What do you study and which year are you in?
BA. Geography 2nd year
Where do you volunteer?
Leonard Cheshire
How often do you volunteer, and for long?
I volunteer once a week, every Friday from 10 until 4
What’s your typical session as a volunteer involve?
I work one on one with a gentleman with severe cerebral palsy, we work together creating a guide to the West End entertainment venues for the clients of Leonard Cheshire day centre in Royal Oak. The gentleman I work with is unable to speak so I have had to learn his method of communication, which involves eye and head movements.
What were your first impressions when you started volunteering?
I was very nervous to begin with but was made to feel very comfortable very quickly
How do you feel about it now?
I am at total ease at the charity now, I have got to know the staff and the clients well and feel at home when I am there. And I really enjoy being there.
What’s the best thing about volunteering?
It’s something that gives you great experience at dealing with different situations and people. And it will also improve your confidence.
And what’s the most challenging thing?
For me the most challenging thing was learning to communicate with the client I work with, it requires a great deal of patience and confidence.
How has volunteering changed you?
I don’t think it has changed me, although it has improved my confidence and my ability to react to different situations
What difference do you feel you’ve made by volunteering?
I see the confidence of the client I work with improving every time we meet, also when we finish the guide it will help all of the clients at the day centre.
Would you recommend the project to anyone else? If so, why?
Definitely, they are always looking for volunteers at Leonard Cheshire with a variety of projects on offer. They give you good training and help you every step of the way.
BA. Geography 2nd year
Where do you volunteer?
Leonard Cheshire
How often do you volunteer, and for long?
I volunteer once a week, every Friday from 10 until 4
What’s your typical session as a volunteer involve?
I work one on one with a gentleman with severe cerebral palsy, we work together creating a guide to the West End entertainment venues for the clients of Leonard Cheshire day centre in Royal Oak. The gentleman I work with is unable to speak so I have had to learn his method of communication, which involves eye and head movements.
What were your first impressions when you started volunteering?
I was very nervous to begin with but was made to feel very comfortable very quickly
How do you feel about it now?
I am at total ease at the charity now, I have got to know the staff and the clients well and feel at home when I am there. And I really enjoy being there.
What’s the best thing about volunteering?
It’s something that gives you great experience at dealing with different situations and people. And it will also improve your confidence.
And what’s the most challenging thing?
For me the most challenging thing was learning to communicate with the client I work with, it requires a great deal of patience and confidence.
How has volunteering changed you?
I don’t think it has changed me, although it has improved my confidence and my ability to react to different situations
What difference do you feel you’ve made by volunteering?
I see the confidence of the client I work with improving every time we meet, also when we finish the guide it will help all of the clients at the day centre.
Would you recommend the project to anyone else? If so, why?
Definitely, they are always looking for volunteers at Leonard Cheshire with a variety of projects on offer. They give you good training and help you every step of the way.
