Every year people from all walks of life around the UK take time to volunteer and make a huge difference to their communities. To learn more and get inspired, read Steve’s story below.

My name is Steve*. I am 46 years old and I have spent the majority of my working life as a Delivery Driver. I chose to do volunteering, as I am at a stage in my life where I feel I have the opportunity to do something worthwhile with my time, to up skill my qualifications and try something new! I wanted to make a difference to people’s lives.

My life was very different to the person I am today; when I was younger I had instances where I felt unheard and powerless in situations beyond my control. I have had to deal with the mental scars of my past experiences all my life. The last 12 months I have finally been in a position to move forward with my life. No person should have to be alone or feel unworthy, that is one of the reasons I took to volunteering. I want to give people the opportunity to know they are being listened to and that their opinions are as important as the next person. The problem was, once I started to look into the volunteering roles in society, there are so many of them, that I was unsure which one I was most suited for.

I heard about CAVA through a leaflet I had spotted at a local Community Centre. CAVA’s Volunteering Co-ordinator was so friendly and helpful and made me feel like anything is achievable if I put my mind to it! She helped me to identify the types of roles that would be of interest to me and how my existing skills could be best used! They supported me through the registration process and I applied for a volunteering role in the care sector.

I have been volunteering now for over a month and work with a great team of people. I have really found it enjoyable and it has given me a reason to get up in the morning! Since volunteering, it has made me re-evaluate my life and I now have a clearer picture about what career I would like to go into and eventually want to become a Youth Worker.

Thank you CAVA, for all your time, patience and understanding.

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*not his real name.