The tapas route to volunteering

In the bustling community of Northwood, one volunteer has found a unique way to contribute his skills and passions to make a difference. Meet Miles, a long-time resident whose approach to volunteering he likens to enjoying tapas. Start with a small taster and add other small dishes until you are satisfied. In other words just allow one thing to lead on to another.

Miles’ tapas journey

Miles’ journey into volunteering began with a simple invitation from a friend to join the Northwood Residents Association over 10 years ago. Since then, his involvement has grown organically, leading him to contribute in various ways that align with his interests and skills.

“You get talked into doing one little thing, and then you are sort of in a community of people who volunteer and do stuff for the community, and you gradually, whether you want to or not, are drawn into doing other things,” Miles explains.

Miles’ Skills

With a background in advertising and being a self-described “arty, farty, creative person,” Miles has found numerous ways to apply his talents. He manages the Christmas lights for Northwood, redesigned the Residents Association’s website and logo, and created a paper walking guide to showcase the area’s green spaces.

His love for the local woods led him to join the Ruislip Woods Trust Board, where he designs their quarterly newsletter and leads history walks. These walks combine his passion for local history with his desire to share knowledge about the area.

“I love passing that information to other people in the hope that it will help them to enjoy the area more,” Miles says. “Hopefully they get something out of it, and then I feel really good.”

More than giving back

For Miles, volunteering is more than just giving back – it’s a way to deepen his connection to his community and share his enthusiasm for local history and nature. He’s particularly excited about encouraging more people to explore the woods. Recently he started guided tours for the “uninitiated and nervous,” to inspire them to explore Ruislip Woods on their own.

While Miles thoroughly enjoys his volunteer work, he admits to finding certain aspects challenging. “I’m very forgetful and non-bureaucratic,” he confesses. “also I’m slightly dyslexic. I don’t really like writing stuff, but that’s why I do most of the creative and physical stuff.”

Volunteering tips from Miles

For those considering volunteering, Miles’ experience offers valuable insights:

1. Start small: Begin with one task or event and let your involvement grow naturally.

2. Use your skills: Apply your professional or personal talents to benefit your community.

3. Follow your interests: Choose volunteer opportunities that align with your passions.

4. Share your knowledge: Use volunteering as a way to educate others about your community.

5. Balance is key: Don’t let volunteering completely take over your life – enjoy it as part of a well-rounded lifestyle.

How to start your tapas route to volunteering

If you’re inspired by Miles’ story and live in the Northwood area, consider getting involved with the Northwood Residents Association or the Ruislip Woods Trust. You can find information about Miles’ guided tours and other volunteer opportunities on their respective websites.

Miles says, volunteering is “a great way of feeling that you’ve achieved something.” Whether you’re redesigning a logo, leading a nature walk, or simply helping at a local event, your contributions can make a significant difference in your community.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Remember the tapas route to volunteering.

Discover more

Discover the stories of more volunteers including their motivations and how they help the community. Follow the links on this page.