I started my volunteering journey when the VTeam at UWL made us aware of the importance of volunteering and the positive side of giving back to the community.

My first volunteering role was as a Course Representative for my cohort, building community engagement by going out into the student community to engage and serve them. I then went to the Student Hub and registered for a one-off volunteering opportunity with the V Team for the Marble Hill House Halloween decorating. This first opportunity gave me a real idea of what it means to be helping people, as well as what it’s like working with people from different areas when they all come together. I learnt that the important thing is being open to learning new things and engaging with new people, to go out and explore the new areas of your community.

Slowly, I started checking the Student Hub site more often for further volunteering opportunities and eventually registered with Macmillan Cancer Support as an Event Support Volunteer. The best thing about doing this role was seeing people’s perseverance and being able to be there with them, supporting the cause they are standing for.

I have since volunteered with Hounslow FoodBox, who provide food for the needy. I was helping organise and store food donations, so that its easier for them to deliver what is needed. Later, I also got to work with City Harvest, volunteering as a Warehouse Assistant, helping them arrange and manage various food items on a bigger scale, to be distributed to the wider community in need.

Through all the roles that I have been fortunate to experience, I have learnt that I enjoy meeting new people, networking, teamwork, management, and sometimes being a leader, if necessary. I have enhanced my communication skills, formed new friendships and most importantly, given to the community and had a positive impact.