In the third and final week of our ‘New Year, New You’ feature, we look at how to get involved with volunteering opportunities in the Arts and Leisure field.

Theatre 503 in Battersea is consistently applauded by the national press and is a spotlight example of how a local theatre can interact with its surrounding community.

Run by a team of 20 dedicated volunteers, the 60 seat venue above the Latchmere pub in Battersea runs workshops to compliment its productions in schools and community groups throughout the area.

Anthony Biggs is the Joint Education and Projects Director for 503. He devotes 2-3 days a week; “Volunteering is fun and it makes me feel good,” he says. “It gives me new skills and helps me to develop skills I use in my day job as a Freelance Theatre Director.”

Theatre 503 specialises in new writing and Biggs advises people who want to get involved with acting or directing to pay them a visit; “The best thing is to come and see the plays and talk to us, usually we can find some way of helping.”

Unsolicited scripts are frequently sent to 503 and volunteers are encouraged to read them, and in turn are instrumental in decided what new writing will get commissioned.

For front of house volunteer opportunities contact info@theatre503.com.

We went to visit Merton Mencap’s ‘Give Art a Go’ project which gives adults with a learning disability the opportunity to express themselves through art.

The students were creating their own version of Philip Sutton’s painting - ‘Tis Visible Silence!’ Professional Artist, Celia Moss works with the students who use a variety of techniques including oil paints, pastels, pen and ink and collage.

“We have some fantastic volunteers who help the students,” says Moss. “Its rewarding that they enjoy what they are doing and lovely to see their progression.”

Nancy Fagan and Jordan Butler are volunteers from Ursuline High School; “We are doing Art for A Level so we’re learning and helping at the same time. I think you definitely get something out of volunteering,” says Fagan.

For more information about volunteering opportunities with Merton Mencap call 020 8687 4825.

Morden Hall Park in, erm, Morden, is owned by the National Trust and is intended for use by local people. They have a small team of staff at the park and a group of dedicated volunteers but are always looking for more help.

The volunteers help with many things ranging from; helping the Gardener with park maintenance and the upkeep of the fabulous rose garden; working in the second hand bookshop, Riverside Cafe and National Trust shop; guiding visitors around the Snuff Mill and helping out at events.

The Park also provides volunteering opportunities for groups whose companies allow staff a day off under the Employee Volunteer Scheme.

Maureen Patel of Morden Hall says; “Volunteering has so much to offer, people can learn new skills, meet people, and it’s an aid to returning to work.”

For more information call 0208 545 6850 or email maureen.patel@nationaltrust.org.uk. Morden Hall Park is free to visitors.