BEV SWEET
CAMBRIDGESHIRE
I have been working within the Girl Guides Association for nearly 30 years as an adult, running Brownie packs, training adults and acting as an adviser.
Guiders are unsung heroines.
They freely give a massive amount of time to girls aged between 5 and 18, working with them on everything from crafts to current social issues, tackling todays problems in a sensitive, supportive and fun manner. For me, it helps me keep a young at heart attitude and I enjoy working with these young people, helping to mould them into the thinking, caring and empathetic adults they will become. It's fun, challenging, worthwhile, exhausting, useful, productive and valuable work- and I would encourage all adult women to become involved.
Paola Santos
33 years old
St Albans
The idea of joining the Samaritans came from realizing how relevant it is to have a support network, especially during difficult times in our lives.
There are many people that simply do not have this network and live isolated from their families and communities. Even in cases when there is someone they could potentially talk to, the emotions that they need to share could be too distressing for someone close to them.
The commitment to listen and provide emotional support without judgement to people that are in deep emotional distress inspired me to join this amazing group of volunteers. I do believe and hope that by being able to speak in confidence about their feelings during difficult times in their lives, our callers are able to cope with their worries and troubles, and that they regain the confidence and self-worth by realizing that despite all they have been through, they managed to carry on.
The work that the Samaritans are doing is so meaningful that, as a volunteer, I think I do receive a lot by listening to our callers.
Thank you to all the volunteers for their amazing work!
Rosalie Parker
47 years old
North Yorkshire
I have been volunteering for a mental health drop in group for just over a year, and I've made lots of new friends and developed some new people skills too.
I myself suffer from bipolar disorder, and I have really enjoyed meeting other people with mental health problems. So much of the work just involves talking to people and sharing experiences, and I find it difficult to express how much benefit it has been to me to get out and do something to support some of the most vulnerable people in my local area.
I can thoroughly recommend volunteering to anyone. If you can spare just a few hours on a regular basis, then you can do it too. Come on, give it a go!
Jeanette Louise Cross
40 years old
Dorset
At the moment I am a Volunteer at Poole Hospital work for Pals and Advice Services and I do My roundsby collecting all the forms from the suggestion Boxes Plenty to do I work there. On Thursday Afternoons very busy at the Moment also work for the Pdsa as volunteer and lots to do at the shop and work there every Tuesday and very busy I had a award from the shopI was very Pleased to have the Award.
Bamidele Abioye
31 years old
London, UK
My experience as a volunteer Reading Helper to children with reading difficulties has been very rewarding and fulfilling.
I read with children by helping to boost their self confidence in reading and other things.I ts been amazing i cant imagine doing something else.
I love these kids like mine and over the months we've built a wonder ful relationship and the best thing about being a Reading helper is seeing this children excelling in their reading! it's a nice feeling knowing I've contributed positively to a child's development.
laura bennett
19 years old
North Devon
i am a coach for my local swimming club, i have been coaching since i got my level 1 age 16, i am now level 2 and volunteer at my my club taking regualr sessions and seeing the running of the club, its a very rewarding club to be with.
Maggie Ma
35 years old
Oxfordshire
I am a Chinese moved to the UK in June 2008 and got married here. After one month freshness and excitement, I started to feel bored. But I could not aply a job at that time since I did not have a work permit. So I tried to find a volunteer job. After registered on do-it.org. I got an opportunity working in Abingdon Day Centre.
On 18th May, I addressed a presentation of "Eat for Health" as required by the manager. Nearly 40 audiences participated the event and they all enjoyed it. Afterwards, One lady told me that she could not sleep well and she tried to take tablets, listen to the music, drink wine etc. But it did not work. I suggested her to try foot bath before go to bed.
Today, when I met her again, she told me that she tried my suggestion and it works, she had nice sleepings. I am very happy to hear that.
There are lots more happiness from doing this volunteer job. It provides me a gateway to get involded in new environment, improve my English language skills, working experiece, making friends, sharing other people's feeings and thoughts.
Helping the other is also helping yourself!
Best wishes to all the volunteers!
