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

My name is Thomas Mortimer. I run a renewable energy company in North Dorset. I’ve done lost of fundraising as a volunteer in the past but Diverse Abilities Plus is the first time I’ve volunteered in a project.

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

I enjoy wakeboarding in Poole Harbour and spending time on the lovely Dorset coast.

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

I volunteer at Project My Time (the holiday activity club that Diverse Abilities Plus runs) – spending time with the kids as they do fun adventurous activities. You have to be on the ball and energetic to keep up with the Charity’s staff!

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

On an ad hoc basis as Project My Time is based in the school holidays only and the staff kindly only ask me to help with the evening activities as they know I work during the day. 

What made you decide to Volunteer for DAP?

I heard about the Charity through people who work there and I thought it sounded fun and a great  way to give something back to the community.

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

I have organized fund-raising events for charities like Comic Relief but I like the fact that Diverse Abilities Plus is a local charity. I’ve also driven from the UK across the Sahara to Gambia for charity!

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

I had been apprehensive beforehand but quickly learnt that the kids and teenagers are just like any other kid or teenager. It was great to see them doing normal things that their peers take for granted thanks to DAP.

What do you enjoy about volunteering for DAP?

It’s just great fun and is very rewarding (plus party food at the Project My Time disco helps too..!) 

Would you recommend other people get involved? Why?

Absolutely – It’s great fun, interesting, rewarding and everyone I’ve met at Diverse Abilities Plus is lovely. For me , it beats sitting at home watching TV!