Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Volunteering changed my life

by Ethos public relations

Every year 22 million people volunteer and in doing so contribute around £18 billion to the UK economy.  In Rochdale, 42 year old Julie Rutherford found volunteering transformed her life for the better.

“Before becoming a volunteer I felt completely isolated,” she said.  “This made me feel depressed but I didn’t have the confidence to make any changes to my life.  It was a viscous circle.”

As part of an initiative to get residents back into training and work, Julie’s landlord Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) was knocking on doors on the Lower Falinge Estate where Julie lived with her 18 year old son in an initiative called ‘Opportunity Knocks’.  It was certainly aptly named for Julie as it was this knock on the door that created the opportunity for Julie to transform her life.

That knock on her door led Julie to sign up to a work assessment and training support with RBH. Khalida Crossley, Priority Area Worker for RBH said:  “When I first met Julie it was clear that she was fed up but equally clear that she did want to get out of the rut she was in – she just didn’t know where to start.  Her dream was to become a teaching assistant.”

RBH assessed Julie and developed a programme for her to follow that would help her reach her goal.  Khalida arranged for Julie to volunteer at a weekly parent and child session run by RBH at a local primary school (called L Play). A CRB check, First Aid and Food Hygiene training were also organised to give Julie some of the basic skills required.

When Julie was at the L Play sessions, it soon became apparent that she had a great way with children, and more importantly, Julie realised this too.

“I was so nervous when I first started volunteering,” said Julie.  “I didn’t know anybody and I was sure that I would get everything wrong.

“However, after a few sessions I really got into the swing of things. Not only did I learn important new skills but talking to the children, meeting their parents and of course the other staff vastly improved by confidence.  This made me feel so much better in myself and my mental and physical health improved."

Julie was so impressed with how volunteering benefited her life that she threw herself into numerous other local community groups as a volunteer.  This included a gardening group and becoming part of resident panel which makes decisions about funding in the area.

She also volunteers as a helper with a junior warden scheme run by RBH and recently took the role of vice-treasurer with the Tenants and Residents group.

“It’s hard to believe that this strong, articulate, out-going woman is the same Julie I met a year ago,” said Khalida.  “Volunteering has not only helped Julie develop her skills and career but just as importantly has helped her deal with her loneliness and depression.”

Julie is now a volunteer teaching assistant at the primary school, and since taking this position has been offered a part-time job at the school. RBH has obtained match funding for Julie to enrol at a local college to begin teacher training.

“I volunteer for around 15 hours a week,” said Julie.  “This together with my college course, homework and my new found social life means I lead a busy and fulfilling life – something I could never have hoped for such a short time ago.

“You can be a volunteer for so many reasons.  To help a group or community you believe in, to learn new skills, to develop your own potential or to meet new people.  I am now a real advocate for volunteering and will always encourage other people, young and old to get involved.”

To read other news from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing click here.

Posted at 27^th May 2011