Volunteers' Week: employer supported volunteering

Firstly, hear from Rasham, our Community Outreach Lead, about how he and colleagues volunteered during the lockdown.

"I was identified as extremely vulnerable due to health reasons, meaning I was restricted to how I could help with the volunteering roles. Myself and colleagues phoned people who were identified as vulnerable by GPs.

"We spoke to range of people and offered support around shopping, loneliness, prescriptions and food parcels. In some cases we also signposted to other services such as; mental health support, befriending services and gave out  numbers for priority shopping slots. 

"I found volunteering can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and give you satisfaction when you have helped someone, especially when they are not expecting it. You are doing good for others and the community, which provides a natural sense of accomplishment. Your role as a volunteer can also give you a sense of pride and identity."

Secondly, hear from Tracy, Healthwatch Manager, about how she has volunteered over the past 12 months.