Names have been changed to protect anonymity.

THE STORY OF JENNY

Jenny came along to The Ecology Centre as a volunteer. She had not worked for several years.

Due to a tragic event that had taken place her mental health had declined, her social skills had deteriorated and she felt quite isolated in her life.

Jenny was part of the volunteer team for six months. She helped out in the gardens, cutting the grass and eventually joining in with some of the events that were taking place.

Within the volunteer team Jenny slowly made friends with others and found that she had quite a lot in common with a few of them.

After a number of months she began to feel that she was ready to work again. She found employment as a gardener.

Jenny’s experience at The Ecology Centre changed her life. Does this sound familiar? Why not call us to chat about volunteering opportunities for you.

THE STORY OF DEREK

Derek has learning difficulties. When Derek first visited the Centre he did not communicate with staff or mix with the rest of the group, preferring to spend time in his own world.

As time has evolved Derek has discovered that he really enjoys volunteering to do jobs on The Ecology Centre site.

He has realised what it feels like to have a job, feel self worth and to gain job satisfaction at the end of the day.

Derek has become a much more confident and self-assured individual. When he arrives at the Centre he demands to know his task for the day and is then, within minutes, out at the tool store selecting his equipment. 

Not only has Derek’s confidence developed, he now instructs and encourages the rest of the team.

His involvement with The Ecology Centre has been so successful that he now has a placement with a local building supply merchant.

The Ecology Centre has changed Derek’s life.