Volunteering not only makes a meaningful difference to individuals and communities, but can also enrich your own life, boost your self-esteem and improve mental wellbeing.
Alexandra (name changed) shared with us the transformative experience volunteering has brought to her life. With a desire to give back and make positive impact in her community, Alexandra became a volunteer mentor with Aberlour. She tells us how volunteering helped to bring purpose back to her life and helped her overcome personal challenges.
Alexandra first heard about Aberlour through her previous job, which involved working with children and families. “I had been out of work for a while due to mental health issues. To improve my mental health and not to feel so isolated I decided to go down the route of volunteering.”
Ready to embrace new challenges, Alexandra became a volunteer mentor for our Sustain Service in Angus. The service helps families overcome their challenges and difficulties by building long-term relationships that help them get back on their feet. Having previously worked with children and families and drawing from her own struggles with mental health, she had a unique ability to treat the families with empathy, compassion and understanding.
Aberlour’s volunteering team also supported Alexandra to build on her skills to help her become a better volunteer. She says, “What also attracted me to Aberlour was the training and online courses they offered. I have thoroughly enjoyed them and gained knowledge, which I can use in my volunteering role and in future employment.”
As a volunteer mentor, Alexandra found immense joy and fulfilment in her role. She works closely with the family she is assigned to and helps them to overcome challenges in their lives, while also offering practical help, support and advice. She is also a listening ear and offers encouragement to the family when they are feeling down.
“I look forward to meeting with the family each week… It’s so rewarding when you see the family thriving and moving forward. It’s an extremely rewarding role and has helped me to gain more experience, knowledge, and confidence.”
Alexandra acknowledges that the success and personal growth she’s experienced through volunteering is down to the support she received from the Aberlour volunteering team.
“One thing I need to mention is the support I get from my Volunteer Coordinator. She is amazing! She has been a great help easing me into my volunteer role and I know that she is always there for me if any issues come up.”
Knowing that she has a strong support system behind her has given Alexandra the confidence to thrive in her volunteering role.
Become a Volunteer with Aberlour
“I would highly recommend volunteering with Aberlour. It isn amazing charity helping Scotland’s most vulnerable children, young people, and families.”
Whether you have a background in working with children and families or simply have a passion for making a positive impact, Aberlour offers a variety of volunteer roles to suit your interests and skills. When volunteering with Aberlour, you have the chance to gain valuable experience and help build a brighter future for Scotland’s children, young people, and families.
If you’re seeking a meaningful and rewarding way to give back, consider joining Aberlour as a volunteer. For more information, please visit:
