John Storer House
Read case study by Matthew Coleman-Haynes – Apprentice, John Storer Charnwood
After finishing my GCSEs, I started volunteering through John Storer House whilst I was unsure what step to take next in my education. I started off by volunteering at their allotment, which appealed to me because of the mix of indoor and outdoor activities working with adults with learning disabilities. This was a unique opportunity and I found it very rewarding.
The following academic year, I embarked on A level courses alongside my volunteering. Just before Christmas time, I chose to do an extra day of voluntary work at John Storer House itself. I worked with adults with learning disabilities, the elderly and people suffering from dementia. With this group we did activities such as craft, games and sewing.
I enjoyed my voluntary work so much that I started looking at apprenticeships in Health and Social Care. I decided this was something I wanted to pursue rather than following the A level path. I was very fortunate as John Storer House offered me the opportunity to complete an apprenticeship through them. I am now just over halfway through my course and have had no regrets.
Volunteering exposed me to a career path that I would never have considered previously but one that is perfect for me.
Image: Matt at the beach as a volunteer with John Storer House
This case study has been provided by Charnwood Borough Council
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