Monday, 6th June 2016
“Volunteering is at the core of being human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.” Heather French Henry
Volunteer’s Week is an annual event which celebrates the contribution made by millions of volunteers across the UK. Everyone is invited to join this national celebration of volunteers and volunteering, it is up to you to decide exactly how you join in. We would like to showcase this week different volunteering roles on offer, encourage you to volunteer for Pride and also offer an event (this Thursday 9th June at our office 5pm – 8pm) to gather all our volunteers and others to celebrate the achievements.
As part of #volunteersweek we would like to present volunteers sharing their experiences, good practice and stories to help to inspire you.
David’s story:
“I am a certified Kwik Prick Rapid HIV Tester where I have a confidential pre-test discussion with clients attending the drop-in service. I carry out the Rapid HIV test, deliver the results and have a post-test discussion around the benefits of regular testing and promoting safer sex as well as other Trade services. I do this in order to give something back to the Leicestershire LGBT Community that has been good to me since moving here 8 years ago as I am not from the area having moved with my employer. The best memory I have from volunteering with Trade has to be the very first Rapid HIV Test I carried out where the client was convinced they were HIV+ as well as being more nervous than I was. Seeing the look of relief and huge smile on their face when I delivered a negative result was priceless.”
Find out more about Kwik Prick Rapid HIV Testing Service here: http://bit.ly/TSHKP
Vicki’s story:
“I am a counsellor. I spent a while trying to answer this question but all in all, it comes down to making a difference. As much as I'd like to change the world for the better I can't, but if I can help someone through a dark time that's good enough for me :) I think the power of feeling heard and understood is often underestimated and I enjoy building positive relationships with clients - I get just as much back as they do. Best memory from volunteering for Trade? Donning a bright red wig and feather boa for Pride and embracing my inner diva! :) “
Stephen’s story:
“I am a volunteer counsellor at Trade. I have also been associated with the organisation through my job in Sexual Health for many years. Since working as a counsellor within the organisation, I have experienced this as very safe, organised and supportive. There is always a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere in the department when I go and see clients or attend for supervision of the counselling work. The current premises are very light and spacious making it a pleasant place to visit.”
Marc’s story:
“I am an integrative counsellor at Trade, helping people with a whole range of concerns and issues. I work at Trade firstly to complete my hours for my training, but most importantly there's a feeling of wanting to be of service to people and society. I'm motivated to help individuals find themselves and find their happiness too, plus Trade is a great environment to do that in. I also love the energetic and supportive vibe of the place, definitely a ray of sunshine to me.Recently I finished with a client who sent me a lovely card and thanked me for helping her get back to the person she used to be. This was really encouraging not just for the client, but for me as well. Helping people works both ways and it’s most rewarding to see individuals connect with their potential and happiness. Also every time I go in are good memories, mainly due to the rapport and laughter of the team. Bless you all!!”
Find out more about Approach Counselling Service here: http://bit.ly/TSHCouns
Kenneth’s story:
“Over the last year or so, I have done some volunteering work with Trade and helped out in the preparations for Pride and on the day helped to run the safe sex stand demonstrating the proper use of condoms. I have also helped with the preparations for and during World AIDS day. I do it because it is a chance to try and be of help to Trade which is such a great resource to our LGBTIQ community in Leicestershire. They support all of us and of great help to many people around Leicester. A bonus to helping has been the chance to meet and get to know the team and some of the other volunteers who are a friendly and supportive group. My single enduring memory of volunteering with Trade is working on the safe sex stand at Pride; I very soon learned to forget any shyness and embarrassment as I discussed the best ways to use a condom. It was a real fun day and hopefully was of help to the many people who visited the stand.”
Gerrard’s story:
“I work at Trade a couple of hours a week offering admin support and IT skills. I wanted to do some voluntary work and have always liked Trade as an organisation; the work that it does and the principles underpinning the work. Haven’t been working there long so no significant memories yet, but it’s a nice supportive environment to work in.”
Find out about all of our volunteering opportunities and how to apply here: http://bit.ly/TSHVols
Thank you so much to all contributing with their stories and all our lovely and dedicated volunteers – You are all just simply…FABULOUS!
