Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your past experience?

 I was born in Jersey, Channel Islands. I attended a mainstream school there, until I was ten years old.  I was not happy there, due to social isolation, so I then emigrated to the UK, with my family and this is where I will remain. I attended Victoria Education Centre & Sports College in Poole, which I loved. Whilst there, I did my GCSE’s.
 
Following on from that, I went to Treloar College in Hampshire to further my education, gaining A Levels, GNVQ’s, BTEC’s, London Academy Of Music & Dramatic Arts Certificates and a Food Hygiene Certificate.

I  moved on to Winchester University from there, where I studied a BA Honours in Childhood, Youth And Community Development, I enjoyed the academic side of things but the accessibility and layout of the University did not suit me, I was again socially isolated and my mental health was suffering. Therefore, I decided to withdraw from University. 

What are your hobbies/interests? Is there anything unusual you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy socialising with friends and family, going out for meals, going to the cinema, going to the theatre; I enjoy reading, going on Facebook and playing on computer games.
 
I am a dog lover!

I have a passion for raising awareness of prominent and relevant issues, one example being Disability Awareness. 

What sort of volunteering do you do/ have you done for Diverse Abilities Plus?  What tasks does that involve/skills does that use?

I primarily work with the Disability Wessex/Coping With Chaos arm of the organization. I update records, write letters, design posters, speak on the phone, do research, give talks and co-ordinate Disability Awareness workshops to name a few.

I am currently in training to become a volunteer advisor for Disability Wessex. This role will involve me supporting clients with benefit application forms, reconsiderations and appeals. I may also work with clients who are applying on behalf of a vulnerable adult, to get a deputyship.

We have also started supporting clients, regarding any problems or issues they have, surrounding their child’s education and the Special Educational Needs System. For example with statementing and school applications. I may get involved in that too.

I have to use people skills at all times in my work. I have to be empathic and patient. I need to have a good telephone manner, as well as a good command of spoken and written English. Lastly, I have to have good computer skills. I complete all written work electronically.

'I am also involved in promoting Disability Wessex, Coping With Chaos and Diverse Abilities as a whole. I attend events, man stalls and talk about the services we can offer. I need to have a reasonable degree of self confidence and an aptitude for public speaking.

Do you do regular volunteering or on an ad hoc basis?

My hours are flexible, whenever I am needed! It  could be anything from 3 hours a week to 3 hours every day! It changes, according to practicality and when the team needs me!

What made you decide to Volunteer for DAP?

I have always wanted to help people and make a difference to those less fortunate than myself. I like working for Diverse Abilities Plus as I feel that I am ‘out’ there, making an active contribution and difference. I have worked with Nikki Haswell head of Coping With Chaos and Disability Wessex, for a couple of years, doing different things. We have kept in contact. I phoned Nikki when I withdrew from University and she signposted me to the organization.

Had you had any previous experience in Volunteering? If so, where?

I worked with Nikki Haswell and her team as a volunteer for a year or two back when I was on holiday from studying, when Disability Wessex was a stand alone charity. I also did some volunteering in my school’s nursery about five years ago. 

What have you gained/learnt from your Volunteering experience? Is it what you expected? 

I have a new sense of purpose, having gained in confidence. I now realize that virtually nothing is impossible and that I have a role to play in the organization, in my community and in the world at large. My self esteem has improved. I keep busy, trying to turn negatives into positives, whilst helping others and striving to achieve the best I can!
 
My work is more varied than I expected it to be! This can only be good, as I am constantly enriching my life and experience whilst working. It also gives me the opportunity for lifelong learning, as well as me being able to expand on my knowledge and training. 

What do you enjoy about volunteering for DAP? 

Every day is different, I love having direct contact with clients, either when I am conducting training sessions, or when I’m helping clients fill out forms and paperwork. I gain extreme satisfaction from doing all of this; it makes me feel that I am helping to make a difference to the lives of others almost instantaneously.

I like the research/information gathering aspect sometimes involved in my work, as I find it very interesting!

I also try to be a bit of a role model/example to other disabled people and society, so that they see what can be achieved, and so that they feel inspired to reach for the stars,  and fulfil their aspirations and dreams, as well as reach their full potential. 

Would you encourage other people to get involved?

Yes definitely! Doing work like this increases self confidence and self esteem. It gives you a boost and you feel like you have purpose! You can build on your skills and develop new ones! It’s great to have it on your CV; Diverse Abilities Plus is also a very supportive and understanding organisation to work for. They are a very flexible charity, adapting to the ever changing requirements and commitments of clients, their families, staff and volunteers.