Volunteers

A big thank you to everyone who volunteered at Sport Relief Mile, Sky Ride and Olympic Torch Relay in 2012, these events were a great success and we couldn't have done it without you!

Southampton's events team are currently looking for volunteers to help with forthcoming events in 2013.
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, improve your communication and people skills whilst working as part of an enthusiastic team. Volunteers are vital to ensure the success of our events and we have various events in Southampton, for which we always require the help of volunteers. Southampton has played host to many events in the city ranging from the Garden Festival, Sport Relief, Caribbean Festival, the final departure of the QE2 and Sky Ride to name but a few.

Southampton Sky Ride: Sunday 28 July
Sky Ride will be back in 2013 - the popular mass cycling participation event. The route proved to be a great hit with everyone so we aim to repeat the traffic free cycle route through the central parks, city centre and Southampton Docks. We are looking for volunteers to help us at the event on the set up, at the event and breakdown.

Volunteer Marshals: Event marshals on the day play a central role at this event on 8km circular route. Not only do they provide encouragement to all event participants along the route but they also play an important role in the health and safety aspect. Marshals are there to make the events team aware of any potential over crowding, risks of slips, or if unfortunately a participant hurts themselves, they can then alert the first aid providers immediately for assistance. Marshals also assist with the distribution of Sky Ride bibs to the public, with information points, liaising with the stall holders and co-ordinating the activities on the day. Without event marshals events like Sky Ride would not be able to take place in Southampton.

Set-up and shut down Volunteers: The event set-up and shut down is crucial to the smooth running of any event and we welcome any volunteers who can come along to help us at the event. This may be the day before the event, very early on the morning of the event and after the event. You need to be physically fit and willing to help with various tasks including putting out barriers, erecting banners or signs and the checking route. The event close or shutdown is as essential as event set-up as we have to ensure that the whole event site/venue is restored to its original condition. Not only does this include removing all event signs, banners and barriers but will also include loading equipment back into our event vehicles.

Skills & Knowledge: Previous experience of marshalling at events would be advantageous but not essential. A full briefing is given before the event and you are only allocated tasks you feel you can do. Volunteers usually work in teams and have fun whilst still giving something back to the community; you will not be on your own and may even meet new friends.
Due to the nature of the events all applicants must be over the age of 16. Marshal hi viz vests and a Sky Ride T shirt will be provided for each volunteer as well as a packed lunch on the day.

If you are wondering if you can volunteer for just some of the event and also have time to participate in the event, the answer is yes, you can do both! We can allocate you specific time slots to volunteer and then you can still enjoy the event on your bike with friends and family. Why not volunteer as a community group or club or even colleagues from work - we can allocate you a zone within the route, so you can all remain in a similar area. Whether you just have a couple of hours to spare or the whole day, we would welcome your help.

For further information about volunteering at Sky Ride contact Lee Page on telephone 023 8031 9556 or email Lee.Page@solent.ac.uk

Want to know more about volunteering in Southampton?
Southampton City Council, Southampton Voluntary Services, Solent Youth Action, Southampton University and Southampton Solent University have been working together to design a ‘one stop’ shop for volunteering in the city. www.do-it.org is the place to find out about vacancies for volunteers.

If you would like to contact someone about this page, please send an email to events@southampton.gov.uk