Out & About posted on December 12, 2009 00:07
Charley, a former student at Downham Market Sixth Form, has been volunteering for Out & About since January 2008.
Charley says she wants to share her volunteering experience with Out & About, in the hope of inspiring others to get involved in their local community,
"The experience I have gained from volunteering has made me more self aware. It has been so rewarding and I think anyone who gets the opportunity to get involved should jump at the chance!"
Charley was introduced to Anya and supported her in Guides, for over four months. Anya didn’t want to attend a special group but wanted to be involved in her local Guides just down the road. Anya was worried and apprehensive about going along and wondered how all the people in the group would be.
After applying to become a volunteer for Out & About, Charley was matched with Anya and has been supporting her with key life skills so she can feel like she is part of the group. Charley has helped her to become more confident, she has made new friends and she gets stuck into tasks with others.
Charley says that she has supported Anya to break through communication barriers so she is able to have her say, make choices and feel part of the group,
"This experience has meant that I have learnt a lot about myself and Anya has been a delight to spend time with. Anya has learnt new skills, completed her confectioner badge and I am so proud to have been part of that.”
Anya's mum has been really impressed with the support Charley has provided,
“Anya looks forward to Guides and has fun with Charley and is able to get involved and do the same activities as any other girl her age. I think she looks at Charley like a friend, which is great for her independence and self esteem.”