Rustling up with Richard at The Indi Club!
At VAST, we connect volunteers to nourishing opportunities for themselves and their communities. We support local people find projects and community action that resonates, with our dedicated team of volunteering officers providing one-to-one volunteering support across the city.
This month, our volunteering team caught up with Richard at Project Indi following his placement through our matchmaking service.
When Richard first met Gloria, our Inclusive Volunteering Project Officer in September 2023, he was searching for opportunities to get out of the house, make friends, and support others through volunteering. Gloria spent time getting to know Richard and gained insight into Richard’s skills.
Together, they found an opportunity at Project Indi that resonated with Richard and his skillset as a Kitchen Assistant, the perfect chance to form some new connections and work to their strengths.
Project Indi is an inclusive hub in Staffordshire that supports disabled and vulnerable adults, children and their families through a wide range of activities, workshops, and events at The Indi Club.
The project is committed to creating welcoming spaces generated by necessity and needs of its beneficiaries, addressing demand in Staffordshire for accessible community spaces and tackling isolation.
Their mission is to build inclusive communities where everyone has a sense of belonging and connections with others.
Richard has been rustling up meals in the club kitchen and supporting the team during busy social nights, helping to create a welcoming space where members feel included. He regularly supports
Since joining Project Indi, Richard now takes an active role in befriending members and providing pivotal services for the wider Project Indi community. Volunteering has enabled Richard to get out more into his community where he says he feels a real sense of belonging and purpose.
Richard spoke to us about some of the positive changes he has experienced from volunteering at Project Indi when joining us at our Port Vale, Inclusive Volunteering Event.
Meeting and getting to know nice people in different surroundings. I enjoy making new friends, having a chat with individuals from different backgrounds and there is always support from Project Indi should I need it.
Richard has taken part in Volunteering Networks, sharing his experiences, connecting with other volunteers and shaping volunteering development across the community through his contributions.
His journey is the beating heart of Stoke-on-Trent’s inclusive volunteering, creating opportunities where everyone, regardless of experiences or background, can contribute, connect, and thrive in their communities.
Read more about how our members are pledging for our Vision for Volunteering in Stoke-on-Trent.
Richard has flourished within his role, having begun his volunteering journey with VAST in 2023 – continuing his involvement within VAST’s Volunteer Network in addition to his role with Project Indi.
Richard is a highly valued member of the team at The Indi Club. He has grown into his role and provides vital help on our busy social evenings. [He] has taken to the role very well and plays a pivotal part in ensuring our kitchen runs smoothly
... Richard is bright and bubbly and always has a moment to chat to everyone. He is well thought of within the charity and we were delighted that he chose to join the annual Indi Club holiday abroad, enjoying a week in the sun in Salou with our members and staff team!
Richard is a dedicated volunteer and an incredible asset to the Project Indi team!
Thank you to Richard for years of dedicated volunteering and support!