For Bethan Jenkins, volunteering with RABI began with a simple invitation and a glass of prosecco.
“It’s a funny story really,” Bethan says. “I’d been involved with Young Farmers for a while and Emily, the chair of the local RABI committee at the time, knew me. I’m hardworking so Emily asked if asked if I could help out the committee. I went to my first committee meeting and a couple of weeks later I was helping at a prosecco and strawberry fundraising event. I absolutely loved it!”
Bethan hasn’t looked back since. She’s been volunteering with RABI for over seven years and is now a longstanding member and the Treasurer of the Pembrokeshire committee.
“There were people of all ages at that first event. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming – it just felt like a great place to be. I love helping people, and this felt like the perfect way to give back.”
Bethan’s personal connection to the charity runs deep. Her own family has been supported by RABI in the past, making her volunteer work all the more meaningful.
“That first event really cemented it for me. This was something I could do to give back to RABI. That really stays with me.”
Over the years, Bethan has played a key part in a huge variety of events, from fundraising fashion shows to bingo nights and agricultural shows across the county. Each one not only raises funds and valuable awareness for RABI but also brings the local community together.
“The events are brilliant. There’s so much variety and it’s always rewarding when you see how much you’ve raised for the charity. But it’s the conversations with people. Hearing their stories, sharing our own. That’s where the real impact is.”
Volunteering with RABI has helped Bethan grow personally and professionally. As Treasurer, Bethan’s work for RABI managing the committee’s accounts complements her job as a school accountant. From developing her communication skills, to learning from fellow committee members of all ages and backgrounds, volunteering has helped build her confidence.
“Before I joined, I was quite shy. I didn’t think I’d have the confidence to speak to headteachers and governors in my day job. But through volunteering – just talking to people at shows, helping at events – I’ve really come out of my shell.”
Bethan speaks warmly of the support she receives from RABI as a volunteer. When Bethan lost her grandmother, the team stepped in with understanding and care.
“They’re always there when you need them, particularly when going through difficult times. That meant the world. They make sure we’re never overwhelmed. That level of support makes you want to give even more.”
For Bethan, volunteering with RABI is about much more than helping farming people financially.
“People often think RABI just offers financial help, but it’s so much more – especially the mental health support RABI provides. Volunteering gives us the chance to talk to farming people and let them know what support is available. That word of mouth is so powerful in the farming community.”
So, what would Bethan say to someone thinking about volunteering?
“Go for it. Just push yourself and give it a go. If I hadn’t said yes that first time, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I’ve had amazing experiences, made great friends and have been part of something that really makes a difference to farming people.”
For Bethan Jenkins, volunteering with RABI began with a simple invitation and a glass of prosecco.
“It’s a funny story really,” Bethan says. “I’d been involved with Young Farmers for a while and Emily, the chair of the local RABI committee at the time, knew me. I’m hardworking so Emily asked if asked if I could help out the committee. I went to my first committee meeting and a couple of weeks later I was helping at a prosecco and strawberry fundraising event. I absolutely loved it!”
Bethan hasn’t looked back since. She’s been volunteering with RABI for over seven years and is now a longstanding member and the Treasurer of the Pembrokeshire committee.
“There were people of all ages at that first event. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming – it just felt like a great place to be. I love helping people, and this felt like the perfect way to give back.”
Bethan’s personal connection to the charity runs deep. Her own family has been supported by RABI in the past, making her volunteer work all the more meaningful.
“That first event really cemented it for me. This was something I could do to give back to RABI. That really stays with me.”
Over the years, Bethan has played a key part in a huge variety of events, from fundraising fashion shows to bingo nights and agricultural shows across the county. Each one not only raises funds and valuable awareness for RABI but also brings the local community together.
“The events are brilliant. There’s so much variety and it’s always rewarding when you see how much you’ve raised for the charity. But it’s the conversations with people. Hearing their stories, sharing our own. That’s where the real impact is.”
Volunteering with RABI has helped Bethan grow personally and professionally. As Treasurer, Bethan’s work for RABI managing the committee’s accounts complements her job as a school accountant. From developing her communication skills, to learning from fellow committee members of all ages and backgrounds, volunteering has helped build her confidence.
“Before I joined, I was quite shy. I didn’t think I’d have the confidence to speak to headteachers and governors in my day job. But through volunteering – just talking to people at shows, helping at events – I’ve really come out of my shell.”
Bethan speaks warmly of the support she receives from RABI as a volunteer. When Bethan lost her grandmother, the team stepped in with understanding and care.
“They’re always there when you need them, particularly when going through difficult times. That meant the world. They make sure we’re never overwhelmed. That level of support makes you want to give even more.”
For Bethan, volunteering with RABI is about much more than helping farming people financially.
“People often think RABI just offers financial help, but it’s so much more – especially the mental health support RABI provides. Volunteering gives us the chance to talk to farming people and let them know what support is available. That word of mouth is so powerful in the farming community.”
So, what would Bethan say to someone thinking about volunteering?
“Go for it. Just push yourself and give it a go. If I hadn’t said yes that first time, I wouldn’t be where I am now. I’ve had amazing experiences, made great friends and have been part of something that really makes a difference to farming people.”
