2. Case studies
Monika
I came to England from Poland over 6 years ago, I was looking for a better life for my family.
When I read about the volunteering opportunities I wasn’t sure what it was. After speaking to the volunteer coordinator I knew that I would like to be an admin volunteer as this is something I had always wanted to do.
At the start of my volunteering role I was introduced to the school nursing team, they were so lovely and welcoming to me. I spent the next two years supporting the School Nursing team with National Child Measuring Programme, vaccination sessions and undertaking administration duties for new children moving in to Oldham.
When I first become a volunteer I was excited to be part of NHS but also had some worries that I wouldn’t understand some of the language used when given tasks to do, this was because English isn’t my first language. Being a volunteer has helped me to develop not only my English language but my communication skills.
When a paid position as a School Nurse Support Worker became available I couldn’t wait to apply for the job. I was offered support and guidance to complete the application form and interview techniques which gave me confidence. When I was offered the job I screamed, shouted, then cried, I was so happy, I couldn’t believe my dream had come true.
Being a volunteer was the best step in my life, it gave me the opportunity to get paid employment and put me on a pathway to achieve my full potential.
Rufia
Hi I’m Rufia, I’ve been a Volunteer for 3 yrs, 4 months.
The process of becoming a volunteer was easy to do but I was terrified about having to have an interview as I hadn’t had one for over 10 years. Once I met the volunteer coordinator she made me feel very at ease, it wasn’t like having an interview at all was more like a friendly chat. By the time I was leaving I already felt part of the team and was really looking forward to start volunteering.
My volunteer role has included reception duties, welcoming families to Stay and Play sessions / centre, answering phone calls and general enquiries, supporting parents to apply for 15 free hours of childcare and assisting with low level translation on home visits with the Health Team.
When I first became a volunteer I was very nervous, I hadn’t been in a work environment for over 10 years so wasn’t sure what to do or how to act. Since becoming a volunteer I have noticed how much my confidence has grown. I will now start a conversation with someone I have just met, rather than wait for them to speak to me first.
The training and induction I received was very informative and relevant to my role.
Being a volunteer has encouraged me to challenge myself to develop my existing skills to a higher level. The knowledge I have gained while volunteering has increased not only my confidence but self-esteem and with the on-going support I receive from the volunteer coordinator has enabled me to believe I can achieve my goals. It has encouraged me to go back to college and complete a level 4 HNC Business course two days a week.
In March 2022 I applied to join the NHS, I was later given an interview and successfully secured a job as an administrator.
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