Inclusive Volunteer Buddy Volunteer – Amazing Alice!

“I wanted to volunteer to gain a sense of routine, and a step foot into an industry that I hadn’t thought about before which ticked all the right boxes for me.”

Alice is one of the amazing volunteers that supports the VAST Team, as an Inclusive Volunteer Buddy and is a fantastic asset!

Gloria, our Inclusive Volunteering Project Officer, initially met with Alice in July 2024 and spent time to get to know Alice, gaining insight to her skills and abilities. Alice had identified the Inclusive Volunteering Buddy role would be a great role for her to utilise her own experiences and develop new skills.

Alice’s Inclusive Volunteer role is incredibly varied, with no two days the same! It involves just some of the following:

  • Working in partnership with Project Officers who specialise in volunteering to identify supportive placements.
  • Supporting, listening, and encouraging individuals who lack confidence to recognise their own potential.
  • Attending any relevant team meetings and training required for the role.
  • Completing basic logs of interactions or sessions completed.

Alice has supported with event planning, been involved with initial volunteer appointments, attended a networking breakfast, attended Engaging Your Community Training, plus lots more!

Alice has also become a real asset to our Team for Community Events. It is brilliant to have a volunteer with our VAST Team at Events, to demonstrate how amazing volunteering is – and hear about someone’s experience directly.

Alice also recently attended our Volunteers Forum which focused on the ‘Volunteer Journey’. Alice was fantastic at encouraging participation from other volunteers in attendance and sharing her own personal journey.

“Alice volunteers on a regular basis every week and is punctual, attentive, helpful and has contributed to events, both internally and externally at VAST. In addition to her dedication and reliability, Alice demonstrates exceptional empathy and communication skills. Her ability to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment has had a positive impact on VAST. Alices proactive approach, enthusiasm and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty are truly commendable. Alice is an absolute asset and pleasure to have in the VAST team as a volunteer and we are truly appreciative of Alice’s support.”

When asked what benefits and rewards of being a volunteer are Alice explained: “I have gone from doing nothing to making a difference. I feel needed and wanted and it’s a very meaningful experience.”

Alice, when asked about what skills she’s gained from being a volunteer, said: “I have gained and further developed my public speaking skills, teamwork, event planning, organisation and team building.”

Moving forwards Alice would like to gain employment and I am sure you will agree that Alice is on route to success!

Way to go Alice!