MND Association supports people living with and affected by Motor Neurone Disease. They provide emotional and practical support and ensure anyone with MND gets the care and support they require in their community. They use Volunteer First to seek volunteers who would be able to check in with a small caseload of people on a monthly basis ensuring they know about the support the MND Association can offer and be able to signpost appropriately. This could be via email or telephone, or even text if that is what has been requested.
This opportunity interested Gary, who registered with relevant transferable skills gained from previous voluntary work. Here’s what he had to say:
Why did you decide you wanted to volunteer?
“I have always done voluntary work, starting in my 20’s.”
Was there a lot of choice of volunteer roles or did you have a specific idea in mind?
“The choices of roles have changed since Covid with less F2F and more online. I had a specific type of role in mind on this occasion that fitted my skills.”
Were there any difficulties or barriers to finding a volunteer role?
“Voluntary organisations vary in what they offer and how they support volunteers. Like in anything else, most are good.”
Was it easy to apply, what did you have to do?
“On this occasion it was easy.”
What have been the best bits about volunteering so far?
“The value that the organisation has placed in me. That is always a good sign. The best organisations value their volunteers and demonstrate it from the outset, not just a tick box/lip service exercise.”
What advice would you give other people who think they may want to volunteer?
“Choose the organisation you volunteer with well. Your intuition is normally a good sign if something feels right for you. In my experience, when it’s right ‘it flows’ and is not a long drawn out process. It’s the same process as if you were applying for paid employment, be selective and only accept something that is going to equally benefit your own learning and development as well.”
Was it helpful to you using the Volunteer Service/the Volunteer First website and would you recommend them to others?
“Yes, because it enabled me to source a very good volunteering opportunity, so thank you. “