Kathleen and Neco's stories

Kathleen was referred to VCM through a Connexions PA in August 2009, aged 17 years. Kathleen wanted to volunteer as although she was happy with her circle of friends she felt she needed to have an activity that was just for her and allowed her to be herself.
 

Kathleen also wanted to learn skills that couldn’t be taught at school. Kathleen was keen to learn how to communicate with a variety of people, particularly those with a learning disability. Her friend’s sister has special needs and she mentioned that apart from her, she didn’t feel 100% confident when talking with other people with extra support needs.

Since then Kathleen has completed 112 hours volunteering at The Squad, a youth club for young people with learning disabilities. Kathleen has just attended a VCM award ceremony where she was presented with a certificate for 100 hours of volunteering by the Mayor of Merton.

Kathleen feels that her confidence had soared and she put this down to being given responsibility and the opportunity to be herself away from her peer group.

She has also had access to training which in turn has helped her confidence, working with a diverse range of people. She recently went on a residential with The Squad and completed training prior to this on different disabilities and how to deal with different situations.

As a result of her volunteering experience Kathleen’s confidence has increased and she has produced a social network that is personal to her and completely her own. Kathleen feels that this has strengthened her individuality and this has helped her find out who she is and who she wants to be.
 

Kathleen feels more comfortable around those with learning disabilities and has broadened her understanding of different people and lifestyles.
 

Through volunteering Kathleen has made a valued contribution to society by giving others the confidence to take part in various activities and help them ensure their voice is counted.
 

Neco came to the Volunteer Centre in July 2009 with his step-mum who felt he needed something to do to prevent him staying inside all day, playing video games.  Neco didn’t want to do any volunteering and admits he wasn’t very interested.

Neco had arrived from Mauritius a year previous and since being in the UK had confined himself mostly to his bedroom. We discussed why this was and he explained that he lacked confidence due to his level of English. We talked about the way that volunteering could help his English improve and in turn increase his confidence. He discussed with me how it would be nice to have something to do and keep him busy, since he wasn’t in education or employment. Neco also told me how he was quite lonely as he had no friends his own age with whom he could socialise.

Neco has since completed 100 hours of admin and social network volunteering at the Volunteer Centre. Through this he feels he has gained organisational skills and has learned how to use Photoshop. In his time at VCM, Neco helped the youth team by creating publicity posters as well as updating our database. He feels his confidence over this period dramatically increased and he now feels confident talking to anyone. Neco says his family have also noticed this increase in confidence.
 

Neco also got involved in a Cultural Awareness event, volunteering to organise a dance group’s performances. He has made friends his own age through this group and tells me he has found a best friend in one of the girls who dances with him. 
Neco also says his volunteering helped him access more training opportunities. He took part in a 2 day training course in Decision Making and then went on to sit on the panel for the Positive Activities Fund through the London Borough of Merton, helping to decide which new projects in Merton should be funded.

 
Neco realised through his volunteering that whilst he enjoyed assisting in an admin role, this is it not what he wants to do as a career. However he is glad he has been able to use the role to test a career to help him make choices for the future.
His English has vastly improved and he feels this accounts for a lot of his confidence.

Neco is now looking at moving into a career that is more physical and involves working with people and explains that working as part of a team has helped his ability to cooperate and work collaboratively.