Read James Benjafield story here
James Benjafield
35-44
Current Situation: Employed Full-Time
Volunteer experience overview:
James Benjafield began volunteering with a local museum and heritage site, driven by a desire to meet new people and give back to the community. Having discovered the opportunity online, James embraced the chance to contribute to the tourism and hospitality sector, an industry he hadn’t worked in for over 15 years.
Despite some initial nerves about returning to a customer service environment, he quickly found his rhythm again. Relearning how to engage with the public was, in his words, like “dusting off an old bike - familiar but a little rusty at first.” That initial challenge soon gave way to a rewarding experience full of positive interactions, shared stories, and new connections.
Why volunteer in Tourism and Hospitality?
James chose to volunteer in this sector to connect with others and support the local visitor economy. His experience helped him feel more rooted in the town, especially as someone new to the area. Through volunteering, he not only built new friendships but also developed a renewed sense of community pride.
What did he enjoy most?
Meeting new people, both within the organisation and the wider community, was the highlight of James’s volunteering journey. Engaging with visitors and learning from colleagues offered a welcome change from his usual routine and reinforced the value of community-led initiatives.
Looking ahead:
James plans to volunteer again in the future. For him, the experience has been more than just a contribution of time; it’s been a chance to grow, connect, and make a tangible difference locally.