Faz from Hackney Quest
People volunteer for a variety of reasons, helping the community, meeting people or learning new skills. But for Deborah Faz Bheekhun, it was the support she received from staff and volunteers, which became the inspiration to become one herself.
When Deborah’s son was excluded from school, she was referred to the charity Hackney Quest. Despite some initial reluctance, Deborah was overwhelmed by the encouragement, support and network she was provided. So much so in fact, it encouraged her to start volunteering there herself.
Hackney Quest is a local charity, now in its remarkable 24th year, which supports young people and their families through the various projects it runs, a Positive Activity Programme for Young People, Adult Volunteer Programme, Youth Participation Volunteer Programme, Exclusions Provisions and a Family Support Project.
Deborah volunteers as a family support coordinator for the charity, providing others the same service she received.
‘I really understand the situations these people are in, because I was there myself’
she explains. Deborah’s son, who is now completing his A levels, also volunteers with the charity’s Youth Project, supervising trips for younger candidates. Many of the services Hackney Quest provides have been what the community has asked for; and it is this type of ‘real life’ experience and engagement with the local community that makes Hackney Quest stand out to both its participants and volunteers.
Personally for Deborah, volunteering has also given her more confidence in the workplace. ‘I’ve been given the opportunity to go on a number of courses and my manager is incredibly supportive’ she explains. Many charities do offer courses to volunteers, which help to develop skills that can be translated into the paid workplace. The economic climate is often cited as one factor in the increased interest in volunteering, as for those finding it difficult to get into work, it can provide practical experience which supports getting back into the job market.
With local governments feeling the pinch of top down austerity measures, many charities are finding there is less funding available or withdrawn altogether. Yet while funding decreases, demands for these types of services continue. Hackney Quest currently has a funding gap of around £70,000, if it is to continue to run it’s much needed projects this shortfall must be achieved.
‘We are a trusted community based organisation, but without funding for our core costs we face the very real threat of closure’
explains Bella Relph, the charity’s Volunteer Manager.
The dedication of volunteers like Deborah ensures charities can continue to deliver much needed services to local communities. ‘What started out as a bad situation (with my son) has turned out to be the best thing that could have happened to both of us’, Deborah explains. ‘What I have taken away from volunteering has been worth more than I ever realised’.
If you are interested in volunteering please contact Bellaand check out our website If you would like to offer financial support please contact Karen and take a look at our donations page on our website You can also follow us on twitter @hackneyquest
