All this week we are sharing volunteer stories, highlighting the importance of celebrating volunteers and their contribution. Today we are sharing Helen's and Rita's stories:
Volunteer name: Helen
Age: 60
Where are you from?
Stockport
What's your volunteer role and what do you do in that role?
I teach English in an informal setting to foreign nationals many of whom are asylum seekers and refugees.
How long have you been volunteering for?
18months
How did you get involved with volunteering?
I saw a flyer from a charitable organisation looking for help with language skills for day to day living.
Why did you get involved in volunteering?
I wanted to help those who find themselves in a foreign country by enabling them to communicate in their new surroundings and by allowing them to come together in a spirit of friendship and welcome
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Meeting people from different cultures. Enabling them to function and empowering them to enjoy day to day living in this country.
What difference has volunteering made to your life?
A feeling of wellbeing and helping to make a difference to what is sometimes a difficult situation for those less fortunate.
How does volunteering make you feel?
Like a global citizen. More aware of international issues and able to see the human stories, sometimes sad but often times humorous that these people share.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
Give it a try. Meet like-minded people. Know that any small step you take, maybe just an hour or two of your time, can make a hugely positive difference to somebody else.
What’s your favourite volunteering memory?
A young mother had a problem with her daughter at school. She said that previously she was not confident enough to approach the teacher due to her poor language skills. After conversational English sessions in my group she felt empowered to go into school and the matter was resolved immediately and her daughter is now back to enjoying attending school.
Volunteer name: Rita
Age: 18
Where are you from?
Manchester
What's your volunteer role and what do you do in that role:
Fundraising campaign & befriending volunteer
How long have you been volunteering for?
3 years
How did you get involved with volunteering?
I got involved in helping to raise funds and enjoy being part of a team
Why did you get involved in volunteering?
Because I want to be part of the community and to give back. Also, I am really passionate about supporting the Widows Empowerment project and love supporting it.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
Helping customer to pack their bags especially elderly people, I feel really fulfilled.
What difference has volunteering made to your life?
Volunteering has helped to build my confidence, ability and skills.
How does volunteering make you feel?
Volunteering has made me feel valued and appreciated.
What would you say to someone thinking about volunteering?
I would encourage people to be part of the community especially young people as it helps us stay focused.
What’s your favourite volunteering memory?
I am just glad I am able to reach out to others who are less privileged.
All week we will be on social media and are using the hashtags #VolunteersWeek and #PeopleofGreaterMcr - please get involved in the conversation and share your volunteer stories too! You can also submit your stories here.