Volunteering for A+

John Green had registered with the A+ Project with no clear objective or focus for the future, just a strong feeling he had to 'do' something 'different' from his usual routine.

Having worked in a high-pressured environment and dealing with the adverse effect on his health the vigorous routine had caused, John was uncertain what came next.

'When I first approached the Volunteer Centre to meet with Frances at the A+ Project, I was feeling so low I felt I had very little to offer, but hoped I could be of some use to both myself and others. I felt a little foolish when I attended my first training session which is focused on preparation for volunteering, but soon learnt that there were other people who, like me, seemed very capable but needed a little extra help and support.

By my second training session I had started to help someone else in the group and it helped me realise just how much I had to offer when helping others. As a result my confidence and self esteem started to rise considerably.

I am now considering options for the future I would not have even believed myself capable of before I approached the project. One option has been to discuss the prospect of becoming a Buddy with the A+ Project and I have just attended my first Buddy induction training!

I am looking forward to learning more about both myself and other volunteers in the coming weeks and months.'