Michael Hutchinson
18 years old
Somerset
I took part in voluntary activities alongside A Levels as part of my AQA Baccalaureate at school, where I took part in a trip to Sri Lanka, a rugby coaching course and a few other charity fundraising events.
The trip to Sri Lanka comprised coaching, teaching English and PE at Davapathiraja College in the town of Rathgama. The school was very new and was built by donations from the Japanese Government to replace their old school that was flattened by the tsunami. I taught a class in each year group from year 6-9, the equivalent years in the English school system. The average class size was about 30 and all the children were very excitable and lively.
I also helped out at the Baranasooriya Boys orphanage. I spent an afternoon playing with a bunch of boys who became orphans after the tsunami. We did all sorts with them, drawing, painting, playing music, cricket and volleyball. Any time that we spent with them they enjoyed it and although they had never even met us before they just joined in as if they had known us for years. It really hit me that these boys really appreciated anything that was being done for them. Because they have been left with so little and because what we were doing meant an awful lot to them made me realize that it is simple things like spending time to play with these boys that can actually mean more to them than anything else.
I feel that teaching helped develop me hugely. I became a lot more patient as a person, as it often took a while to get my point across and it would have been easy to become frustrated but I didn't. The children also had the potential to be rowdy and disruptive: however I feel as though I would now be able to control any such children as by the end of my trip they would respond when I wanted them to be quiet. From the teaching experience I think I also became a lot more confident in my abilities and my communication improved.
Ann Graves
33 years old
Beds
WAC, an independent youth group has been running for 20 years. My parents started and I joined as a cadet. Now I am one of the instructors. I enjoy seeing the group change and develop as new people join us and bring new ideas. I enjoy the challenge of motivating others and team work. Most of all I enjoy a good laugh with friends (as that is what we have become).
Lizzie
57 years old
London
I started volunteering with my parents because my father was Chair of the local NSPCC committee and we held an annual fundrasing garden party every year. One of my jobs was to count the money at the end, which was great fun for an 8 year old. I volunteered as a youth club leader in my 20s and at mother and toddler club in my 30s, when my children were little. I still volunteer as a trustee when I am not running a Volunteer Centre to help other people to volunteer safely and successfully.
Gail
34 years old
Merseyside
As a volunteer for the WRVS I have had the best three years of my life. I have met many new faces have a project manager who is great to work for. I treat the volunteering as a form of employment and am feeling really fulfilled and look forward to every shift that I do at the Oncology Centre at Clatterbridge hospital the staff and environment make volunteering worth doing.
Anna Brisbane
24 years old
Winchester, Hampshire
I have volunteered at PDSA National Volunteering Centre (NVC) in Winchester for over three and a half years now. I help out in the office every Thursday afternoon for 3 hours doing Data Entry, Franking the post, Making Up Enrolement and placement packs and I Print Progress Forms and Shredding. I really like working here alot, the people I work with who are very Friendly and very Supportive and are very encouraging. My confident has increased since I have been working there. Their appreciation to their volunteers is just amazing which they show with awards, certificates and going out for meals to celebrate.
Alannah
16 years old
Norwich |
I have be volunteer for 2 years now but as im on a course at city collage. i still work in a chairty shop as enjoy so much i miss talk to my friend i have made at the charity shop.
Michelle Johnston
36 years old
St Annes on Sea
After suffering from a terrible mental illness I finally felt well enough to take on some new activity. The activity I chose was dog walking for the Cinnamon Trust. I love the work. It is good for my physical and mental health as well as being beneficiial to the dog and its owners. It gets me out and about in the sun shine and has improved my quality of life. I also do One day a week working for a charitable organisation in the admin side. I am able to practice my skills in an office envoirnement at a steady pace a couple of hours a week is enough. Looks good on my C.V and gives me a reference.
Lorraine Tarney
44 years old
Preston in Lancashire
I have been a volunteer for about 9 years. I work for an organisation called Brothers of Charity Services. I help out with adults who have learning difficulties. These include helping them with everyday activities including shopping. taking them to visit relatives, going on day trips, and helping at home. I have also helped out on holidays. As part of my volunteer work i am also doing an NVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care. I find the volunteer work to be very rewarding and recently recieved a SEEDS Award through Jobcentreplus for my volunteer work. I currently work at Preston Jobcentre on the FA Team.
