The document discusses volunteering opportunities available through Team Westminster, a council program that makes it easy to volunteer in the borough. It profiles Lenna Lou, who volunteered at neighborhood events after being laid off from her job. Lenna enjoyed volunteering at a neighborhood party and outdoor picnic for older residents by ensuring events ran smoothly and that attendees had a good time. Though she wanted to volunteer previously but lacked time, Lenna plans to continue volunteering even after returning to work because it is enjoyable and allows her to meet interesting people from different backgrounds.

1. Volunteering
Fit volunteering
around a busy
lifestyle with
TeamWestminster
Volunteering is a great way to get to know your local
community, make new friends and learn new skills.
Team Westminster is the council’s
volunteering programme, which
makes it easy to give your time and
find volunteering opportunities in
the borough. There are many ways to
volunteer, from sports volunteering
and helping out at high profile
cultural events, to transforming
your local park or organising a
street party.
Lenna Lou, from Marylebone,
recently volunteered at events
through Team Westminster.
Lenna said: “Having worked
all my life, I was suddenly made
redundant from my job in a financial
technology firm, which meant I had
a bit more time to myself. While
looking for a new job takes up most
of it I also wanted to use this time to
give something back to society.
“I wanted to help with something
in the local area where I live, so I
got in touch with Judy from Team
Westminster. She was fantastic and
told me about all the local events
taking place.
“I was able to volunteer at a few of
them – a neighbourhood party and
an outdoor picnic for older residents.
“My job involved ensuring that the
events ran smoothly, preparing
food, talking with the attendees and
ensuring they had a great time. I
have an elderly mother and aunties
whom I’m close with, so it was
important to me to support events
that are accessible to people of all
ages and encourage older people
to move around more and meet
new people.
“I had always wanted to volunteer,
but never felt I had the time. Having
finally tried it I can now say that I
will continue to volunteer even when
I go back to work as it’s so enjoyable
and you meet many interesting
people from different backgrounds.”
“There are so many events
and causes out there that need
more people to help out to
succeed. Money can only do
so much - it’s the people who
make the difference.”
Lenna Lou, Team Westminster volunteer
To find out more about Team Westminster and
other volunteering opportunities across the city,
visit westminster.gov.uk/volunteering
Lenna Lou
TheWestminsterReporter|westminster.gov.uk/reporter
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