My name is Samara ,

I volunteered for just over a year. I first started volunteering one day a week but then progressed to two days a week.

I started Volunteering as a Community Learning Champion; which enabled me to also do an NVQ in Advice and Guidance Level 3. It was a great experience learning new skills.

I did some administration assistant volunteering which all helped my CV to become more diverse. One thing I remember learning was how to create a survey on Survey Monkey which was a fun project for me to do. I also went to events during the week and tried my hand at lots of things I would've never got the chance to do.

I received awards for my volunteering and I also got the opportunity to do some extra training, and gained 6 extra qualifications which have now helped me to gain employment through Edgware Association Recruitment service. The courses I studied were; Advice and Guidance level 3, Data Protection, Safeguarding Adults Level 1, Safeguarding Children Level 1, Information Sharing and Consent, Managing Conflict.

I now have a job thanks to my volunteering and my role is a Work Related Curriculum Advisor which is the perfect role for me, as i get to use all the skills I learnt volunteer. I'm working with young people giving them advice on work experience and where their careers will take them in the next few years. If I hadn’t of volunteered I would not have been able to get this job.

When I was applying for my job all of the staff where I was volunteering gave me interview tips which really helped me when it was time for me to do my research for the interview. If it wasn’t for their tips I believe that my chance of getting the job would have lessened.

Volunteering was a great experience and I loved every second of it. I am so grateful for all of the help and support I was given. I will always tell people about volunteering and my as a volunteer, as being part of such a great team gave me confidence in myself. 

Samara