As part of the Volunteer Week we are sharing people’s stories and experiences with volunteering! Sharing the insight on why people have volunteered, the kind of roles they have taken on and how it has benefited them, which can vary from gaining new skills, to making connections across the community, to keeping them active and more!

What volunteering do you do and what does it involve?

I volunteer at Reading Voluntary Action and while here I’ve had many different roles and a variety of tasks to keep me occupied. The range of tasks over the years include: advertising volunteering opportunities on social media, keeping areas of this website up-to-date, writing up newsletters, working on spreadsheets to present data in an easy to read way, graphic design work, the list goes on, heck, I’m fairly sure a few years back I even publicly spoke at a conference about the benefits of volunteering.

What do you get from volunteering?

Dare I say, stability, routine and a purpose while going through some personal development. Years ago just after completing higher education studies in music I lost my job and shortly after that I got a late diagnosis of autism in my mid-20s, it completely stumped me, my mental health was not in a good place.

Volunteering was suggested to me as a stepping stone towards getting back on track, having a place to go to once a week brought back a sense of routine again, it tackles isolation and in general it has improved my mental health.

What difference do you think your volunteering makes?

Initially I was going to say not much, however being able to alleviate tasks from others and being able to provide support in a wide range of tasks behind the scenes means that a lot of things can run more smoothly.

While I’m not directly responsible for connecting volunteers with organisations through face-to-face meetings I am certain the work I have done here has led to people in the community finding fun opportunities.

Tyler
Volunteer Assistant
Reading Voluntary Action

Are you interested in volunteering?

Please have a look at the Volunteering Opportunities that are currently available by clicking here! The website is updated with new and exciting roles on a regular basis from organisations all around the Reading area!