Ummehani
26 years old
Southampton
I have recently started as a volunteer play worker with Sure Start. I had no idea how it would be when I started but now all of a sudden I am so very comfortable in working with children and their happiness and play makes my day. It feels great to practice and learn what you have already experienced bringing up your own children.
Foresters
Volunteering with Foresters means more than recognition during National Volunteer week 2009; Foresters members have built a sustainable volunteer network on social and altruistic foundations that demonstrates long-term commitment to their local communities; highlighted by their volunteering activities throughout the year.
Being a policy-holder with Foresters isn’t just membership of a financial services company, as Foresters policy holders not only volunteer together, but also enjoy social activities together. Members also have productive partnerships and strong relationships with many local charities across the UK, as well as a strong volunteer support network for each other.
During Volunteers' Week, Foresters member leaders up and down the country will be holding events for their wider membership in their local communities, helping to increase awareness of the UK’s volunteers and also showcasing first hand, the Foresters brand aspirations of sharing and inspring; sharing in raising the profile of the millions of volunteers who regularly contribute to society, with the aim of inspiring others to get involved.
Foresters activities during Volunteer Week range from Jazz evening, Barn Dancing and Wine tasting events to Family days out, Celebration lunches and a Golf tournament – all of which include fundraising for their nominated local charity.
Foresters celebrates its 135th anniversary this year; an opportunity to reflect on our strength and endurance over the years, which is due to the unwavering commitment, spirit and involvement of our member volunteers.
Steven William Shaw
15 years old
Derbyshire
Before coming to the Youth Hostel I had never done any kind of volunteering or work experience at any organisation. From my time at the Youth Hostel I gained real experience of what it’s like to work in an office and to see what people do in the job I intend to progress to in the near future. I really enjoyed my time at the Youth Hostel where everybody was very friendly and helpful and I felt that I fit in as soon as I entered the Youth Hostel. The Youth Hostel had lots of work for me to complete and always kept me busy from sorting records to entering health and safety forms onto the database which kept me working until the end of the day, and the fact that I was helping somebody with their work brought me great satisfaction. I learnt lots of things at the Youth Hostel from gaining more confidence to practical experience in the criteria of job I would like to do in the future. It has also made me want to work harder in my qualifications to try my best to get a job like one at the youth hostel. I would defiantly volunteer in the future, in fact I have devoted a part of my holiday to volunteer at the YHA and hopefully even more after I have left school.
I volunteered at a Do It 4 Real Camp for my residential section of my Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. I knew I wanted to help out at a summer camp or do something adventurous where I would learn a lot and have fun! This camp definitely gave me that! YHA gave me the opportunity to learn basic first aid and most importantly how to 'get down' with some of the most amazing songs ever written (including my favourite; 'Boom Chika Boom)! The training week was great as I got to know the people that I would be working with and they are a group of amazing people who I know will be friends for a long time. Therefore before getting to Edale I was excited to see them again and get stuck into camp. I have volunteered before, but this has got to be one of the best experiences so far. This is definitely a must for anyone who enjoys helping great things happen and who just needs an excuse to act silly in the name of entertainment!
Thais Pereira
28 years old
After working at 6 hostels in my country I was looking for an international experience. While living in London almost an year I got a few days off at New Year to volunteer as a volunteer at YHA Ambleside in the Lake District. The experience was so great and they made me feel so welcome that 2 weeks later I came back for 2 months more.
During this time I helped in the kitchen. The staff were friendly and very welcoming, explaning everything I needed to know. I learnt a lot and had a lot of fun as well. I had the opportunity to get to know one of the most beautiful areas in England. I also could try english food and I have to confess I really loved it. I made a lot of friends, some of them were so special they will always be in my heart.
It was a magical and marvellous time for wich I will always grateful. England wouldn't be the same without the time I spent at Ambleside. Cheers!!!!!!!
