Mid Ulster Volunteer Centre

In my time as a volunteer in the Witness Service I can say the most rewarding part is being told by witnesses that they have really appreciated the advice and information I have given them and that I made a difficult experience and the criminal justice system a lot less daunting. When I hear people say it takes a really special person to volunteer I will admit that I feel a bit guilty as I get great personal satisfaction from knowing that the few hours I give each week make a real difference. The rewards greatly out weigh the time I give up”

My volunteering experience has helped me to ascertain knowledge about key issues within my community that I would otherwise have been unaware of. I will never forget the friends I have made volunteering with Out and About Rural Transport. This experience was vital in my decision to pursue a career with the NHS as it confirmed the passion I have for working with people for a good cause. I would encourage anybody to become involved in voluntary work, as an experience such as this is priceless and I will carry the memory with me for the rest of my life”.

Through my volunteering experiences I believe that I have made a positive impact within my community and I enjoyed the challenges I faced. I particularly enjoyed working with children with disability as I feel that only a small contribution can make a huge difference. Volunteering is what you as an individual make it and I would recommend it to anyone

Volunteering has given me a purpose to my life, friends I never thought I would ever have and confidence to be wanted in my community. I'm not the same person I was six years ago, I am a better version of me.

I like to volunteer because I enjoy being part of a team and i make a positive contribution to the daily lives of the clients

I enjoy my role in Magherafelt Volunteer Centre Office and the variety of work. I have learnt so much from helping out where I can and would sincerely recommend volunteering to everyone.

Volunteering is a very productive way to spend my free time as I’m learning and making a difference to the community. I have always found volunteering rewarding, fun and you meet great people along the way.

I’ve been volunteering at The Base Cookstown since June 2019, initially I joined the Base for a week’s work experience but enjoyed it so much I signed up as a volunteer to continue over the summer. I would highly recommend The Base as you will always leave with a smile on your face.

I found out about volunteering through Heather form Disability Job Match. She has been guiding me back to work as I’ve spent many years battling and recovering from CFS/ME. I would definitely recommend volunteering to anyone. It’s a great chance to offer up your time and learn many new skills in the process. There’s a great sense of achievement as it’s very rewarding and it will be very positive on your CV.

Being a volunteer for so many years has really changed my life, so many positive experiences, at times emotionally and physically challenging and very rewarding working with people who have disabilities. My aim in life is to help those who need help. What an amazing few years - volunteering means everything to me

Signing up with the Volunteer Centre was the best thing I had done for an age. I could see the range of work available and gained a valuable introduction to my chosen area. I would not at that time have had the courage to walk in off the street to introduce myself.