Before I started volunteering, I was focused on building confidence due to my social anxiety, through a placement with a vocational rehabilitation service run by the NHS. I enjoy the outdoors, travel, and spending time with my family. Volunteering felt like a great way to continue challenging myself while developing new skills in a supportive environment.

I chose to volunteer at Westbank after speaking with the employment specialist at the NHS who suggested it as a good fit for me. I’d volunteered at Westbank a few years ago, so I was already familiar with the environment and knew it was a supportive place. It felt like a comfortable way to ease back into volunteering, build on my confidence, and continue developing new skills.

I help in the kitchen—mainly washing up and making fruit platters and sandwiches for the activity club. I’ve gotten to know the staff and volunteers well, which makes it enjoyable. Recently, I helped cover at the Starcross Brunch Club, where I made bacon rolls and toasted teacakes, which was a great chance to take on a bit more responsibility.

The biggest challenge for me has been dealing with social anxiety, especially when I first started. Meeting the staff and volunteers was a bit overwhelming at first, but everyone’s been really supportive, and it’s helped me feel more at ease. Taking on new tasks can be a bit nerve-wracking, but it’s also helped me grow in confidence.

I’ve been volunteering with Westbank since September, mainly helping in the kitchen. I also started helping at Starcross Brunch Club in early March, covering the cooks' role, which has given me the chance to take on a bit more responsibility.

Volunteering at Westbank has really helped me build confidence and learn new skills. The staff have been really supportive. I’ve completed Food Hygiene and Allergen Awareness training, which has made me feel more confident in the kitchen. I also volunteer at a community garden and recently helped set up a stall at a local event, which was a great experience for me.

Volunteering at Westbank has boosted my confidence in applying for jobs and taking on new challenges, while still managing my anxiety. In the future, I plan to continue building on my skills and look for more opportunities to grow, both here and elsewhere. 

To find out more about volunteering at Westbank, or to apply to volunteer, please click here