Giving back as a volunteer
We really value all our volunteers and they are a great part of our team. They support our work in so many ways, from giving up their time to cheer on our runners in the London Marathon to helping our pupils grow tasty fruits and vegetables as part of our Saplings Project.
During my time at Ambitious about Autism I have seen first-hand just how rewarding this volunteering can be and how it enriches the lives of others.
Julia Lampard, who co-leads the Saplings Project, said:
Without volunteers there would be no Saplings Project. Our volunteers are amazing including the range of corporate groups who have put in all of the infrastructure and the local volunteers who help keep the project going, donating their most precious commodity…their time!
Effrosyni Stafyli, who works at Treehouse School as a job coach and also runs the Saplings Project, added:
I started volunteering when I came to the UK and it helped me to explore roles and environments that I hadn't considered before. I developed new skills and met amazing people.
I myself have also experienced the benefits of volunteering. I started when I was at university, throwing myself head first into the student union culture and signing myself up to many clubs – including running the student magazine. I gave up as much time as I could writing for them and trying to interview bands and the experience I gained was vital.
When I finished university I was eager to volunteer again because I loved doing it – this time at a charity shop for a few weeks. The experience I gained from that was so valuable and I interacted with a lot of people from all walks of life, which was scary for me but at the end I got over it.
Since I joined Ambitious, I have also volunteered at events such as a recent reception we held at the House of Lords. I really enjoyed this because I felt part of the team and it was great to meet people who support our work and to talk to them about what we do.
Visit our volunteering page if you want to find out more about volunteering for Ambitious about Autism.
About the author
Solmaz is Ambitious about Autism’s Marketing and Communications Intern. She loves writing, and also has interests in music, technology and beauty products.
