When and why did you start working at Volunteer Centre Hackney?
I’ve been employed by Volunteer Centre Hackney since April 2020, but before that I was a volunteer for VCH. I helped out at Hackney’s vaccination centres when the first Covid vaccine became available, and I was then lucky enough to be offered a job as the Covid Vaccines Volunteering Manager – so I’m a great example of how volunteering can lead to paid employment!
When the large-scale vaccination programme came to an end it coincided with VCH looking to recruit a Head of Volunteering and Deputy CEO, so I applied and was delighted to accept the roles, sharing the Deputy role alongside my colleague Charlotte.
What makes the service you’re part of special and important? How do volunteers and the community benefit?
As Head of Volunteering, I meet lots of people looking for volunteer roles, each with different backgrounds and motivations. It’s wonderful talking with them, and even better when we’re able to help them find the perfect volunteering role.
People can benefit in so many ways – gaining experience which they can add to their CV, developing new skills, meeting people, having fun – and the organisations benefit enormously from their time and additional resource that they bring.
What do you enjoy about working at VCH?
I love being part of a team that’s passionate about their work and how it can best support the people of Hackney. An added bonus is being able to walk to work!
What are you most proud of?
Helping to place people with additional support needs into volunteer roles which work for them and allow them to develop their confidence and skills.
Are there any highlights that stand out to you from your time working at VCH?
Receiving updates from volunteers on how much they’ve enjoyed and benefitted from their volunteering is always uplifting!
Want to gain new experiences and meet new people through volunteering?
Drop in and discover more about volunteering opportunities available across the borough. Meet Jane and the team at Kachette in Shoreditch on Wednesday 27 November.
📅 Wednesday 27 November 2024
🕒 10am – 11.30am
📍 Kachette, 347 Old St, EC1V 9LP