Beck relocated to Orkney from New Zealand in summer 2025 and immediately immersed herself in the community by volunteering.
Through VAO’s ‘Volunteering Opportunities’ webpage Beck identified various local opportunities that resonated with her. With VAO’s support, Beck then made connections with several organisations and now volunteers with RSPB Orkney, in the Red Cross charity shop in Kirkwall, and as a Listening and Support Volunteer with Clan Cancer Support.
Beck said:
I had volunteered for many years and in a variety of contexts in New Zealand and knew the value it held for me as a way to meaningfully contribute to my community while learning new skills and meeting amazing people. So when I decided to move up and base myself in Kirkwall one of my first ports of call was Voluntary Action Orkney!
Beck has found that volunteering provides a great opportunity to build community and contribute to others very quickly in a new environment, as well as leading to new learning and skills development. Volunteering has also provided Beck with the opportunity for far reaching connection. She said:
On a recent holiday to Shetland I had a coffee with the team at Lerwick Clan Cancer, visited RSPB colleagues at Sumburgh Head and caught up with the team at Lerwick Red Cross - all sister centres to those I volunteer with in Orkney and a super cool example of the community volunteering can offer you!
Speaking about the support received from the organisations she volunteers with, Beck said:
I have received amazing training, opportunities for social engagements, friendship and advice and most importantly a sense of purpose and place.
Beck has also found the support from VAO to be invaluable, from receiving support and guidance around how to approach and engage with various organisations, to consistent encouragement and check-ins on her wellbeing and progress, to understanding when some opportunities haven't been able to come to fruition.
Beck recognises her time volunteering is a huge privilege. She said:
I’m aware that having the time and means to participate in volunteering is not always available to everyone, but it is one of the most enriching parts of my life and I recommend it to anyone who has capacity.
