“Volunteering has given me the chance to share my skills with others”

Residents living in Millbrook, Southampton who are unemployed have been offered information, support and guidance from their dedicated Worklessness Project Officer, Helen Humphries. Helen has been working with residents on a 1:1 basis to help them to find suitable training and employment opportunities.

Volunteering has provided the opportunity for one resident to find her way back. The resident has been able to plan the hours around her family commitments and return to work at her own pace. Since the resident began volunteering in September 2011, her life has changed for the better and her confidence and self-esteem have improved. “Volunteering has helped me to get back to work and I feel I am more than just a mum. I am really happy with where I am at and I hope to eventually achieve paid employment with the organisation or within the support industry.” Talking about the organisation who gave her the opportunity to volunteer, she enthuses at how supportive they have been towards her and they are always checking that she understands what she is doing. The organisation has even encouraged her to achieve her full potential by asking her to teach residents how to cook on a budget – not bad for someone who felt she was just a mum!

Helen says “the resident has taken big steps to improve her employability for the future through volunteering. She has opened a number of doors that offer different opportunities to return to work and her chances of securing paid employment in the future have grown. Since volunteering the resident feels more confident and is keen to pursue a career in the support industry.”

If you are currently unemployed and would like information or advice on training and volunteering opportunities, then contact Helen Humphries on 023 8062 8162 or email her: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it