Volunteer stories

Read how Voluntary Action Coventry's Improving Lives project helped someone who'd had a knockback due to ill-health and the pandemic

Coventry volunteer celebrated by Voluntary Action Coventry and Underground Lights Community Theatre

Coventry volunteer celebrated by Voluntary Action Coventry and Underground Lights Community Theatre

Hands together please to celebrate August's Volunteer of the Month, Gareth! Gareth was nominated by St Giles Trust, where he has been volunteering in their social supermarket, The Pantry. St Giles Trust's volunteer coordinator Hannah told us, ""Gareth is a dedicated team player and the change that we have seen in his confidence in recent months has been tremendous. Gareth has increased his volunteering hours and passed his L3 Advice and Guidance qualification. He requested to do this as he wants to give back to clients who have been in similar situations to himself. This shows his investment in himself and the community within which he lives. He has an exceptional ability to make clients feel welcome and at ease and is able to build a good rapport with them. Gareth is very self-aware and has developed to see challenges as a stepping-stone for the next part of his journey rather than as a barrier which is how he previously viewed set-backs. He is willing to learn and extremely reliable with excellent communication skills. He is also supportive of the project, helping to develop ideas to further grow the Pantry and as a result further support clients accessing it. Gareth is very much seen as part of our team and is an asset to the clients who he supports." Congratulations Gareth, and thanks for all you do.

Fabian Logos recently registered as a volunteer, and he shared his motivations for offering his support to local charities: “I am a 20 years old university student, looking to expand my horizon in all type of ways. I am charitable and I always try to support and do something that can have a positive impact on people's lives. Coming from a family background based in healthcare and care home settings, I have rapidly came to realise the daily struggles and harsh reality of some people that are constantly being mistreated or abused just because they are different. Being different is what makes you unique, and I completely stand by that! It takes very little effort such as a compliment to change the outcome of someone's day, so why not do it? Why not be the change? Well, I am planning on being the change to put a smile on people's faces.”

Allen attended a volunteering course run by Voluntary Action Coventry in 2023 and has really thrown himself into community life. He’s quite a busy chap and is incredibly dedicated to the causes he has made a connection with. We caught up with him recently to talk to him about his volunteering experiences: “Struggling with my health, I sought ways to enhance my physical and mental wellbeing. That's when I discovered Voluntary Action Coventry. Enrolling in their 'Improving Lives' programme provided me with valuable insights into the diverse volunteering opportunities available. I became a part of Healthwatch Coventry, where I engage with patients and medical staff to see if any improvements can be made to the NHS. I also enjoy being at a nursery school, offering them support and playtime. Additionally, I also joined G.Y.M (Guiding Young Minds). These experiences have reignited my sense of purpose, aiding in the alleviation of my anxiety and enhancing my physical health. Volunteering a few hours weekly has not only made a tangible difference in the community but has also given me a renewed sense of purpose and fulfilment”. Great job Allen and thanks for sharing your story with us!