Gemma's story

What connects Shelter volunteering and the British post-punk music scene? Just ask community volunteer Gemma Hucker. Gemma’s first bucket collecting stint was onsite at the Sleaford Mods gig at the O2 Bristol – with the added bonus that she was able to stay and enjoy the music.

Gemma was impressed by the commitment to Shelter shown by both the punters and the band.

It was a really big crowd, and everyone was so generous.

Sleaford Mods also donated proceeds from their 2023 single, a cover of ‘West End Girls’.

Gemma volunteers for Shelter in Bristol. Her role involves giving time on an ad hoc basis which can include any community-based activity that’s happening. A sociology student at Bristol University with ambitions to work in the charity sector, she contacted Shelter when she was looking for volunteering opportunities that would open her horizons to what charities were doing in her community.

Volunteering for Shelter isn’t all post-punk gigs. Gemma has enjoyed the diversity of the experiences she's had. These have included bucket collecting at IKEA at Easter and Christmas, and joining the campaigning team at Bristol Pride.

This was at a stall we’d set up, and it was an opportunity to have a chat with everyone who was walking past. We had sweets and games to raise awareness for the disproportionate impact of the housing crisis on the LGBTQ+ community.

A representative from Shelter’s legal team was also giving advice on site.

I learned a lot that afternoon and from my perspective there was an educational side for me as well.

Volunteering for Shelter also appealed to Gemma because she has been through many of the challenges of living in a city with rapidly increasing rental prices.

As a student it’s harder to find an affordable place to live each year.

Gemma signed the Bristol Fair Renting Campaign’s manifesto to help tackle those issues. She’s experienced first-hand the sub-standard conditions of many rental properties.

When my boyfriend moved from Cardiff to Bristol we moved into his new house and there was damp all over the walls. We had to strip them down and repaint, his bed was broken, the toilet flush was broken.

She adds that in her experience having to do DIY on a rental property is just accepted.

What surprised Gemma about volunteering was that it's very accessible to get involved with. She admits that she was initially concerned that time commitments might mean she was biting off more than she could chew, but she has been impressed at Shelter’s welcoming volunteer coordinators, and just how flexible volunteering can be.

So far, I’ve done maybe three hours a shift and the team are always saying it’s up to you how long you do it for, and they are grateful for any time that’s given.

Shelter has even inspired her to extend her volunteering to other charities, doing a stint at Glastonbury for Oxfam over summer.

What I’d really want people to know about volunteering is that there’s so many people you’re going to meet who will make you feel welcome, that you’re going to learn a lot, that it’s going to give you a different perspective and confidence. You’re going to break down potential stereotypes about certain topics – and have fun in the process.