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Karen's Volunteer Life Stories
Karen Meets ….. Herself!
One of our office volunteers; supreme story gatherer Karen has done such a brilliant job for us over the last 2 years collecting and putting together volunteer stories that we could not let the last paper newsletter go by without hearing her story. It also gives us the opportunity to thank her and our other office volunteers, Ella, Ann and Sheryll who have helped us with the newsletter. Sticking over 1000 labels on envelopes, photocopying over 1000 newsletters and stuffing them into envelopes then franking them all takes real enthusiasm and dedication and none of them have let us down. So girls, just to say we couldn’t have done it without you! Thanks a million.
1. Can you tell me a bit about yourself?
I am 52 years old; I have lived in Chester-le-Street since 1987. I was made redundant in 2008 after 31 years working as an audio typist/telephonist. I started doing voluntary work in May 2009 and I really love what I do. I meet other volunteers who tell me their volunteering story; I record their story on a voice recorder, then type it up and it is published in the newsletter. I was totally new to doing voluntary work and this has been a really good introduction for me. Initially I found the enthusiasm and dedication all the volunteers have in what they do quite amazing, but now I am used to it and I feel the same way about what I do. I love working in the Volunteer Centre, the staff I work with are all really lovely and very helpful.
2. Why did you decide to volunteer?
After being made redundant I felt I wanted something worthwhile to do. I missed my job and needed some structure to my life.
3. How did you find out about voluntary work and how did you decide what to do?
The Jobcentre suggested I contact the Volunteer Centre. I came in and had an interview with Mel and when I told Mel I used to be an audio typist she offered me a volunteering opportunity based in the Volunteer Centre.
4. Tell me about the process of applying to volunteer. If you could recommend any changes to that process what would they be?
It was very straightforward the CRB only took a few weeks to come through.
5. How was your first day volunteering
I thought I would feel nervous but I didn’t. It all felt very familiar to me, the kind of work I
have always done and enjoyed.
6. What difference do you think volunteers make to the community?
A massive difference, I have met many volunteers who do a lot of very worthwhile jobs.
7. Has there been anything unexpected come out of volunteering?
Yes! Working in the Volunteer Centre I have got to know our regular Postman Colin, Last summer Colin asked me out and I said yes, we have been seeing each other ever since.
8. What do you personally get out of volunteering? How does it make you feel?
I enjoy it very much, the volunteers I have interviewed are all so enthusiastic about what they do, it is good to hear their stories. Last summer I took part in a one off voluntary experience working at Park View school giving the pupils ‘mock interviews’ I got a lot out of the session and enjoyed meeting the students who were all very polite and a credit to their school.
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