Monday 3 June – Sunday 9 June
Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Volunteers’ Week and look to inspire more people to make a difference.
This year we are sharing 4 stories of current Volunteers and their roles and passions, throughout the week.
Culminating on Wed 19 June with a Pamper Day/Volunteer Event for our volunteers including local community groups such as Age Concern where further volunteer opportunities can also sourced by the wider community.
Volunteering gives you focus. New learning. Meet new people and a different perspective.
We would love to hear more about you and for you to know more about us.
What we do and how you can get involved.
Get in contact joyce.wallace@advocacymatters.co.uk 0121 321 2377
#VolunteersWeek Vol to Vol: Advocacy Matters and Us
Admin Volunteer, Nuala in chatting to Volunteer Advocate, Janell
- Who am I:
I am a Mum and Carer. My son is Autistic. When I came to England I received a lot of professional and emotional support- I felt blessed.
It made me want to volunteer. At college I started with Sifa Fireside. Signposting and supporting homeless, vulnerable people, for over 2yrs.
- How I got involved with AM?
I left Sifa and wanted to help people even more- searched Google and found AM. Now, I’m a Befriender and Volunteer Advocate. This is the first time I have advocated and I was fearful.However with training, staff help and mentoring- I feel I am ready for the challenge.
- Memorable Volunteering Moments:
As a Befriender,calling my partners – interacting/listening to them over the phone. I love hearing them smile.
As a Volunteer Advocate I get a similar feeling – helping people through their struggles to get their voice heard and issues resolved.
· How I make a difference:
I really feel happy when l hear someone l befriend say “speak to you next week” makes me feel so happy.
Helping partners to confront fears and challenges, that they have
struggled with on their own.
Helping to resolve issues and eliminate barriers whilst supporting people to live independently.
What hobbies/interests do you have?
I’m a homebody.
Do you consider yourself to be a patient person?
LOL- I’d like to think so! In this role you have to treat everyone individually, based on their need.
Volunteer factoid:
- An estimated 14.2m people in the UK volunteered through a group, club or organisation in 2021/22.https://volunteersweek.org/about-volunteers-week/why-is-volunteering-important/
You can also inspire and make a real difference, come and join our Advo-cats!
Contact info@advocacymatters.co.uk For more info