Emillie

I have been volunteering for the past 10 years for numerous animal charities and helping combat loneliness for the elderly residents in our community.

For the last four years, I have held a present drive for the elderly at Christmas. My aim was to ensure that the elderly in our community did not feel lonely at Christmas and if we could give them a small token gift to show that they are being thought of, then this could be a great way to start to achieve that. I have now distributed over 1400 gifts over the past four years which has been incredible. I cannot put into words the heartfelt thanks that are always received.

Not only has volunteering enabled me to gain confidence and experience but it has also led me to find my true passion in life, animal welfare. Volunteering is a small effort on my part but brings such joy and satisfaction, the rewards are endless.

Jennie

I ended a long city career in London when I had my daughter.  After a year of being a stay-at-home Mum, I struggled a bit with not fully using my ‘grey matter’.  I turned to volunteering as a way of helping others and also myself as I was feeling a bit isolated and was losing my self-confidence.

Over four years (until my daughter started at school and I returned to local part-time work) I volunteered for weekly Mother and Baby/Toddler groups and summer holiday clubs for young children.  I helped with running my son’s Beaver/Cub Pack and his primary school, helping out in the classrooms.  I also acted as Clerk to the Governors of this primary school for 5 years. Through my church I volunteered for many roles, helping with all age group activities.

I felt fulfilled by volunteering and helping people in a variety of different ways.  I gained a lot of experience, confidence and also some lovely new friends, as did my children when they came with me to certain events and helped out too.  Volunteering is an experience that I would thoroughly recommend as it is so diverse, and there are so many different opportunities.