Sean Dennis
41 years old
London
After a couple of years suffering with depression I wanted to go back to work, but I didn't have the confidence to go back into the work place. I decided to volunteer at st Mungo's the Homeless charity. I eventually got some confidence back and started teaching life skills ie cooking, budgeting, and so on.
I did this for two years before going back to work full time. I'm now an Enrichment officer working for Southwark college in london, I create workshops for the students I also go on trips and work closely with the student union. I get to meet all types of people and I love my job working with the youth of today.
Adeline Reid
67 years old
Banffshire
26 years ago I founded and have chaired the Keith Cancer Link support Group which has helped thousands of people who have cancer related illness, carers, family and friends with emotional and financial support in the Keith and District area.
Jackie Knight
DWP Sheffield
Volunteering for Homeless and Rootless at Christmas (HARC)
As part of DWP Community 5000 I was able to be part of the HARC project for two half day shifts. Having never done anything like this before I was glad there was a briefing session in the previous week which explained what is expected of volunteers, do’s and don’ts and gave an opportunity to ask questions.
Arriving for my first shift I felt apprehensive so the short briefing session from our shift leader was welcome. Above all the advice was ‘smile’ and be friendly as you may be the only person who has offered positive human contact to a guest for some time.
I spotted a man on his own shuffling a pack of cards, so I sat down next to him and said ‘hello would you like to play cards?’. Another volunteer joined us and we settled on gin rummy – and then sevens and pontoon. An hour later, which included an interesting conversation about how he had learnt cribbage in prison by just watching, it was time for the main meal of the day to be served by the volunteers.
My next shift started out ‘on the door’ which was brilliant as I got to know guests names and had an opportunity to ask how they were. Helping in the clothes store was fun being able to offer compliments about how well something suited a guest and finding them clothing they really needed in the freezing weather - such as gloves!
Overall a brilliant experience which gave me a new perspective on some people that I would previously have been wary of. The snippets of information about some of the guest’s lives partly explained their current situation and left me feeling sad that our society has often not been able to compensate for such things as broken chaotic families, addiction, mental health problems. However, throughout I was impressed by the courtesy and gratefulness of the guests and their camaraderie and caring attitude for each other. I am definitely signed up to being part of the project in 2009 and beyond!
Samanth Page
Anglesey
I love my Friday evenings! Every Friday I volunteer as a Beaver Scout Leader. I work with a team of 4 adults to provide fun and activities for 6 to 8 year olds. I have received training from our scouting district and invaluable experience. From camping,carnivals,nature trails and beach walks I find the experience so rewarding and relish the planning of the next adventure.
Helen Wilson
72 years old
Northern Ireland
I am no saint when it comes to volunteering, I came to volunteering when I found myself very alone. One minute there are two of you and the next there is only one. I am originally from Northern Ireland but spent most of my life in South Africa with my husband and family. We returned to Northern Ireland last year and just as we were getting settled, my husband passed away suddenly.
The days suddenly became very empty when he passed away. When things had began to settle down, I felt that I had to do something. I just couldn’t sit moping around alone for the rest of my life. My daughter suggested getting in touch with the Voluntary Service Bureau (VSB) - so that is what I did. Although I am helping others, volunteering is helping me too.
It was an easy decision to volunteer at the Ulster Hospital as my husband got great care there when he was ill and for that I am most grateful. I wanted to give something back – it is such a small thing to meet and greet, but you have no idea why people are there at the hospital and a friendly face at the door can help make their visit a little less stressful.
As for my befriending, I visit an elderly lady in her own home once a week for a chat and a bit of company. I’ll bring her some small messages and maybe remind her of things she has to do that week. I enjoy her company and she enjoys mine, so we both benefit. I enjoy meeting new people and chatting so my volunteering suits me. There are so many things that you can do through volunteering. I always hear about new opportunities but I have enough on to keep me involved and it is flexible – volunteering has enriched my life but I still have time to do other things I enjoy with family and friends.
Jonathan Guckian
18 years old
Northern Ireland
I always wanted to study medicine at university, so my volunteering at Altnagelvin Hospital in L’Derry, gives me the chance to see what a career as a Doctor would be like first hand. I first got involved because some of my friends volunteered at the hospital and suggested I sign up.
