How volunteering can help you back into employment

Lin denidni is the Community Development Worker for Tameside & Glossop Mind, Lin first started with Mind as a volunteer before becoming a member of staff in 2007.

What inspired you to become a volunteer?

I had worked in education for quite a few years and then had a break, after a few months at home I decided I wanted a change and was interested in volunteering it was at this point I approached Volunteer Centre Tameside to look at my options.

What duties did your role include as a volunteer with Mind?

I started as a Social Club Volunteer, my duties included talking to people who came to the club, organising and going on trips and organising different activities within the centre. I also volunteered as a Duty Worker, conducting interviews and giving information to people on their initial visit to the centre.

What training and support did you receive whilst volunteering with Mind?

I received a 30 hour induction and attended different training events, which ran one day per month. I also attended a counselling course at Tameside College.

What experience and skills do you think you gained as a volunteer?

Through volunteering with Mind I have developed my listening skills and have learn’t a great deal about mental distress.

What would you say to other people who are thinking about volunteering?

I really enjoyed every minute of volunteering and have met some great people who I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t volunteered.