A fresh start. Challenge accepted.
Jane Topping has lived an interesting life – as a teacher, wife, mother and architect graduate before spending some time in Japan. But the pandemic hit, and left Jane feeling isolated, anxious, and unsure of her future.
She saw an opportunity to volunteer at Manchester Museum – and it became a lifeline. What started as a nervous step into a volunteering role has improved her confidence, connections, and even provided a new career.
Before the pandemic, Jane had a full life – moving from teaching to studying architecture and enjoying an active, sociable lifestyle. But when Covid lockdowns began in March 2020, her world changed dramatically. With friends and family scattered across the country, Jane found herself increasingly isolated.
"Where to go and what to do was a huge issue for me. I didn't really want to be around people, and I didn't want to leave the house because I felt safe there."
When Jane spotted the call for volunteers at the Museum, the idea felt overwhelming at first. But she went along to a taster session and, with the support and encouragement of the volunteer coordinators, she took up a role in the fossils and dinosaurs galleries. There, she helped visitors connect with extraordinary objects through the Museum's handling tables. Week by week, volunteering gave Jane structure, confidence, and a sense of belonging. She took every training opportunity offered and felt genuinely valued by the team.
I thought I could volunteer, encourage people to come into the museum, and maybe do something different. The surprise on people's faces when they're allowed to hold a 3.2 billion-year-old object is astonishing. And to feel like part of a team was great for me. There was always someone to ask how my week was – suddenly I had things to share again."
The impact of volunteering has transformed Jane's life. She now has a permanent part-time role in the visitor team – but is continuing with her volunteering, too!
"The impact of volunteering on my life has been huge. It encouraged me to come out of the house on days when I didn't even want to get in the car. Every day I made it, and the more that happened, the more confident I became. It makes such a difference to other people's lives too. Even a random act of kindness releases joy for everyone who sees it."
Volunteers are at the heart of our cultural spaces. Across the Whitworth, Manchester Museum and Jodrell Bank, you can share your knowledge and enthusiasm with visitors and help create extraordinary guest experiences.