Helen’s Volunteering story:
“I began volunteering as a Citizen’s Advocate with Speak Out in January 2017.
Being new to Brighton I was looking for volunteering opportunities and visited a Speak Out stall at the People’s Festival on Hove Lawns. I met members of Speak Out who so impressed me with their stories of the difference being part of the group had made to their lives and how it was giving them the confidence to get their voices heard, I decided to find out more and was soon interviewed by the Volunteer Coordinator and training quickly followed. The training was extremely informative both about the legal requirements of the role and most importantly about how to relate to and work with our partners. Continued support , one to one and Group Supervision and regular meetings with other volunteers is so helpful. Support is always there when a volunteer needs it.
I love my role as a Citizens Advocate, getting to know my partner and helping her to get her voice heard. The role can be tricky at times and there are also periods of time when my partner is happy and has no particular issue to be supported with. Being there for her as an independent person who she can turn to has seemed to be a positive development in her life and I feel privileged to be able to support my partner in this way.
Being part of the Speak Out family is so rewarding.”
Simeon’s Volunteering Story:
“I have been a Speak Out volunteer for six years; I have had an advocacy partner all of that time and, since I retired last year, I have also been supporting in two self-advocacy groups. I have helped my advocacy partner to speak up for what he wants, especially when his care home closed. When I am working in the self-advocacy groups I see our clients become more confident in their sense of agency in the world, and I see them becoming more connected to others. My volunteering gives me a sense of meaning and purpose, which is really important to my well-being. After my retirement, my increased volunteering with Speak Out has helped my to continue to feel that I have a positive role in the community of Brighton and Hove”.
Sha’s Volunteering Story:
“I have been volunteering for Speak Out for over three years. I really feel a part of the Speak Out family and value my experience with them. My role with Speak Out is advocate, as and when required, and I assist at the Drop In session on Fridays. I have gained so much during this time and would highly recommend volunteering.”
We’d like to thank all our fantastic volunteers, with out them we would not be able to support people with learning disabilities in Brighton and Hove.
Why not have a chat with our wonderful volunteer coordinator, Sarah, to see what opportunities there may be for you: [email protected] or take a look at our volunteering page.