Volunteers Week with Charlotte Wong

The start of June marks Volunteers Week (1-7 June) and we have already spotlighted just some of the roles our amazing volunteers do and shared our appreciation for all of their work. (Visit our social media pages to find out more.)

Now, we want to shout about one of our wonderful Gallery Volunteers, Charlotte Wong, who has shared her volunteering story below. If you or your organisation are interested to find out out more about volunteering at Compton Verney, visit our volunteering page here.

My name is Charlotte and I am 19 years old, having recently moved to the UK from my home town in Hong Kong in September. I am an undergraduate student at the University of Birmingham studying Geography and Urban Regional Planning.

Becoming a volunteer is something that I have never done before, and the reason why I chose Compton Verney was that its goals align well with my interest in the environment and sustainability and it allows me to follow my deep interest in art and drawing. As the site is quite a distance from where I live, I have also learned how to manage my time better and feel part of a real team with responsibilities. Another main reason why I joined the volunteer team at Compton Verney was to help familiarise myself with the British Culture, whilst doing something meaningful with my spare time.

English is my second language, and volunteering has allowed me to jump out of my comfort zone and talk to visitors which has really helped to improve my communication and language skills. More importantly, it is through this volunteering role that I have become more observant. As a gallery volunteer it is really important to be able to read visitors body language and judge what type of interaction, they would like to have to maximise their experience at Compton Verney.

The words I would us to describe my volunteering experience are joyful, pleasant, fruitful and rewarding. I find it so exciting as I have had the opportunity to meet people of all ages and backgrounds, learning about their experiences and passion about art. I have gained so much from volunteering at Compton Verney, including gaining skills and discovering myself. I have learnt about the many ways in which art can be interpreted, and enjoyed listening to other people stories which have inspired me. Volunteering is helping me become a better listener and learn more about how to engage with visitors whilst building a deeper knowledge in art.

Volunteering is such a rewarding experience where you can contribute to the community and learn a lot. My experience has been very fun in a friendly easy-going enjoinment where I have met lots of different people. Hearing different people’s views on the art has also broadened my horizons. My advice to anyone thinking about volunteering would be to not hesitate! It is such an unforgettable and life changing experience.

From contemporary art and gallery volunteers to shuttle bus drivers and nature volunteers, view our full list of volunteering roles here and begin your journey!