Elodie Gibby is an admin volunteer with local charity Accuro. Accuro support children, young people, and adults with a disability with Clubs and activities in West Essex including youth clubs, a holiday scheme and adult friendship scheme in Harlow.
I am Elodie and I am an admin volunteer at the charity Accuro. I am 19 years old and having recently finished my journalism course at Harlow College, I wanted to document my volunteer experience, in the hopes of inspiring people who are thinking of volunteering.
I started volunteering because I wanted to experience the working world before getting a full-time job and include volunteering on my CV. Accuro looked like a good place to start as I admire their aim to empower people who have a disability to be themselves by offering a range of activities to build confidence and independence, and their aim to reduce social isolation.
Applying to be a volunteer was an easy process of a phone interview, an in-person interview, DBS checks, contact forms and photograph permission forms. This sign-up process was helpfully aided by staff which meant I easily fitted it in around my college course.
On my first day, I was excited and a bit nervous as I had never done anything like this before. I was instantly put at ease by the employees of the charity and was eased into work by discussing what needed doing and how to do it. We also discussed what could be beneficial for me and future careers I want to get into, which I found helpful. I left feeling excited to get started.
I have been doing a range of tasks including organising hashtags for social media use, research, and blog writing like this, all to create awareness for the charity.
Volunteering has been the perfect way to start learning about the working world. I am currently working on the #TryInJuly fundraiser, which I am really looking forward to as it’s something very new for me. I am also looking forward to working on future projects with Accuro.
Accuro is launching new services for young adults with a disability aged 19-25 years this September in Harlow, a social group for young adults and STRIDE, a new life skills programme.
S – Skills
T – Togetherness
R – Relationships
I – Independence
D – Diversity
E – Equality
STRIDE will cover topics such as healthy living, personal care, household tasks, how to keep safe, social communication skills and more. If you or your business could contribute your expertise to this programme, please contact the programme coordinator Kerry at enquiries@accuro.org.uk.
To find out more about volunteering opportunities including Club and Trustee opportunities and about the services provided by Accuro please visit www.accuro.org.uk or contact enquiries@accuro.org.uk
