Challenge Yourself: Web expert shares the story of how volunteering changed his life

Volunteer Michael Young shares his experiences of giving his time at the Dacorum Roundhouse

‘I have been volunteering at the volunteer centre for 18 months.

‘I started volunteering because I was looking to work in an office environment.

‘I went into nearly every job agency in town and the job centre. However they all told me I needed experience and the job centre was not interested as I was not on benefits and a student.

‘So, feeling a little deflated I went into the Volunteer Centre. I was amazed with the welcome and help I received and was soon offered a role within the centre.

‘When I started at the centre my role was a Centre volunteer which was mainly admin tasks. Once the team at the centre realised skills, my role developed into an IT Support and web design volunteer.

‘Since volunteering with Volunteer Centre Dacorum, I have gained the confidence and experience to move forward in my career. I have redesigned and built the centres website.

‘From other organisations seeing the website, I have been asked to create a website for them and am now working as self-employed web designer. Without the support and experience gained from volunteering within the centre I strongly believe this would not have been possible.

‘Not only have I gained experience from volunteering, but it continuously teaches me new things about people, situations, issues, teamwork, cooperation, and compassion.

‘By volunteering I realise the importance of giving back to the community and the need to support and help each other.’

If you would like to use your IT skills to help a charity or community group, why not get in touch with Volunteer Centre Dacorum to find out about the range of opportunities on offer?