My Haggerston Volunteer Training

Over the past 6 weeks, Lizzie, Karen and Janet have been delivering a varied and engaging programme of training activities for volunteers who have signed up to take part in ‘My Haggerston’, an in-depth community research project into the ward’s rich heritage.  The project will be delivered by members of the Hackney Heritage and Built Environment Partnership (HHBEP), and has received funding from HLF. 

 HHBEP commissioned the Building Exploratory to develop and deliver the volunteer training because of our significant experience in this area, for example on our Places of Worship and Panorama High Street 2012 projects, and a recent commission by the Design Museum.

The aim of the training is to develop 40 volunteers’ research and audience engagement skills and provide an induction into the organisations delivering ‘My Haggerston’.  Training so far has taken place at the Geffrye Museum, Hackney Archives, and in and around the streets of Haggerston.  Volunteers have taken part in object handling, drama activities, photographed architectural details and researched the industrial heritage of Curtain Road.  Amongst many other things, volunteers have also learned how to use artefacts to stimulate discussion, interpret archival material for family audiences, and work with people with physical disabilities.  

Sessions have been lively, action packed and, with comments such as “BRILLIANT session, thank you so much...interesting and informative” we think that the volunteers have enjoyed them as much as we have!