Holst Birthplace Museum
We Believe Volunteers are at the Heart of our Museum
Role- Learning Volunteer-About the opportunity
The Holst Birthplace Museum, Cheltenham, runs an exciting programme of child and family events. The events are a great opportunity for families to learn together, whilst taking part in arts and crafts activities. The Museum’s school learning programme gives teachers and children the chance to learn more about their Local Significant Figure, Gustav Holst, whilst experiencing life in a modest Victorian home.We are looking for Learning Volunteers and Learning Leader Volunteers to support the Learning Coordinator with delivering the Learning Programme.
Commitment-We are looking for short term or long term commitments with sessions running regularly throughout the year. Minimum 1 session a month at 4 hours
Assistant Learning Volunteers Activities and Tasks
• Help create resources before the events and sessions
• Demonstrate activities to families
• Engage with children and adults during the activity
• Help with setting up and clearing away resources
• Complete evaluation, including completing necessary documents and taking photographs Help to market learning events around Cheltenham and surrounding areas
Learning Leader Volunteer Tasks – as above plus:
• Lead elements of school, family and adult learning sessions to assist Museum staff
• An ability to display confidence in front of groups of children and adults
• An ability to initiate ideas for planning and developing learning sessions
• Flexibility to vary communication style appropriate to different ages and abilities
About The Holst Birthplace Museum
The Holst Birthplace Museum is the birthplace of Gustav Holst, who was born in Cheltenham on September 21st 1874. Gustav Holst composed hundreds of pieces, his most famous being 'The Planets'.Visitors to the museum will learn of Holst's work, life and times in the beautiful surroundings of late Victorian Room settings.Volunteers are an integral part of the Museum and we truly value the many years of expertise and support volunteers have given to the Museum.
We have a part time Curator and a Freelance Learning Coordinator who oversee the management of the Museum, including our wonderful volunteers.
About The Volunteer Programme
we currently have over 30 volunteers at the Holst Museum. Each of which give endless hours to support us and keep the Museum open.There is a wide variety of volunteer opportunities at the Museum including Visitor Experience Volunteers, Learning Volunteers, Collections Volunteers and many, many more.
What are we looking for? We are looking for volunteers who feel they’d like to support the Learning Coordinator to deliver the Learning Programme
• Enjoy working with children and adults sharing your passion for informal education
• Enthusiasm and willingness to help
• Good interpersonal skills & Good communication skills
• An interest in supporting and promoting the Holst Birthplace Museum
• The ability to commit to set dates in advance and communicate with staff about availability
• Are willing to undertake training related to the role
• Are friendly, approachable and confident in a busy environment
• Want to share the learning work we do in an engaging and interactive way
Learning Volunteer
This role is suited to those who would like to develop their skills in education, play work or Early Years development or people who would like to work with families in the local community.
Learning Leader Volunteer
This role is suited to those who have previous experience voluntarily or paid in education, playwork, early year’s development or people who have worked with families in the local community.
Practical Considerations
We will help to find the voluntary role that best suits your skills during our recruitment process.
Please note owing to the character of the building, access is not possible for wheelchair users. There are steps up to the front door and staircases to all floors. There is no lift but there is a handrail for all stairs. A large-print guide to the house is available. We would be very open to exploring options and ideas with somebody who has restricted mobility in order for us to support them to volunteer with us.
We are unable to provide volunteer expenses
Volunteers will be given a full induction explaining their role and meeting the staff they’ll be working with. Thereafter, volunteers can observe sessions until they feel comfortable to lead themselves (support will be available at all events).As a person who is working with young people, a DBS check may be required.
Why Volunteer with us?
We believe there are many fantastic reasons to get involved in volunteering, here are just a few;
To meet new friends in your community
To gain experience in the museum sector
To enhance your CV
To share your specific skills and interests
To be a part of a unique museum
To offer your time to benefit the local community
In return we can offer you:
a wide range of volunteer opportunities
the opportunity to join a friendly team who are committed to making the Museum enjoyable for all our volunteers and visitors;
Training and support to develop new and existing skills and interests
Opportunities to contribute ideas within the museums projects
Social and celebration events
“I love volunteering at the Holst, how incredibly welcome all the staff and volunteers made me when I started, getting to meet people in my community who I wouldn’t have met otherwise”Adele Volunteer