My name is Ian and I have lived and worked in Bristol for most of my life. I’m now retired, after working 35 years for Hewlett Packard, a large computing company located in South Gloucestershire. During my career I gained a range of business and management skills which I can now use for the benefit of local organisations.
For over 12 years, I’ve volunteered with the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on First Lego League, a program helping young people develop their coding and presentation skills.
The Can Do Bristol volunteering platform was recommended to me after I had participated as a volunteer working with Bristol City Council to review local community projects seeking funding from the Community Resilience Fund. It helped me realise that as a retired person, there were ways that I could give back to my community.
Through Can Do Bristol, I came across a volunteering opportunity as a mentor supporting the Business Faculty team at the North Bristol Post 16 Centre in Cotham; working with a group of students taking part in the Young Enterprise program.
I applied for the volunteering role and was accepted to mentor the students in the Young Enterprise program for the 2023/24 academic year. The role required an Enhanced DBS check and a commitment to be available from September to May. I support the school's Business Faculty, as they deliver the Young Enterprise program. This means attending an afterschool session for just over an hour every couple of weeks. I have just been accepted to continue the role for this academic year.
I’ve found Can Do Bristol an ideal resource for retirees looking to give back to their community. The platform offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities. It helps match experience and interests to causes that may benefit from your expertise, and the platform simplifies the task of finding rewarding roles that suit your schedule. I have found it a great way to stay active, all while making a positive impact on the Bristol community.