Hi, I’m Nicola Lake – Paddle UK’s new Volunteer Manager.
It’s my first week at Paddle UK – and what a brilliant time to join, during Volunteers’ Week!
I’m absolutely thrilled to be stepping into this brand new role. Volunteers are at the heart of so much that happens across the paddlesport community, and this role has been created to help make sure they feel supported, appreciated and heard.
My first priority is to listen – to understand what’s working well, what could be improved, and how Paddle UK can support you better.
I’ve been working and volunteering in the charity sector for over a decade, specialising in volunteer engagement, recruitment and training – including running my own small business and delivering sessions for fellow volunteer engagement professionals with organisations such as AVM, HVG, Citizens Advice and Al!ve.
Beyond work, I enjoy travelling and spending time outdoors, exploring new places to hike, camp, cycle and paddle. Although I’m very much a casual paddler, I love how it gives me access to places I’d never see otherwise – and I’m secretly hoping this role might help me pick up a few tips!
If you’re a volunteer, or you support volunteers in any way, I’d love to meet you. I’ll be running two informal virtual drop-in sessions this week – just a friendly chance to say hello, hear a bit about my background, and share any early thoughts (keep an eye out for more opportunities over the coming months to share your feedback):
Thursday 5th June, 7pm–7:30pm Click here to join
Friday 6th June, 12:30pm–1pm Click here to join
I’m really looking forward to getting stuck in and working together to shape the future of volunteering across the paddlesport community.