“Volunteering allowed me to get to know more about the culture and life in UK society.”

Volunteering can help people connect more with their local community and support good mental health. Feeling connected to the area that you live in can become even more important when you have not only moved to a new area but to a new country.

Noorullah, a refugee from Afghanistan, came to Volunteer Centre Sefton looking for a voluntary role. The Centre recommended Compassion Acts, a charity focused on reducing poverty and increasing social wellbeing. This appealed to Noorullah and he has started his role with them.

Noorullah explains how volunteering has helped him:

Why did you want to volunteer?

Because I consider helping others a moral and human duty. It is only through voluntary work that you can help your fellow human beings without any expectations.

Have you enjoyed volunteering with Compassion Acts?

Yes, of course. Organisations like Compassion Acts identify the real problems of society and seek a basic solution to help people. Volunteering at Compassion Acts is really enjoyable and rewarding for me.

What do you enjoy most?

Compassion Acts has a friendly and intimate environment. A large number of people work in this organisation on a voluntary basis. Talking and meeting with them is very enjoyable and hopeful for me. Because here, we are all gathered for one purpose and that is to help the society and people.

You’ve mentioned to me that you have struggled with your mental health. Has volunteering helped with your mental health?

Yes; helping society and people gives me a sense of usefulness and makes me feel relaxed.

Has volunteering helped you feel more connected to your new community?

Volunteering has allowed me to get to know more about the culture and life in the UK and has also improved my English language skills.

Compassion Acts offers several services such as a food bank, benefits advice and more. Without volunteers, they wouldn’t be able to do the important work they carry out.

Caroline from Compassion Acts said:

“Noorullah seems to have settled in really well. He has definitely come out of his shell and we have seen his English improve.”

If you’re a refugee or asylum seeker in Sefton Volunteer Centre Sefton can help you find a voluntary opportunity.

Contact us today.

Read about our Ukraine Support Initiative here.