Our volunteer interview this month is with Tom Oates – a volunteer with Jennyruth Workshops and Ripon Museum Trust. We met with Tom and his guide dog Jerry to chat through why Tom volunteers, what volunteering at both organisations has given him and what he likes to do in his free time.

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Tom. I’m 27 years old and have a guide dog called Jerry.

I started with Ripon Museum Trust in 2016 – this 6-hour position was arranged through Harrogate College. This ended in 2019 but I returned in 2021 after the Covid pandemic. My role at the Workhouse Museum is Main Block Visitor Host where I meet and greet visitors who come into the Masters and Matron block.

My role at Jennyruth Workshops is as a worker and I am currently working 3 days a week on a work placement, taking on multiple enjoyable tasks.

What attracted you to the organisations and roles?

I am interested in history, working with people and interacting with the customers who come into Ripon Museum Trust. I originally started volunteering in the Court House where I was meeting and greeting – I didn’t have Jerry then.  It was small and I struggled with the layout – I had a mobility cane to help me but I didn’t really like it. I prefer the Work House as it’s a bigger museum and busier with families. I like customer facing roles which include telling them about the history.

At Jennyruth Workshops I work in the paint shop, do woodwork, bake (today I made flapjacks and gingerbread men) and I help make the packaging. I love the packaging as I can do it independently. There are some fiddly jobs but I ask for help when I need to.

Jennyruth Workshops is a good, friendly, family environment. Everyone mucks in. It is great for work skills building if you have additional needs.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a volunteer?

It is a great experience. You’re part of a team. You’re sharing ideas with everyone who volunteers as well as staff. It is a great atmosphere to work in and it’s a friendly environment to be in. It’s great to volunteer with my guide dog and I am happy to work with staff to make the environment safe for all.

My confidence is up from my volunteering. I feel safe. I can walk to town safely from the museum. I feel really happy and do a good job. Volunteering helps with building your skill set and helps improve your mood. It has helped me become more independent.

What was the best piece of advice given to you as a volunteer?

Don’t send too many emails!!! I used to send a lot to Vicki at Ripon Museum Trust. She explained that she can’t always read them and asked that I be patient and wait for her response. I get a lot of emails myself and I don’t always have time to read them and I can get overwhelmed. I realise now that I used to send far too many.

A piece of advice from my work placement at Jennyruth Workshops is to “always take advice on board”.

Finally, please tell us something about yourself that your fellow volunteers would be surprised to know.

I have completed 276 park runs at Fountains Abbey in Ripon. I run with a sighted runner and we have ran them all without stopping. I was given a new hi-visibility vest for the 250th run which has the park run logo printed on it. The next celebration will be my 500th run.

I have been running the Ripon park run since New Years day 2015. It gives me confidence, improves my fitness and I enjoy being outside in the fresh air with other people.

Want to find out more about how we can support you?

If you are currently in a volunteer coordinator role, why not have a look at our specialised training or join our coordinator’s network that offers practical guidance and support to volunteer coordinators and managers across North Yorkshire.