“When I volunteered with SVC In 2014-2015, I was a Lead Volunteer for the Weekenders project. This meant that I worked closely with my fellow Lead Volunteers to organise monthly events for children who were young carers, to provide them with respite and time to just be kids. I really loved organising this project and being a part of SVC was amazing. It really felt like you were giving back to the community and helping those who were vulnerable. SVC was so supportive in helping me develop the project.
I learnt how to manage challenging situations and manage my time effectively – sometimes volunteering as well as finishing the final year of my degree was stressful, but it also gave me a chance to switch off from my studies and gain some really practical, hands-on experience. I also learnt a lot about team working and what it takes to lead a team of people effectively.
Volunteering for SVC helped me decide that I definitely want to explore a career path helping vulnerable children and shortly after graduating, I gained a job as a Learning Mentor in a primary school working with children with social, emotional and mental health needs. All the skills I gained and developed at SVC have also enabled me to progress in my career in Mental Health and I have just started training as a Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner in an IAPT service in London. SVC taught me to challenge myself and this is something I will continue to do!”
Many thanks to Melissa for getting in contact and sharing her experience.
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