Case StudiesMark – Volunteer Driver Mark came to see me in the office over a year ago, with an idea that he might like to volunteer. He had not worked for a few years due to ill health and had lost his confidence. He also needed something to do. We talked about maybe the Handyperson Scheme or driving for one of the organisations as he said he didn’t want to do any paperwork. I often bumped into Mark down the street, passed the time of day, but he seemed reluctant to come and visit me again. Then one day, he appeared at the door and we talked some more. We decided that driving would be the best option, as he had driven vans before, so I took a chance and asked the Coordinator of the Car Scheme to pop in for a chat whilst he was there and they asked if he could do a job for them the next day, to help them out. He agreed to give it a try and has not looked back since. He now drives for the scheme several times a week, has grown in confidence to get himself another house and a new circle of friends. Even his health has improved. Pam – Volunteer Telephonist I first met Pam when I gave a talk to the local WEA group and she was keen to make use of the computer skills she was learning. She hadn’t worked for many years, due to ill health and family problems but she was trying to make some changes in her life. We discussed various opportunities and being a telephonist appealed to her and it would fit in with her other commitments. Since taking up this opportunity, Pam now has a part time job, is involved with other local voluntary groups and has started a Healthy Minds group along with other colleagues. She has also become the owner of a lovely puppy and met and got engaged to a man from the same village as where she lives. Gillian – Volunteer Advice Worker Gillian came into the Volunteer Centre looking for a change in career, as she found herself out of a job with no direction in life. She wasn’t sure which area she would like but I sent her along to the Citizens Advice Bureau for a chat with the Coordinator, who could help her to decide whether it was the right direction for her. Gillian started at the CAB on a once-a-week basis and before long she was offered a part time job in the office. April – Millennium Volunteer April was a 17 year old high school pupil. For many years she was interested in dance and drama and has volunteered at many community events. In August 2005 she began rehearsals for the local Christmas Pantomime run by the Community Drama Group. For four months she volunteered her services by attending intensive rehearsals in preparation for the pantomime, culminating in four performances in December. She signed up for an MV Youth Volunteering award with the hope of achieving gold accreditation. She collated the 200 hours of volunteering needed by combining her drama work and the ‘Buddy Volunteer Service’ operated with the High School. April was hoping to be accepted into Aberdeen University the next year to study primary school teaching and feels that the skills she has gained undertaking the MV Award will be a welcome addition to her CV and a vehicle for discussion at any potential interview. Louise - My voluntary Experience My name is Louise, I’m 18 years old and I am currently in college in my final year of workwise. My hobbies and interests are playing hockey, watching my local football team, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and the main one for me is dance. I heard about volunteering through Ann Evans when she came to my college class and spoke to us about volunteering places that were looking for people. What interested me in volunteering is the experience and getting to know what volunteering is like. I am undertaking the role of receptionist which is enjoyable but can be hard work. This means answering calls, making appointments and passing people onto other organisations. I would recommend volunteering to other people as it’s a great experience and you meet new people and learn new skills. I volunteer for four hours every Wednesday and enjoy it. A typical day in my volunteering experience is to get in, get the computer booted up ready to add volunteer details or opportunities onto the company database VBAY. I also answer the phone and make appointments. A really busy day for me is when the phone won’t stop ringing. The good bits to volunteering is everything really as you learn new skills, meet new people and have a great time with the staff. What keeps me motivated to volunteer my time is knowing that I’m going to keep learning new skills and meet new people every week that I’m in. There isn’t anything that’s bad it’s all good. And at the end of the day you’ve helped people with their work. I think that volunteering will help me with my future employment as I can put on my CV that I’ve done voluntary work. |
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