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Projects - Access Project
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A Volunteer Advisors Story......
I had only moved to Lewisham in October 2005 and was looking for employment; I felt quite low and lacked confidence in myself. I read in the Mercury newspaper that the Volunteer Centre Lewisham was having an event at the Methodist Church in December for people to find out about volunteering. I attended the event and felt very nervous and anxious before I arrived. At the event I met various organisations who were looking for volunteers and I also met Isobel from the Volunteer Centre Lewisham (VCL). Everyone was really friendly and helpful and Isobel made an appointment for me to attend the VCL outreach point at Catford Library in January.
I cancelled the appointment due to nerves but when I phoned to cancel I was rebooked another appointment for the following week. I decided to face my fears and went to the appointment – I overcame all my obstacles and met an advisor at Catford Library who was very friendly and helpful. 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 enjoyed meeting all the other volunteer advisors and in particular one trip that we all went on to the Horniman Museum – I laughed from start to finish!
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!
June, Ex-Volunteer Advisor with Volunteer Centre Lewisham
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