|
 |
Volunteer Centre Lewisham
2nd Floor Showroom
H E Olby
307-313 Lewisham High Street
Lewisham
London
SE13 6NW |
|
 |
|
![]()
|
|
|
Volunteers Stories
 |
A Volunteer Advisors Story...
 I moved to Lewisham in October 2005 and was looking for employment; I felt quite low and lacked confidence in myself. I attended an event that Volunteer Centre Lewisham were holding to inform people about volunteering. I met the staff of Volunteer Centre and booked an appointment to meet an adviser, then I cancelled the appointment due to nerves but when I phoned to cancel I was rebooked another appointment for the following week.
The advisor suggested that I try the role of volunteer advisor and within a week I had attended the office for an interview and started my training to become a volunteer advisor. Within a few weeks I was volunteering at the outreach point in Catford Library with the advisor I had seen for my appointment.
I was very pleased because I really enjoyed meeting and interviewing all the clients and each week my fears disappeared and my confidence grew. My colleague was a joy to work with and made the role very enjoyable whilst also giving me very good guidance and training. The role allowed me to focus on all my positive points and the skills and knowledge I had gained!
I also started volunteering at the office of VCL doing data entry – it helped me to understand office procedures and how VCL works. The office environment the made me feel at ease and all the staff treated me very well. I was able to ask them any questions I had and they always had time to answer – no matter how busy they were. I really felt part of the team and understood that my role as volunteer advisor was an important part of VCL.
After I had been volunteering for a while my confidence grew and I applied for the role of Trainee Benefit Advisor at Lewisham Council. I used my experience as a volunteer advisor at the interview and was successful with my application! I can honestly say that without doing the role of volunteer advisor I would not have got my job. My job is similar to that of a volunteer advisor and involves interviewing clients one to one. I would really advise anyone from any background to volunteer as an advisor with VCL. You can get so much back from just giving a few hours a week!
Now?! Now I am applying to be on the Management Committee of VCL.
June O’ Rosei , Ex-Volunteer Advisor with Volunteer Centre Lewisham
If you would like to find out more about volunteering please call 020 8613 7113
Jody Francis, who volunteered with the Ahoy Centre as an Administrator
Being at AHOY has given me back my life which I thought would never come. My self worth and confidence is growing day to day. To be part of a charity, helping people has helped me to move on.
Over the past few months I have been reducing my medication with the hope to have a child. I have not experienced any change in my moods, even with the big change in my life.
Thank you so much for your help, bearing with me and coming along on my first appointment. Your support is what got me on the first run of the ladder and I am very grateful.
The AHOY centre know all about my illness, they accept me for who I am, not what condition I have. Mandy has offered me a pay position, starting with a months contract to see how I feel. I am hoping I can accept the position as I feel it would develop me further and stay well.
|
 |
|
Home | Volunteers | Organisations | News, Events & Training | About Us | Contact Us |
|
|
|
|
|
