"It is a privilege to work with such a band of friendly, caring and interesting people"

Meet Kai Zakaria, Staying Connected Coordinator for North Herts & Stevenage CVS & Volunteer at Stevenage Central Library. 1.What volunteer role do you do, and why did you start volunteering? I caught the volunteering bug in 2008, doing odd jobs for a charitable plant nursery and then website admin for a new secondary school in Zambia. Currently, I volunteer at Stevenage Central Library as an IT Champion answering queries mostly from users of the two computer suites. I started nine years ago during a long period of illness and unemployment. I needed something to build my confidence, create a routine, and challenge myself. 2. How do you make a difference? I've always had difficulty asking for help. I don't want anyone to feel belittled, stressed or intimidated when they overcome the barrier to asking for help. I have learning difficulties, and I get a huge lift when people realise they can learn despite their fears or other people's opinions of them. It’s magical watching someone grow in confidence! I hope people feel glad they took a risk and pushed through their worry/pride long enough to ask for help. Maybe they'll take the risk again in another area of their life; who knows? People don't realise they're actually helping me by asking for my help. Also, you never know what someone is dealing with in their life. It's my duty to help others feel less isolated in the few minutes they spend with me. You never know how long it has been since someone connected. It's a basic human need even for neurodivergent people like me. The lockdowns showed us all how much we need connection. 3. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? Mood and cognitive boosting effects. I always feel great after volunteering Strengthens my social skills. becoming less introverted and inward-looking. Long-lasting effects on my self-esteem Grows my problem-solving abilities I meet people I would never have crossed paths with Alleviates loneliness, and it might just make you smile. Or laugh. Has brought me employment opportunities, new acquaintances and friends I learn to appreciate people who are different to me rather than fear them. An antidote to news and current affairs. An antidote to my natural selfishness! Revenge for all the consideration and kindness thrown at me over the years.

Meet Eva Nagy, Support Coordinator for Reach Out, North Herts & Stevenage CVS & Volunteer at British Red Cross What volunteer role do you do and why did you start volunteering? I am in training to become an Emergency Crisis Responder for British Red Cross. I have always had a charitable side and raised money for several UK based charities through the past 10 years, by taking part in challenges such as walks/hikes etc. It has always been on the back of my mind to do more, however the moment I realised the time is now, is when I started to work for Reach Out as a Support Coordinator. Meeting so many wonderful volunteers who they have busy lives , family engagements and full-time jobs and still being available to support the community, I really thought I do not have any excuse to postpone my sign up. How you make a difference? I will be attending emergency call outs alongside with local emergency services, to support vulnerable people who have been affected by fire, floods, severe weather, water shortages, anti- trafficking, rest centres etc. As an Emergency Response Volunteer, I will be giving support to the affected people at the time of need, such as -emotional support, signposting/helping to get further support, distributing clothing or water etc. I will be also driving an Emergency Response Vehicle which is well set up and stocked for the purpose. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? I strongly believe that the voluntary sector is a pillar to statutory services. It provides you with a strong sense of purpose, engages you with your community, you learn and develop new skills, meet new people, improves your self-esteem and without a doubt will make you more a positive and happier person. If anyone has in the back of their mind to become a volunteer, just sign up now, think about what you are passionate about and find a suitable charity to support, but mostly, believe in yourself, when you find the right place, your life will become so much brighter and more purposeful.

Meet Sue Akers who kindly volunteers for the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance. Please tell us a little more about yourself and your volunteering work? Before I joined as a volunteer for the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance I organised an annual golf day which, over a period of 7 years, raised £100,000. I was then asked if I would like to join the charity as a volunteer, which I did over 10 years ago. I currently help in one of EHAAT’s charity shops where my main role is to look after the window displays, and with merchandising generally in the shop. It’s a rewarding job raising money for the charity. I also enjoy meeting and chatting with the public making people more aware of the charity’s life-saving work. What roles are available at the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance? There are many things that the Essex & Herts Air Ambulance charity needs volunteers to help with, for instance attending promotional events; collecting donations at bucket collections; giving talks within the community or helping deliver Visitor Centres Tours at North Weald and Earls Colne; and helping out in our offices. Why would you recommend volunteering to others? My message to anyone wanting to volunteer is, regardless of age, nationality or gender we need you to help keep the helicopters flying! Jane Morton, Volunteer Manager commented “Sue is a highly valued, well regarded and much appreciated member of our volunteer team, and we would like to thank her for all her help over the years” To find out more about volunteering with the charity please visit https://www.govolherts.org.uk/o/Essex--Herts-Air-Ambulance