Volunteering Champion Lewis
Name: Lewis Nebel
Company and role:
SAGE Publishing, Open Access Operations Manager
BIG Alliance programme: Team Challenges and Time to Talk workshops
Lewis Nebel has previously volunteered at our Time to Talk mental health workshops at one of Islington’s primary schools, as well as at multiple Team Challenges providing practical support to Islington’s green spaces. Recently, he even became a BIG Alliance champion at his company, SAGE Publishing. We’ve caught up with him to find out what drives him to volunteer and why volunteering is so important.
Why did you decided to volunteer on these specific programmes?
BIG Alliance presented at one of our company events in the office in March this year, and hearing the shocking statistics of inequality in the borough instantly engaged me with their mission. In September 2021 I moved to Islington and that divide is very palpable, so I was twice as keen to engage with the efforts to improve the situation as someone in a position of privilege. I’m also quite an outgoing person and like to be involved with things and meet new people. Though as I am not always the most proactive, having these accessible routes into volunteering through BIG Alliance really suited me.
I really like the focus on supporting local organisations already doing great work in the community as this is often the most impactful and appreciated way to help. Given the current economic and political climate, I want to do more to help my local community, especially because I’m aware of the impact my decision to live there can have as a driver for problematic gentrification.
How did you find these programmes? What did you enjoy?
I have had great experiences every time I’ve been involved - the opportunities are varied, engaging, and impactful. At first, I wasn’t sure that my efforts would have much of an impact as they seemed like trivial things, such as just sweeping leaves or scrubbing floors, but you can tell how much the people working in the organisations appreciate just having the extra pair of hands when they are so stretched for staff, time, and money. Enabling them to continue providing excellent service to the community is really rewarding.
The sessions are well organised, and you’re supported by the BIG Alliance staff throughout.
What do you feel you’ve achieved as a result of volunteering with BIG Alliance?
Supporting charities which provide much needed services and leisure activities for children in the borough feels really rewarding, and the response from the people working in the organisation shows how much difference volunteer support makes. I can’t say that my individual contributions have been anything special, but I think the group effort has made an impact, even if it’s just one less job for the team to do so they can focus on providing high quality services.
What advice would you give to your colleagues who are thinking about volunteering?
Definitely do it! Volunteering gets you out of the office, you’ll meet some good people, and make a small difference that can contribute to a big overall impact. I’ve just become a BIG Alliance champion at my company, so I look forward to helping organise some activities within my department and groups that I’m a part of.
Are you interested in volunteering with BIG Alliance? If so, contact our Deputy Head of Programmes Luke Brown at luke.brown@thebigalliance.org.uk