Volunteer drive for people to welcome visitors to Reading
'Ambassadors' will meet and greet tourists and business people at Reading station
Last updated 11th May 2021
'Are you proud of Reading and interested in helping welcome visitors back to our town?' That's the question being asked by Reading's business development organisation Reading UK.
They're recruiting a team of volunteer Welcome Ambassadors to support the re-opening of Reading’s economy.
Ambassadors will operate a mobile visitor information service at Reading Station, playing their part in Reading’s economic recovery by providing a COVID-secure greeting, information and directions to people travelling to Reading.
Starting in July 2021, the Ambassadors will represent the town, sharing their knowledge of things to do, where to go and how to get there with the thousands of people who pass through Reading Station every day.
Reading UK is looking for people who take pride in Reading, its history and culture, its diversity and its modern economy and who can spare up to three hours a week to help run a mobile visitor information stand inside Reading Station. You will have a good knowledge of Reading, its geography and what it has to offer to tourists, shoppers, business visitors or people visiting for other reasons. You will be confident using maps and timetables and giving directions, have a friendly and professional manner and an ability to engage with a wide range of people.
The Ambassadors will operate in a COVID-secure manner, following Government guidelines on social distancing and masks, be fully insured and will work closely with GWR and Network Rail staff at the station to ensure they maintain high safety standards.
Nigel Horton-Baker, Executive Director, Reading UK, said:
“If you are looking for a stimulating volunteer role and want to help Reading’s recovery by helping people and sharing your pride in Reading, why not consider becoming one of our Welcome to Reading Ambassadors? We want to welcome visitors back to Reading, ensure they can get to wherever they need to go and take away an understanding of what there is to do and see while they are here. If you think you could help make a difference to the visitor welcome to Reading, we would love to hear from you!”
The Welcome to Reading Ambassadors will be based inside Reading Station at a mobile tourist information stand. You will receive training, guidance on COVID-secure working and will wear a branded Welcome to Reading t-shirt/jacket during your shifts. You will need to be able to volunteer for up to three hours a week on average.
Want to get involved?
On 19 May (5-6 PM), Reading UK is holding a virtual information session for people who would like to find out about volunteering as ‘Welcome to Reading Ambassadors’. To register, please RSVP to alex@livingreading.co.uk