What is your name?
Gemma
Name of charity you volunteered with during the COVID-19 response:
Sefton CVS ‘check in and chat’ scheme
Please tell us a little bit about yourself – experience, current / previous job roles?
I’ve just finished by second year as Microbiology student at the University of Chester. I’ve previously been a Brownie leader for over five years and volunteered at the safe space scheme in Chester once a month. Through Chester safe space I also gained mental health first aid training.
Why did you want to sign up to volunteer?
I wanted a chance to help people during this difficult time in the best way I could.
What activities/ tasks has your volunteering included?
I have been making calls a couple of times a week to people in the area who are in a vulnerable position in order to see how they are and provide a friendly conversation.
What has been a memorable moment from your volunteering so far?
Realising being a listening ear is just as important as being able to physically solve problems.
What words of encouragement would you give for somebody thinking of volunteering?
Definitely go for it. It’s a great feeling to know you’re helping someone and really easy to fit around a pre-defined schedule.
