Volunteering

Our Volunteers

Bex

Why did you want to become a volunteer?

”I’ve always volunteered, it was a requirement at my high school to do 100 hours. In order to graduate. I did closer to 400 hours. I enjoyed helping others. I’ve volunteered all of my adult life because I feel like it’s important to give back to my community and since I’ve moved around a lot as military family member, my community was wherever in the world I was at the time. Volunteering gives you an automatic friendship circle, you are with people who have a similar set of values, ethos, and mindset; being part of a team working towards the same goal.”

What do you enjoy as a volunteer?

Apart from the camaraderie, I genuinely enjoy knowing that what I am doing and my efforts are making a difference in other people’s lives, and I’m having a positive influence on the world around me. Being able to be a volunteer means that I am directly contributing to people who could use my help. And I am happy to help. The friendships I’ve made through volunteering in different organisations around the world means that I have friends all over. My experience volunteering has also helped me improve my career trajectory. I’ve taken breaks from working to have my kids but I carried on volunteering because it was great to have a social connection that wasn’t only about being a mum.

Would you recommend volunteering and why?

I would wholeheartedly recommend volunteering, it’s probably one of the best ways to give you a sense of peace, gratitude, and connection to everyone around you. You’re always appreciated and valued as a volunteer which is a lovely feeling. I think the skills you develop as a volunteer can be applied in so many areas of your life and just make you a more compassionate, well-rounded person. Volunteering is great especially if you are new to an area or if you’re a student, it’s brilliant for getting to know the people in your local area. I know I was very happy to find Club Wilber after I graduated from uni as a mature student in 2019. I look forward to the next cooking class in September, can’t wait to sample some treats and spend time with the kids. Hope to see more people there, volunteering with me.

Now is the time to get involved and help us to make a difference to the children and adults living with a sensory impairment across Yorkshire.  To join our growing group of volunteers, please complete our Enquiry form.  To learn more about becoming a volunteer at the Wilberforce Trust continue to our volunteer page.