Challenge Yourself: Volunteer talks about how he got started

“I called at the Roundhouse looking for a volunteering role and as I left I asked the question “Do you need volunteers?”

I received a call soon after inviting me back for a further interview.

When I started volunteering my role was mostly admin but over the months, I have taken on more responsibility and have been able to develop my particular interests.

I now present the weekly VISIT sessions which are an introduction to the topic for people who are new to volunteering.

This is an opportunity for potential volunteers to gain an understanding of the scope of volunteering in a relaxed and informal setting.

I am also an advisor and in one to one sessions with potential volunteers I help them to identify volunteering opportunities that match their skills and interests and then refer then on to the organisation s of their choice.

As one of a group of volunteer ambassadors, I am about to arrange visits to a number of the key organisations that we support.

This is in order to better understand their needs so that we can give the best possible service to them and to those wishing to volunteer.

In my 18 months I have gained an insight into people`s reasons for volunteering and the barriers they may face.

I have gained a qualification at the age of 68 – PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector).

I have made new friends and while they have to listen to me talking about running, folk music and poetry, my other friends have to listen to me constantly talking about volunteering.

During my working career, I was never keen on Monday mornings but I now really look forward to my Monday mornings at the Volunteer Centre.”

+ Want to give volunteering a try? To find out more visit www.volunteerdacorum.org