Which project did you volunteer with? What was your main role/s?

I joined Warwick Volunteers during my first year. Initially, I was a one-off volunteer, but subsequently I took on the role of Project Leader for the Buddy Club. During my third year, I also took on an exec position as the Project Leader Support Officer.

What does your job entail now?

I have secured a role as Liaison Officer for Voluntary Action Coventry. My role involves a lot of bits and bobs. There is a lot of outreach and working with other organisations. Quite recently, we worked alongside ArtyFolks to run a World Mental Health day event where people could learn about different organisations in Coventry that support people with isolation. I support and run events. My pet project has been a series of workshop around isolation (i.e. an introduction to positive psychology and active listening). I was teaching as an undergraduate teaching assistant whilst I was at Warwick and I loved it so I jumped at the chance to do a bit of teaching and training. I provide practical and emotional support to my clients. I signpost and refer clients, listen and meet with participants and volunteers and advocate for them when needed. I do a bit of research and evaluation to understand whether our interventions are seen as useful. Also, I create social media content and schedule it on our pages. I have recently got involved with AMIF, a project supporting migrants in Coventry. I now know a lot more about the refugee crisis and the difficulties that asylum seekers face. In this project, I have supported with video editing – which is a lot cooler and harder than I thought it would be.

Have you drawn on examples from your volunteering experience when applying for jobs? Has your volunteering been instrumental in securing any of your jobs since University?

I did not think that I would get the job. I was probably at least twenty years younger than the other candidates that were interviewed. I think that one of the key things that set me apart from the other candidates was my enthusiasm about volunteering. Throughout my three years volunteering with WV, I continuously saw people brought in from the fringes of society into a community. I witnessed people using their passions in art, teaching, chess, and coding as a tool to support others. In particular, I saw volunteers who were struggling – whether it be with mental health, course demands or vocation – flourish and develop confidence. I came to realise that volunteering has the power to impact individuals as well as communities and this is something that I learned not to take for granted.

Do you use any of the skills you developed in volunteering with Warwick in your current role?

Volunteering has helped me to develop as a person. At University, I struggled a lot with my mental health. I was extremely anxious and depressed. When I started volunteering, I had the opportunity to dip my toe in slightly through the one-off volunteering scheme. The lack of regular commitment meant that I could contribute but also get space when I needed too. At the end of my first year, I started volunteering as a Project Leader for the Buddy Club. This was much more of a challenge for me. Not only did I have to talk to residents, but I also had to lead the other volunteers and communicate with WV staff. As every Wednesday approached, I would fill with dread. Yet again, I had to be social. However, by after volunteering, I would feel considerably lighter. I often went home to my flatmates, telling them of the many laughs and stories that the weeks’ session had brought. I was constantly pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. Though uncomfortable, it was nice to always have the support from other project leaders, exec members and staff. From the experience of volunteering, I have become considerably more confident. Also when my mental health was at its worse, volunteering was always a bright positive thing. It made me feel competent and reminded me that my actions can do a lot of good for people.

Have you been involved in any further volunteering or community work since you left Warwick?

I have been volunteering in various capacities since graduating. I am a blogger and sub-editor for Student Minds, a charity that focuses on students struggling with their mental health. So far, my work has involved working with voluntary communities which is exciting! I also support people who are volunteering. I worked with a University Department to deliver training for a group of students partaking in a Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic mentoring scheme.

What was your most memorable experience of volunteering with Warwick?

As a project leader, I helped to organise a Christmas party for the elderly residents. It was very stressful organising the event, especially as we had decided to get societies to perform, organise transport, purchase snacks, and contact volunteers. The Christmas party went very well. The residents and volunteers were happy, and I was immensely proud of the team effort.

Has volunteering had any impact on your career path or plans?

Volunteering has shown me that I can never be that person working for a corporate company or working just to get money. I need to have purpose and my work needs to help people.

Would you recommend volunteering with WV to other people?

I would definitely recommend volunteering. Warwick Volunteers have something for everyone. There are one-off projects for people who cannot commit to anything big but regular commitments for those who like routine. You can volunteer as part of a big group or small. It is possible to work behind the scenes or on the frontlines. Moreover, there are development opportunities if you want to gain experience into specific sectors including charity work, teaching and healthcare. My one piece of advice would be pursuing an option that aligns with your passion. It is very clear when someone cares about what they are doing, and that can make all the difference. If you are not sure about what you are passionate about, try out one-off volunteering first.