Volunteering Stories

Get inspired by the contribution volunteers make.

Samuel, Library Champion

Samuel volunteered with the Library Champions because he felt that he wanted to add experiences to his CV while also doing something which benefits people, too. Samuel chose the Library Champions specifically because he felt that he would be able to contribute a lot to the scheme.

“I’ve always loved reading, and as a physics student I thought I could help get other science students to better engage with the library. I really developed my confidence through this scheme. I think that by doing the various tasks I needed to do I found that I already could do them. It showed me that I could be confident and say ‘Yes, I can do that’ or ‘Yes, I’ll take on that responsibility,’ and then follow through on that commitment.”

When asked what he would say to anyone who hasn’t volunteered before, Samuel says, “Volunteering is fun, helps others, and helps develop yourself too. If you have time, it’s definitely worth it!”

Kazz, Finance Volunteer at Vista

Kazz gained practical office-based experience by volunteering at Vista’s Head Office, where there are a range of different departments. Vista is a charity that supports people with sight loss. Upon reflecting on her experience, Kazz said it was fun and realised just how important each person is to supporting the charitable organisations’ mission.

When asked what he would say to anyone who hasn’t volunteered before, Kazz said: “It’s nice to do an activity once a week for your mental health, and also just be involved with society as a whole. Talk to everyone and anyone.

Don’t be shy to try new things. Don’t stress out if you miss a day. There is no attendance so feel free to go again even if you haven’t gone for a long time.”

Anubhooti, Library Champion

Anubhooti opted to volunteer as a Library Champion as she wanted to enhance her English reading skills but gained so much more than she anticipated. Anubhooti says the most enjoyable part of her experience was working with others who are equally passionate about growing, learning and researching. When asked if she benefitted from her experience, Anubhooti says, “Being a volunteer not only help us make a difference but will help us to grow individually and academically. I made very good friends from other departments and networked with people working in the library.  I enhanced my reading, presentation, communication and team working skills.”

Frankie, School Reading Buddy

Frankie volunteered on a fortnightly basis for over 6 months to support children in a local primary school with their reading and offered additional classroom support, when required. Frankie also boosted her confidence and communication skills by creating a presentation to teach classrooms full of children about the Chinese New Year.

Upon reflecting on her volunteering experience, Frankie said: “After seeing the teachers and the Teaching Assistants handling over 30 pupils, I learned that teaching positions are very demanding, so I am glad to be helpful to the teaching staff, no matter how small the impact might be.”

Gunjan, Warning Zone Volunteer

Gunjan volunteered for Warning Zone, a local charity dedicated to teaching life-skills and safeguarding to children in an engaging and interactive setting.

Volunteering has benefited her in many ways. It has helped her to enhance her leadership skills and interact with people of all ages. Volunteering has also provided Gunjan with a platform to discover exciting career paths and gain valuable practical experience to build her CV.

Gunjan feels a real sense of pride through her volunteering and said: “The most enjoyable and rewarding part of my experience was working with children and seeing them learn about safety. I enjoyed teaching them and helping them to understand key messages around being safe online. I was also proud to be part of the Warning Zone team and to contribute to their mission of making the world a safer place.”

Volunteer case studies | Everyone has a story