Volunteering

How can you get involved as a volunteer?

Each partner has a range of unique and exciting opportunities available for volunteers to get involved in Mayflower projects. For further information about the opportunities available in your area, please choose the relevant link from the options listed on the right of this page.

The activities you may find you can volunteer for include:

• The development, installation and maintenance of Mayflower trails, which will join together local sites with a link to the Mayflower story
• Supporting heritage activities, for example by providing guided tours or information for visitors
• Contributing to enhancing public spaces to make sure they look great for 2020 and beyond
• Organising and supporting Mayflower events

Who are we looking for?

We need volunteers with a range of skills to make 2020 a success. You might be a professional who can contribute to or lead complex tasks, someone who is looking to develop new skills, or simply have some time you’re able to spare to contribute to your community. Whatever your position, we’ll make sure that we find a rewarding opportunity for you to get involved in.

We’re also looking for people from across the community, reflecting the diversity embedded in the Mayflower’s story. Specific opportunities will be available for young people and people with disabilities to contribute in each area.

The time you’ll need to commit will depend on the activity you sign up for. But reliability is key. Because we’ve placed volunteers at the heart of delivering Mayflower 400, we need to be able to count on you to make sure it’s a success.

We are also interested in hearing from businesses and other organisations who might be able to contribute time or resources to the commemoration.

If a volunteer opportunity involves contact with young people, vulnerable adults or sensitive information we might need you to complete a DBS check and collect references. A criminal record will not automatically prevent you from volunteering. All applications will be assessed on a case by case basis, with consideration given to the opportunity you’re interested in.

What will I get out of it?

By volunteering with Mayflower 400, you’ll be joining a community of people who are passionate about heritage and their local area – it’s a great way to get out and make friends. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to some amazing projects that will make a major difference to your community for years to come, while bringing forward the unique heritage of the area you live in.

We’re keen to develop the skills of our volunteers by providing opportunities to get experience of heritage and cultural projects, and through training opportunities associated with particular voluntary activities. For example, many locations will be running sessions to train local ‘welcomers’ and guides. Contact your local team for further information.

Volunteers who are able to commit consistently through to and during 2020 will receive a special memento recognising their contribution. There will also be a range of volunteer celebration events across the country reflecting the pivotal role that you’ll take in the delivery of an internationally significant commemoration.

Businesses and other organisations that make an ongoing commitment to Mayflower 400 will be eligible to use our internationally promoted ‘Spirit of Mayflower’ branding to demonstrate their contribution. Alongside this, your work will be recognised through our national newsletter and in local communications activity.