Volunteer Stories
“Signing up with the volunteer Centre was the best thing I had done for an age. I could see the range of work available and gained a valuable introduction to my chosen area. I would not at that time have had the courage to walk in off the street to introduce myself.
I also enjoy the get togethers, being made to feel very special and needed and being able to meet others in similar positions. For me it was an introduction to gaining employment in my chosen placement, which would have never happened had I not contacted the volunteer centre. Ongoing contact and support throughout this year has been warming too, a kind word goes a long way, thank you!”
“I have been a Volunteer for 3 years. To date I have volunteered with Out and About Community Transport, The Good Morning Project and the Marie Curie Charity Shop.
Volunteering has opened up opportunities to meet new people, has given me a purpose in life and has allowed me to give something back to the community, after suffering a period of ill health.
Volunteering suits a person like myself who finds it difficult to cope with the pressures of general employment and I find that my co-ordinators are very understanding of my needs. I would say to anyone who is thinking about volunteering – GO FOR IT!”
“I have been volunteering now for a few months. Volunteering has benefited me a lot as I have learnt new skills in working in an office as I was a brick layer beforehand. Volunteering has also helped me to meet new people as I found it hard to communicate with other people before hand.
I think volunteering would benefit a lot of people who would like to learn new skills and who would like to help the less fortunate or socially isolated.”
“I am 24 years old and have just started volunteering in the Magherafelt Volunteer Centre. It has helped me to improve my training skills towards full time employment and I am enjoying it very much. I would advise anyone who is thinking about voluntary work to go for it; it provides me with a great opportunity to meet new people.”