Peter - Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteering changed my life

I first applied to work for SeeAbility in 2000 and at that stage would never have imagined how much it would change my life. I had worked for a large multinational company for many years and was looking for a change. I applied for a position as a Support Worker on Reeves Court, Leatherhead.

I was unsuccessful as I lacked experience but I was keen to get involved so I became a volunteer. I volunteered on Flat 1 at first, starting slowly, joining residents at the pub with their support workers on a Friday evening. As I became more confident I was able to take individuals swimming, shopping and out for meals by myself which I found tremendously rewarding. I have been volunteering ever since.

After about four years as a volunteer I felt that I had gained the experience I needed to work full time. I applied for a Support Worker post at the Millennium Centre and this time got the job. Eventually I changed roles and became Volunteer Coordinator for the Leatherhead site.

It is fantastic to have found a job where I could not only use my knowledge and experience to change people’s lives, but also get a great deal back in exchange. I now support almost 80 volunteers, who bring a wealth of experience and commitment to SeeAbility. Without them, the Leatherhead site would be very different and the individuals we support would not have such enriched lives.

"I believe that we definitely ‘see the ability’ of the people we support, encouraging them to achieve what they want, whilst respecting and enjoying their sense of humour, skills and knowledge. The pride and satisfaction of working for SeeAbility is far greater than I had achieved in thirty years working in the private sector. I recommend it."