Shaw Trust currently has around 500 volunteers supporting in our mission to help individuals facing barriers to work and social inclusion to achieve their full potential.
Over half of these volunteers give their time and experience via corporate volunteering. This means that they offer their skills directly to the people who are being supported to find and sustain rewarding work.
Part of our mission is to multiply social impact by delivering innovative programmes. Our corporate volunteers directly contribute to this by adding value to employment programmes and giving participants direct access to specific knowledge, advice and experience through 1-2-1 and group sessions and workshops.
Nick Walker, Volunteer Coordinator, has shared some feedback from participants to help show the impact of the volunteer’s contributions.
“I found the meeting very helpful, and it’s really made me look at things in a different way, thank you so much!”
“The session has helped me think about the necessary steps to grow, in terms of my mindset. It has also helped me think about where I should start, to improve myself.”
This volunteer’s week, we spoke to three corporate volunteers to understand more about their roles and the impact they have.
Vivienne has been a volunteer with Shaw Trust for five years and offers her life coaching experience to support people looking for work.
Chukwudi returned to volunteering with Shaw Trust at the start of this year after a previous five-year volunteering stint between 2015 and 2020.
“I chose to volunteer with Shaw Trust for three compelling reasons. First, I was inspired by the charity’s impactful work in helping individuals re-enter the workforce, a mission I deeply resonate with. Second, this opportunity offered invaluable exposure to diverse individuals I wouldn’t typically encounter in my professional or personal life. Finally, it provided a platform for me to share my own experiences in job searching and interview preparation, allowing me to give back to my community in a meaningful way.
The benefits of volunteering are immense. Contributing to my community by helping individuals gain the skills needed for employment is incredibly satisfying. Additionally, meeting new people broadens my perspective, and sharing my own interview experiences not only boosts the participants’ confidence but also reinforces my own. The positive impact extends far beyond these points, making this experience profoundly rewarding.
I highly recommend Shaw Trust for the profound impact it has on our society. I have witnessed and continue to see its commendable contributions firsthand. Working with Shaw Trust is an enriching experience, and I wholeheartedly endorse it for anyone looking to make a meaningful difference.”
“I empower participants by preparing them for interviews and guiding them on how to excel in these crucial moments. My focus is on equipping them.”
“Every young person that makes the first step into work is starting out on a journey to independence – where they can determine their own future and contribute to society. I want to see young adults make and get the most out of life.
John’s retirement plan included to ‘do some good’ and fate stepped in when a Shaw Trust poster caught his eye!
“I see myself as having three main tasks: Presenting to groups on key work-related skills, offering 1-2-1 advice on work and life skills and generally helping out where I can.
It makes me happy seeing someone grow. I am so proud of all of the things that I have learnt and achieved during my career and this role gives me a chance to share that learning.
When I talk to people about volunteering, they know I am enthused. I would always suggest to people that they consider volunteering and would help them if they were interested.”
