Kate's Story

Initially I left the working environment to look after my two children due to circumstances within the home.

I was unemployed for almost 13 years, within that time I became ill with depression and therefore couldn’t go out to work. I felt socially cut off and so decided to seek a way to feel useful and active again.

Through friends I heard about the volunteer centre which I didn’t know existed. I made an appointment to go and meet with them and to find out what I would be interested in doing and what was available. I found it to be very relaxed and friendly and through taking that first step realised that I would like to give within my own community. There was a place in the actual office for a few hours per week which I thought was a good starting point considering I had acquired some computer skills which hadn’t been put to use. Since then a part-time permanent position became available which after volunteering gave me the courage and confidence to apply for and so became a paid member of staff.

This experience has changed my life and my attitude to life for the better and has made me realize how valuable volunteering can be.<-->