Jonty, a visitor support volunteer at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, said: “Since retiring almost 12 months ago, I felt useless and my psychological wellbeing suffered greatly.
“But having this role now is such a wonderful thing for me. It means I can feel needed and wanted. The interaction with people is wonderful and it’s such a cathartic experience.
“I can honestly say that every time I leave the gallery I feel I’ve made a difference to at least one person’s life. It’s also such a privilege and honour to be an ambassador for the gallery.”
The vital role played by all its volunteers is being recognised by Birmingham Museums Trust during Volunteers’ Week between 2 to 8 June 2025.
Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions that millions of people make across the UK through volunteering in their communities.
Launched in 1984, this initiative provides organisations and communities a platform to thank current and past volunteers for their invaluable efforts.
Birmingham Museums Trust is supported by over 100 dedicated volunteers who give their time in a range of ways, from public engagement and education to behind-the-scenes tasks.
Roles include visitor support volunteers at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery and Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum, heritage interpreters at the trust’s historic properties and working with the conservation and collections teams to help preserve and care for the city’s collections.
During the week, Birmingham Museums will celebrate the achievements and contributions of its volunteers with events across its sites, including private tours and shows, a lunch in the events suite at Thinktank and picnics at Aston Hall and Blakesley Hall.
Eldina Bolic, volunteer manager at Birmingham Museums Trust, said:
“We are lucky to have an amazing team of volunteers supporting us across our sites. Our volunteers get involved with a whole range of projects and activities and we couldn't do what we do without them.
“We are very grateful for the skills they bring, the warmth and passion they share and the commitment and loyalty they demonstrate.
“They add a diversity of experience and perspective, helping keep our museums relevant and at the heart of our communities.
“As shown by Jonty’s story, volunteering can also have a positive impact on the volunteers themselves, by improving wellbeing and life satisfaction, contributing to skills and personal development and strengthening social networks.
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“We are delighted to be able to use the opportunity of Volunteers’ Week to say a huge thank you to all those who volunteer with us.”
Current volunteering opportunities include working with the Portable Antiquities Scheme at the Museum Collection Centre and for activities and events volunteers to assist at various events and activities taking place across Birmingham Museums sites throughout the year.
More information about volunteering for Birmingham Museums Trust is available on the trust’s website.