Volunteer Stories – Celine

Read how Celine used our volunteering website to help her pursue a career in childcare.

Volunteers’ Week – It’s a chance to say thank you for the contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK and a great way to recognise and thank all our volunteers, for all the amazing things they’re doing to help us make a difference.


Celine who was looking for experience to pursue a career in childcare, used the VAL volunteering website to look for volunteering opportunities.
She applied for six roles and shortlisted her choices to the following two:

  1. Time for a Treat Volunteer – Based at The Royal Infirmary Hospital, offering hand massage and manicures to ward patients to enhance their mental and physical well-being.
  2. Family Mentor Volunteer – Based at Family Lives, a project in Leicestershire, supporting families who may be feeling isolated and in need of some support.

Celine commented:

“I had a positive response from the two organisations contacted through the VAL website. I was looking for part time work but I was also keen to do some volunteering. The role I secured first was with Leicester Hospitals which is great I have completed the relevant checks and have started.”

“I am also pursuing the role of Family Mentor Volunteer with Family Lives who were looking for volunteers for a project in Leicestershire, I feel this will help to improve my skills to secure a role in childcare.”

Get involved in volunteering

If you are interested in becoming a support volunteer or volunteering in general, find out more by searching our current opportunities online via our VAL Volunteering website.

If you’re a voluntary, community or social enterprise organisation who wants more support with recruiting or managing volunteers, get in touch with us:

helpline@valonline.org.uk
0116 257 5050

Image credit: Photo by Andrea Piacquadio