Volunteer Stories 2

Volunteering at Forty Hall Vineyard can have a positive and long lasting impact on people's lives.  

Here are just a few stories from volunteers who have benefited from their time with the Vineyard: 

 

Claire's Story 

"I will always remember how much my time spent volunteering helped me turn things around for the better."    Read more here.

Claire's Story 

"I will always remember how much my time spent volunteering helped me turn things around for the better."    Read more here.

 

 

Ash's Story 

"Volunteering helps a great deal to lift my mood"

Ash's Story 

"Volunteering helps a great deal to lift my mood"

I have been volunteering at the vineyard for about two years, during which time I have been unemployed and trying to get back into work.

I suffer from depression, so volunteering helps a great deal to lift my mood. The regular routine, working outdoors, getting exercise and fresh air keeps my mind occupied. It helps me to socialise more, and improve my communication skills by working as part of a team with people from all different walks of life. It even creates possible job links.

 Simone's Story

"My sense of self worth has returned"

I had been a homemaker for 13 years and I was looking for a way back into work. I thought that volunteering could be it. Volunteering would bring rhythm and structure to my weeks as well as giving my life a purpose. My home had become a self-imposed prison and I was becoming depressed. I knew I had to get out of the house and do something productive. The vineyard was to be my saviour.

During the two years I have been at the vineyard, my confidence has grown. I have acquired many new skills, made new friends and seized new opportunities. I feel like a whole person again.

My sense of self worth has returned and I have even got back my old sense of humour, especially when the farm pigs decided to run amok among the vines!

Dan's Story 

"Coming to the vineyard gives structure to my week and gets me out of the house and into the fresh air."

Dan was among the very first volunteers to plant our first ever acre of vines five years ago. He continues to volunteer regularly in his capacity as one of the FHV Team Leaders, running volunteering sessions on a Wednesday and mentoring new volunteers.

A keen fisherman, cyclist and curry maker, Dan is also a natural in front of the camera and when talking with the public. He was the star turn at the FHV stall at the Real Wine Fair in April last year, offering tastings of our first ever vintage and telling the FHV story to wine critics, journalists and international wine makers of world repute.

“Living with schizophrenia, I have found working at the vineyard has been an important part of my journey back to health. Green therapy at the vineyard worked for me and I have seen improvements in others. Coming to the vineyard gives structure to my week and gets me out of the house and into the fresh air. I enjoy working and socialising with the other volunteers – good for body and soul!”

 Many of our volunteers have received certificates from the London Borough of Enfield as part of the 100 Hours Scheme. Find out more here.

FIND OUT ABOUT VOLUNTEERING AT THE VINEYARD HERE

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