Why become a Barnsley Museums volunteer?

By Ben Marsh, Volunteer Coordinator at Barnsley Museums

People often ask why volunteer? What do you get out of it? On average, Barnsley Museums volunteers put in 10,000 hours annually. From gardening and engaging visitors in five unique settings about art and heritage, to archival research and finding out Barnsley’s history in our discovery centre.

We have an opportunity that most people can get involved with and are always on the lookout for volunteers, whether it’s to maintain the beautiful park land or greet visitors in our fantastic gallery space.

What do you gain from volunteering?

Not only do you get to work in incredible surroundings supported by friendly staff but volunteering also has both physical and mental health benefits too. Here’s what our volunteers said when they were asked what volunteering at the museums means to them:

“I started volunteering when I was recovering from both a physical and mental illness. Volunteering with the museums helped me to carry on recovering and gave me an outside interest which indulged my love of history.”

“To gain confidence, get back out there, engage my mind and meet new people – while enjoying local culture.”

 “Getting to meet people in the art/ culture industry. Helping local people enjoy art. The positive impact volunteering has had on me.”

Become a Barnsley Museums volunteer

We offer a wide range of opportunities for local volunteers to get involved. We are also proud to support local schools and colleges in offering placements across our sites, supporting students from a range of course backgrounds including travel and tourism, art, history and business and administration.

From a working water mill at Worsbrough Mill and Country Park, contemporary exhibitions at the Cooper Gallery and a taste of industrial past at Elsecar Heritage Centre, to discovering Barnsley’s rich history at Experience Barnsley and the splendour of Cannon Hall – volunteers play a key role in helping us make these places as special as they are.

Want to be part of the experience? We always welcome enquiries about volunteering and can advise if we are able to accommodate you. Please email museumvolunteering@barnsley.gov.uk