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.