Kevin’s Amazing Journey with Cambridgeshire Deaf Association.

Kathy Shaw, former Senior Development Officer at Support Cambridgeshire gives a personal account of her volunteering journey and shares her future plans. Volunteering could be the thing that changes the course of your life. It certainly did for me when I volunteered for a homeless night shelter in the 1990s. I was a very disillusioned 20 something year old working for a bank and trying to save people money on their tax bills. I wondered if this was going to be my life forever- safe, boring and dull. Volunteering at the night shelter was pivotal as it introduced me to the world of the voluntary sector and sparked up my curiosity on things I had little understanding about. I discovered the truth - homeless and human – I found out first hand, about personal choice, mental health (this is a lie as we didn’t talk about mental health then), addiction, the unfairness of life and social care systems. It shone a light on me and revealed a bigger picture of power, inequity and poorly understood issues. At the shelter I made some good friends with volunteers, paid workers, homeless residents, each connection opened my eyes beyond the screen I sat by each day to monitor a pile of tax returns. I used my workplace to fundraise, I embarked upon an Open University degree and left my corporate job to be a paid worker in the voluntary sector. From that point I now have a career rich in the experience and knowledge of funding, fundraising, development, policy and all the things that support social change, it stands me in good stead to support other organisations and understand the complex dynamics of the sector. As I look towards 2025, I feel it’s time for change again, perhaps more intentional but one that may set out a new trajectory, and with the benefit of hindsight and courage of foresight, I ask myself 2 questions: Why would I volunteer in 2025? What sort of volunteer vacancies appeal to me? Using Volunteer Cambs I set about exploring what the future possibilities could be by listing the reasons to volunteer and the possible things I could volunteer to do. You may come up with similar lists and questions and wonder why not? Who knows your volunteer opportunity may lead you to a new friends, new skills or perhaps a new career? Reasons to Volunteer 2025 Time – is a big barrier but I often find myself peeling myself off a sofa after watching multiple episodes of something, or endless hours of scrolling on social media apps, on-line shopping and afterwards - I feel nothing – I can’t remember what I watched or what I looked at! What if I replaced that with a more meaningful and fulfilling voluntary activity? Responsibility – I don’t want to take on another commitment, full-time work and being a single parent to 2 teenagers can be enough. But, at the end of the day it is my choice about what I volunteer to do and how much time I can give. Connection – Real life socialising has diminished because of tech, Covid, and as I age I’m less inclined to be part of sports groups and less of a fan of nights out on the town. Meeting people through volunteering task will be a good reason to connect. Challenge and Curiosity – there’s always a bit of me that seeks a challenge, nowadays I seem to be a scroller to other people’s adventures and I wonder where that curious mind that wanted to see life, warts and all has gone. Personal and Professional Development – I don’t think I’ll ever be done, every new opportunity is a chance for development, to learn and become. Time again – if not now, then when? Volunteering Possibilities From Volunteer Cambs that interest me. Event Organiser I like the idea of helping out with events, it’s a great way to get to go somewhere (for free), meets lots of new people and support a cause that really interests me, especially for organisations that I know my family and friends have been very grateful for. I don’t expect this will feel like an over commitment of time either. Business/Social Enterprise Leader This role for a young person’s arts organisation appealed to me as it has endless possibilities but is a real challenge, something that would really enhance my personal and professional development too. Clothes Swap Event Volunteer I’ve always fancied going to a swishing event this would be a great opportunity to off-load my unwanted clothes from my new year clear out and pick some stylish new threads for 2025. It is also a one-off event, so it could fit in alongside other commitments. Befriending Support for a Young Person The limited knowledge I have of the care for young people doesn’t sit well with me - it seems inadequate – being able to support just one young person, to build a rapport and be a person who can listen and support someone would be a challenge, there something that lures me about a brand new challenge. This is the type of volunteer role that would really make me think deeply about the whys and wherefores, possibly pushing me in a new direction. Drawing up my lists has been a useful exercise to help me try to understand why I want to volunteer to something that suits where I am in life. What’s on your list and where will 2025 take you?

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