Len worked for three days a week as a volunteer with Hackney Voluntary Action for over two years.  We asked Len to tell us about his experiences as a volunteer and what advice he would give to anyone considering doing volunteering work.

 

What type of work did you do?

 

I worked mainly in the Resource Centre, helping people to find volunteer vacancies. So I did a lot of ‘meeting and greeting’, which I really enjoyed. I always try to make people feel at ease. I explained to people how to use the PC equipment here and how best to find a volunteer position to meet their needs. Sometimes, if English was not someone’s first language, then I would contact prospective employers on their behalf. 

 

I provided administrative support to other HVA team members and helped out where I could. I also helped out at the various volunteering events that were organised, such as annual Volunteer Awards ceremony.

 

One of the most rewarding experiences for me during my time with HVA was providing learning support to another volunteer who has mild autism. So I learned a lot about this particular condition. I also learned to recognise people’s strengths and how to help people develop their potential.

 

What did you gain from working as a volunteer?

 

A lot!  I really enjoyed the sense of helping people.  Some of the people who came here to look for volunteering opportunities have been long-term unemployed.  Helping them to find rewarding volunteer positions gave me a great sense of satisfaction.  Sometimes the only thing that people lack is confidence. If I can help them develop their confidence and find a rewarding volunteer position, then I feel a great sense of satisfaction.

 

What skills have you developed?

 

During the time I worked with HVA, I learnt so much.  Not only all the usual office skills such as how to answer the telephone correctly and use office equipment, but I also worked closely with people from different backgrounds, so I developed better communication skills. I also worked closely with other volunteers

 

What advice would you give anyone who is considering doing voluntary work?

 

Go for it! It was a very rewarding experience for me and I would recommend it to anyone.  If you are looking for work, then volunteering gives you good work experience.  I gained confidence about working in an office environment, I learned to use office equipment, I worked with people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures.

 

All this experience has opened doors for me, both in terms of work opportunities and educational opportunities. So if you are thinking of volunteering – do it! 

 

Where are you going to next?

 

I am still a part-time student at London Metropolitan University. But I will also be volunteering as a ‘Reading Help’ at a local primary school from mid September.