A committed teenager says volunteering is helping unlock his potential, build confidence and provide essential life skills.
Sam Crofton-Sleigh spends two mornings a week helping the team at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ Retail Distribution Centre (RDC), in Thetford.
As well as selecting and listing items on eBay, he also provides invaluable support within the charity’s online book shop.
The 19-year-old has been volunteering for just over a year and sees it as an important stepping stone in his quest to gain full-time employment.
“I feel it’s a great opportunity and fantastic for my career prospects, while doing something to support a charity I’m passionate about,” said Sam, who was speaking during EACH’s Care to Help campaign – a recruitment drive to encourage more people to volunteer in one of the charity’s 52 shops or at RDC. One of the key aims is to highlight the direct correlation between volunteering hours and the care and support EACH provides.
“I’m learning lots of skills and so many things that will help in the future, like working to targets, dealing with time constraints and being part of a team.
“It’s vital experience and insight, and these are things I hope to take into my future employment – ideally within a job at EACH.
“It’s become a big part of my life and an essential way of gaining new skills and experience.
“Getting a job is hard enough, but, this way, I’m giving myself the best possible opportunity and building my CV.”
Sam is part of the MINT employment service set up by City College Norwich, which aims to support young people with learning and employment needs and help them gain sustainable paid employment.
“I have a connection with EACH as my mum works at The Nook (the charity’s Norfolk hospice),” said Sam, who lives in Bridgham and, in his spare time, loves collecting vinyl LPs, cassettes and CDs.
“I did some work experience, and, from the start, it felt like a great opportunity and something that would be perfect for me.
“I was shown around and everyone was so friendly and welcoming.
“It felt like a very positive environment and somewhere I’d enjoy spending time.
“I did my initial work experience but didn’t want it to end, so have continued volunteering ever since.
“It’s been such a helpful experience, and everyone is so supportive.”
In addition to boosting his career prospects, Sam says volunteering has given him much-needed confidence.
“It’s also helped me break down barriers relating to my autism,” said the former student at Norwich’s Aurora Eccles School.
“Without this experience, I’d be much more apprehensive and uncertain about the future.
“I’d lose motivation and confidence, as well as becoming downhearted.
“However, volunteering here is helping me break down barriers, unlock my potential and arm me with skills I didn’t even know I had.”
To find out more about EACH’s Care to Help campaign, head here.
