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VOLUNTEER: CASE STUDY
VOLUNTEER 1
I first attended The Health and Wellness Hub with the encouragement of my support worker from One Parent Family Scotland. I was battling anxiety and depression so I was hesitant at first, but my support worker assured me it would be worth it. During the first session I felt nervous however, my worries quickly faded as soon as I walked through the doors of The Hub. The welcoming atmosphere really helped me settle and I knew right away that I was in a safe and supportive space.
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I attended a group that was targeted at supporting single parents. Being a single mum to two kids, I found it hard to make friends or do things for myself outside of taking care of them. I instantly felt a sense of relief knowing that others at the group shared similar experiences. Over the course of 8 weeks, I received holistic therapies and had the opportunity to participate in activities like yoga and meditation.
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During those 8 weeks, I noticed a big change in how I felt. Just being able to chat with other parents, volunteers and the staff made a huge difference in my mood. I felt happier and more confident than I had in a long time. The atmosphere at The Hub was amazing, and I really connected with the people there. That's why I made up my mind that I wanted to join as a Volunteer Holistic Therapist to be able to support others.
I had a meeting with the Volunteer Coordinator Ashley, she was so kind and understanding. She took the time to explain everything to me and assured me that she'd be there for me every step of the way and help rebuild my confidence. When I started massage training, I was really nervous and my anxiety was acting up, but both the Training Coordinator Norma and the Volunteer Coordinator Ashley were incredibly supportive and cheered me on throughout the process. After completing my Swedish Massage Training, I completed my first volunteering hours for the Pearls Women's Group, and it was an amazing experience.
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Being at The Hub has been a game-changer for me in dealing with my anxiety. It's motivated me to strive for more, not just for myself but also for my kids. Now, I'm a regular at The Hub, attending weekly, also participating in volunteer development days and community events. I've got more training lined up to improve my skills further. Having this routine has given me something to look forward to each week, which is amazing. I used to doubt if I'd ever find my way back into employment, but after experiencing the support and opportunities at The Hub, I am now looking for a part time job.
VOLUNTEER 2
In the past year, I became a member of The Health and Wellness Hub, starting off as a service user. Dealing with bipolar disorder, PMSD, ADHD, and sciatica means each day brings its own set of hurdles. I was struggling to get out and get into a routine so I started attending The Hubs Zumba class every week and I found this really helped me mentally.
After the Zumba classes ended, I noticed a significant drop in my mood without the weekly sessions to look forward to. I came across a post on The Hub's Facebook page about volunteering opportunities. With my ongoing health challenges, I really doubted my ability to be able to commit. However, I took a big leap and decided to call and enquire about it.
I was invited in to discuss participating in a 6-week introduction to volunteering at The Hub, where I could also take part in various activities. From the moment I walked in, I felt at ease. The volunteers, staff, and other service users all contributed to creating a welcoming environment. During those six weeks, I had the opportunity to experience massage, reiki, and CBE classes, which I absolutely loved. These introductory sessions helped me realise that volunteering at The Hub was exactly what I wanted to do.
A few weeks later, I began holistic training, again something that I doubted I could manage due to my ADHD, which makes it hard for me to focus and take in information. To my surprise, I completed my first day feeling lighter and relieved. For the first time in a while, I was able to fully concentrate and absorb everything being taught. The relaxed atmosphere of the session helped ease my nerves, and I found it reassuring to know that I had nothing to worry about.
Every week, I meet with my support worker, and she's noticed a significant change in me. I've gained more confidence, and I'm determined to improve and manage my illnesses better. I feel like I have a sense of purpose and something to be proud of myself for. I can’t wait to do more at The Hub and get stuck into as much as I can.
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