Case studies and testimonials
Discover how VASC is transforming lives in Great Yarmouth by helping residents build confidence, develop valuable skills, and unlock new opportunities in volunteering and employment.
Ready to start your own journey? Explore the inspiring stories below and find out how you can get involved and experience these benefits for yourself.
Stories from 'Our Community'
Winter Gardens Project
The Winter Gardens, one of Great Yarmouth's most treasured landmarks, is being restored with the help of local people. Twenty‑five volunteers have joined the project, each playing a part in uncovering and retelling its rich history. Some have taken on the role of Community Researchers, registering for Historic Archive and Story Building training. With access to local archives, they are piecing together engaging stories that reveal the Winter Gardens' place in the town's heritage. For the volunteers, this is more than research, it's a chance to connect with their community, celebrate local culture, and ensure the Winter Gardens' story continues to inspire future generations.
East Coast College Students
A group of Pathway students from East Coast College in Great Yarmouth were supported by VASC to take part in their very first volunteering experience at the Pavilion Theatre in Gorleston. Their classroom learning in bistro skills was matched to a real‑world opportunity, allowing them to put their training into practice while engaging with the community. This initiative is designed to build confidence, strengthen skills, and empower the students as they prepare to graduate in June, with fortnightly volunteering opportunities planned across different community groups to support their growth and future employability.
Over the period of 3 months, four groups of students volunteered through college partnerships with VASC, and many committed to supporting the Out There Festival across its three days. The enthusiasm from students and staff has been overwhelming, highlighting how the project is opening doors for young people, creating pathways to confidence, skills, and future employment.
What people say about VASC
This was an amazing opportunity provided for us and all for free. After retiring five years ago, this has provided me with opportunities to reconnect with people and learn again, I am loving volunteering for this project.
Volunteer and Learner
Thank you for arranging this important training for the volunteers of the Great Yarmouth Wintergardens project. Writing and research skills are being enhanced within the group which is adding to our confidence and providing feelings of value in the contributions we are making.
Volunteer and Learner
I get a lot out of the volunteer sessions. It's good for me to engage with mixed groups...... It is helping me to make new friends...... thank you very much indeed.
Volunteer
What organisations say about VASC
It was a real pleasure to see you again yesterday. We are sincerely grateful that you took the time to visit - it was incredibly valuable to have your presence and some great networking with NCC colleagues! I wanted to pass our sincere thanks for your support over finding some wonderful new trustees for Centre 81. Each will bring a wealth of experience that will undoubtedly strengthen our future plans. We have benefitted much from the effectiveness with which you both fill your roles and we are so grateful that you continue to be of great help to all of us at Centre 81 and in the wider community. With grateful thanks and kind regards.
Centre 81 Chief Executive
This is the best opportunity that has come their [East Coast College Students] way and I cannot believe how many opportunities the team have provided us with and supported to make this possible.
East Coast College Tutor
