Please introduce yourself
My name is Leo Thai, I volunteer at WHISH (Whitby Hidden Impairments Support and Help). I’ve volunteered there for just over a year and my role is now a Qualified Youth Worker.
What attracted you to the organisation and volunteer role?
I was involved with the organisation initially as a parent. Having experienced first hand the fantastic work that they do, and how much they have helped me and my family, it was impossible for me not to want to give something back. It was a small start, a few hours here and there and I felt welcome from day one.
What would you say to anyone thinking of volunteering?
I can only speak from experience. That old saying of what you give in life, you get back – as I said, I wanted to give back by volunteering as a way of saying ‘thank you’ – and it changed my future. What started as a few days volunteering has so far turned into new experiences, happy memories and brought me into contact with new friends and fantastic people. It has also lead to paid employment in a new field of work that I love. The skills I have learned are so varied and help me and others. I really can’t believe how things have changed for me in just over a year through volunteer work.
My advice would be find something you believe in and feel passionate about, start your volunteering journey and see where it goes. You won’t know until you start!
What was the best piece of advice given to you as a volunteer?
I can’t pick one piece as I get so much great advice from many different sources at WHISH. As well as helping others, volunteering is also about learning and gaining experience – so if I need to know anything I just ask the right person. If you are the right fit for the organisation you should get all the advice and support you need.
Finally, tell us something about yourself that your fellow volunteers would be surprised to know
I don’t know if it’s a surprise to anyone but I love writing. My three favourite subjects are politics and political theory, Aston Villa FC and nostalgic humour, if that’s actually a thing. I could read a newspaper by the time I was 3 years old, but still left school with no formal qualifications.
Please introduce yourself.
Hello, my name is Catherine and I am a library supervisor at Harrogate Library. I have worked here for just under two years and my main role is to manage the staff and volunteers, as well as the building. I also plan events and activities, and work alongside our outreach team to create partnerships within the community.
What attracted you to the organisation and role?
I have always enjoyed working in the public sector and have previously worked in Leeds Libraries and at an older person’s charity called OWLS. One of the tasks that I particularly enjoyed was managing the charity’s volunteers and organising their befriending service, so when this role came along which involved working with volunteers and dealing with books, it seemed perfect!
What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager?
Working with volunteers is so incredibly rewarding and it allows you to meet such a wide variety of people. It is important to know why someone wants to be a volunteer and what their strengths are, so they can be fitted into the right role. It is also vital that volunteers are made to feel valued and they know they are just as important in the running of the organisation as the paid members of staff.
What have you learnt about yourself while in this role?
Every day is different in the library and working with the public means I never know what will be round the corner. I’ve learnt to stay calm and understand that patience and listening skills are key!
Finally, tell us something about yourself that your colleagues would be surprised to know.
I can play the saxophone and love playing around on a drum kit!