I am always learning and I enjoy spending time with patients. Sometimes I get to shadow doctors and participate in training workshops. Talking to patients during my time volunteering teaches me to empathise with patients and improve my ‘bedside manner’.
Volunteering is a great personal development opportunity. I would encourage anyone and everyone to volunteer as it is really enjoyable.
Jacqueline Pollock
27 years old
Northern Ireland
I got involved with Gateway, a youth club for children with learning disabilities when I was fifteen when I saw a poster in school advertising the club. My friend and I decided to go along and see what volunteering involved. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, as after 10 years I am still there.
I now work as a software engineer. I volunteer for three hours on a Saturday morning - it fits in well with the rest of my week and the opportunity to do something completely removed from my day job gives me a chance to unwind.
In 2007, I gained my OCN in Youth Work certificate which allowed me to take over as Leader in Charge. Now I'm organising the day to day running of the club and ensuring that other volunteers have access to relevant training.
I have gained a lot through volunteering. I was offered the opportunity to take part in a youth exchange to South Africa, am now on the committees of both Carrickfergus Mencap as well as Carrickfergus Citizens Advice.
Robert Batty
23 years old
Halifax, West Yorkshire
The Boys’ Brigade has been around in Halifax for over 100 years and is still going pretty strong with 12 Companies located in Halifax.
I volunteer at the 18th Halifax BB Company at Boothtown Methodist Church. Over all there are about 30 lads that turn up spread over the three sections, Anchors (aged 5 – 7), Juniors (aged 8 – 11) and Company (aged 12 to 18).
I’ve been a volunteer wince I was 15 where at the time I was helping out in the Anchors running games and helping with the craft activities. I was doing this as part of the work towards my Queens badge – the highest award in BB. At the time I hadn’t thought of where I would be 5 or even 10 years time but here I am still turning up twice a week to run the activities we do.
As well as all of this there are the numerous competitions that are help for both the Juniors And Company from basket ball to the swimming gala. The thing is when I think back to when I was thirteen or fourteen the things I enjoyed was going out and doing something different – the competitions, different nights and that’s what kept me in BB, so if we can keep that going then hopefully the lads that are in now will too stay in BB and grow up to be great young men.
If you would like some more information about Boys’ Brigade feel free to contact me at robertbatty9015@hotmail.com or ring me at 07872832244. We are always looking for people to lend a hand.
Amanda Cerasale
48 years old
Watford Herts I do voluntary work at Watford mencap on Thursday afternoons & sometimes on Saturday,s when they are short of staff or when the shop gets very busy. I love volunteering there very much, I have agained a lot of confidence & have made a lot of friends there I feel that I'm now part of the furniture.
Volunteering has meant a lot to me as I have got older, because when I was younger I was labelled as no good & a spoilt child by all the teachers when I was at school & those names all though they did hurt me but it has made me more of a determind person as I have got older in years, so volunteering means a lot to me.
Erin Mannix
29 years old
Chicago
Well I've been working at a nursing home for a while now.....I help with my 3rd floor activy staff..... my duties are passing out coffee, cookies and silverware and water for lunch. June 18th will be my 5 years there and I am loving it very much.
Mrs Samantha Pace
33 years old
Anglesey
I love my Friday evenings! Every Friday I volunteer as a Beaver Scout Leader. I work with a team of 4 adults to provide fun and activities for 6 to 8 year olds. I have received training from our scouting district and invaluable experience. From camping,carnivals,nature trails and beach walks I find the experience so rewarding and relish the planning of the next adventure.
Rachel Cassidy
32 years old
London
I am a mentor a boy of 8 with Chance UK. Every Saturday we meet up and go out. We've done loads of things from seeing Arsenal at Hibury, the IMAX in Waterloo, Science Museum, Discover in Stratford, bike riding and football playing.
There have been loads of special moments which will stay with me and hopefully my mentee forever. The whole experience has given both of us the chance to learn and grow. Its by far the most challenging and rewarding thing i have done so far.
