Caroline, 62, volunteers at The Workshop with One Manchester.
I’m a self-employed hairdresser from Salford, and in 2020, I was furloughed. I have worked all my life and finding myself at home with no routine was very difficult for me.
As I started to feel lonely and isolated, I wanted to get involved with something worthwhile to give me some focus and give something back to the community. I reached out to The Workshop to get involved with volunteering with them.
My role as packer at The Workshop involves packing bags of food to sell at discounted prices to the community in Hulme. This includes packing a variety of fruit and vegetables, cupboard essential and chilled goods and then serving these to the community with a warm welcoming smile.
I have been volunteering there for 3 months and it has made such a difference to my life. It has greatly increased my confidence and self-belief and I have made some new friends along the way! I enjoy being part of a team and meeting new people.
I would say to anyone thinking about volunteering to just do it! It’s so rewarded and you develop new skills and also new friends. I have loved working as a team and serving the community in Hulme. I had lost my confidence and my usual routine and volunteering has been so worthwhile for me, and I have gained a great sense of achievement through it.
What song best sums up your volunteering experience:
Neil Diamond - Sweet Caroline
