space.

The event is aimed at children and families, giving them the opportunity to discover the local support and services available to them. It will also offer a range of activities throughout the afternoon, such as arts and crafts and games.

Book your free ticket: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/family-fun-festival-tickets-1987992900280?aff=oddtdtcreator

Meet our Volunteers...Glynis, lives in the Rochford DistrictCurrent volunteering roles: My Weight Matters Weight Loss Gr...
03/06/2026

Meet our Volunteers...

Glynis, lives in the Rochford District

Current volunteering roles: My Weight Matters Weight Loss Group Assistant and Southend on Sea Cliff Lift Assistant.

We spoke to Glynis to find out how she had got involved in volunteering. Glynis said ‘I come from a volunteering family, so giving back has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Once I had a young family of my own I started volunteering with the children’s playgroup, the PTA, then Cubs, Scouts and Brownies…volunteering is just part of my nature and often being part of one group leads to another, I think it’s a mindset.’

‘But when I retired from working for a bank at 60, I suddenly found myself thinking, “What am I going to do now?” My husband Fred had retired too and we wanted to do something together.

We lived in the Midlands in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and we both got involved with the AONB Unit doing all sorts from clearing scrubland to taking surveys of dog walkers in lashing rain first thing in the morning. Fred and I won ‘Volunteer of the Year’ awards and I was even awarded an MBE for community service. The Queen asked me what we did for our community and I said ‘you name it, we do it!’.

Volunteering again ended up being the perfect answer to what to do in retirement. Glynis currently volunteers once a week for an hour or two, weighing and greeting clients at a weight loss group as well as helping to operate the Cliff Lift on Southend seafront on another day. Glynis said ‘Volunteering keeps my brain active, gives me purpose, and adds structure to my week in the best possible way, particularly after my husband Fred passed away. One of the things I love most is you meet all kinds of people from different backgrounds and those connections make life richer.’

Glynis added, ‘If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, I can honestly say the benefits go far beyond helping others. It lifts you up too. I’d encourage anybody to give it a whirl. I plan to keep doing it as long as I can.’

Curious about the benefits of volunteering or want ideas on how to get started? Visit www.volunteeressex.org to search opportunities in your area.

02/06/2026

There’s still time to apply for the Rochford Community Fund!

If your group or project could improve wellbeing or quality of life locally, you may be eligible for a grant. £2,000–£5,000 is available for community‑driven, sustainable ideas that support district priorities.

Check your eligibility and start your application today:

🔗 https://orlo.uk/GVxrp

Looking to volunteer, to build new skills or for a new job?Come along to the free Rochford District Jobs, Skills & Volun...
02/06/2026

Looking to volunteer, to build new skills or for a new job?

Come along to the free Rochford District Jobs, Skills & Volunteering Fair on Tuesday 2 June, 12:30–3:30pm at The Mill Arts & Events Centre, Rayleigh.

Chat directly with employers, discover local training options and explore ways to get involved in your community.

Come along and chat to local organisations in person, including: Fostering and Adoption – ECC, Essex Police, Essex Cares Limited, Carers First, Home Start Essex, System Driving School, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Rochford District Council, London Southend Airport, Trust Links, Employ-Ability, Omina Community, Age Well East and more!

RRAVS will be there so come and say hello if you’d like to find out more about the range of volunteering opportunities on offer.

Thank you Volunteers!Volunteers’ Week returns this week for the 42nd year and RRAVS will join thousands of charities and...
01/06/2026

Thank you Volunteers!

Volunteers’ Week returns this week for the 42nd year and RRAVS will join thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK.

Running every year since 1984, the week provides a crucial opportunity to thank volunteers and recognise the value of their time, passion and skills.

RRAVS Chief Executive, Victoria Marzouki said: “Volunteers' Week is a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution our volunteers make and say a big thank you to them all. Our community has some amazing volunteers – nearly 1,000 people who give up their time and energy - and without them many charities just simply could not function. The week is a chance for us to highlight just how vital they are to charities and communities everywhere.”

Victoria added, “We have volunteer roles available across a range of interest areas from gardening and admin, to befriending and driving - we even have opportunities to help with bell ringing and being a campfire musician so there really is something for everyone.”

Interested in finding out if there’s a volunteering opportunity to suit you? Visit www.volunteeressex.org for more information

🌟 FREE Dementia Support Devices Available 🌟If you or someone you care for is living with dementia, help is available. W...
26/05/2026

🌟 FREE Dementia Support Devices Available 🌟

If you or someone you care for is living with dementia, help is available. We’re offering free assistive devices designed to support safety, independence and peace of mind.

Get in touch to find out what’s available and how to request yours, (details on the attached poster).

Address

The Courtyard, The Parish Centre, Rectory Garth
Rayleigh
SS68BB

Opening Hours

Tuesday 9:30am - 2:30pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 2:30pm
Thursday 9:30am - 2:30pm
Friday 9:30am - 2:30pm

Telephone

+441268772796

Website

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