During Volunteers Week, we’re excited to celebrate the colleagues at Volunteering Matters who began their journey with us as volunteers. Some started as far back as the 1990s when we were known as CSV (Community Service Volunteers). We were thrilled to catch up with Helen, Project Manager of Match and Mentor. Still actively volunteering, Helen started out with Volunteering Matters as a Full-Time Volunteer in 1995.
“Although the larger get-togethers no longer happen, the essence of what we want to achieve is still there, and we stay connected by meeting more online.”
In 1995, I began my journey as a full-time CSV Volunteer. I currently work as the Project Manager of Match and Mentor at Volunteering Matters. This programme offers personalised, supported volunteering opportunities and community-based activities for individuals with a learning disability or additional support needs in Norfolk. Volunteering has not only changed my career path, but it has also become a way of life for me. I continued volunteering after completing my full-time volunteer role until a position became available. I started from there and worked my way up.
When we were known as CSV (Community Service Volunteering), the organisation seemed much larger, and there were often big get-togethers at key locations around the country. For me, this was in Cambridge, where we used to have a large office. It was great to meet up with others, and we had Christmas meals with upwards of 20 people. Although the larger get-togethers no longer happen, the essence of what we want to achieve is still there, and we stay connected by meeting more online. I have seen many changes and worked with some fabulous people over the years.
I was lucky enough to attend St. James’s Palace for our 50th anniversary in 2012. The late Queen Elizabeth II was present. I went with two service users and two volunteers. It was a scorching day, and I remember one of our service users had been practising her curtsy for weeks. She did a beautiful curtsy for everyone she spoke to. It was such a wonderful day.
Joining the staff team was a natural progression for me. Despite encountering some challenges along the way, they’ve helped shape me into the person I am today, and I wouldn’t change any of it. I’m passionate about volunteering, and whenever I have free time, I volunteer for a local organisation called MAP, who support young people with their mental health and holistic development.
When we changed our name to Volunteering Matters in 2015, my biggest challenge was remembering to use the new name when answering the phone. We made the change because the abbreviation CSV was not well recognised and caused confusion. However, now the name Volunteering Matters fits perfectly. Because volunteering really does matter!”
Feeling inspired?
If Helen’s story has inspired you to volunteer, click the link to find out more and begin your volunteering journey.
