MONDAY: Annabelle’s story

It’s national Volunteers’ Week and we’re celebrating by saying thank you to all the amazing volunteers in Islington. Each day we will be sharing the inspirational story of a volunteer.   

We’ll be looking at the incredible work that volunteers have been doing over the last 12 months and more recently in response to the Covid-19 crisis. 

Join us by sharing your inspirational stories of people volunteering in Islington #VolunteersWeek #weareIslington. 

Thank you to everyone who volunteers in Islington!

Kicking of volunteer’s week, Monday’s story is about Annabelle:

Annabelle volunteers at Centre 404, an Islington based charity that supports people with learning disabilities to lead more independent lives. Annabelle was inspired to start volunteering by her sister who has Downs Syndrome and autism. She saw the support her sister received and it inspired her to be part of it. 

Usually Annabelle helps with the group activities, but because of coronavirus these are no longer running. Annabelle is still volunteering and has been getting involved in several new ways, including creating thank you packages for frontline workers, food shopping and phoning people who may be feeling isolated and alone.  

Annabelle says “…it’s great to see friendships blossoming and some growth in independence and confidence when doing different activities. It’s great to know that you are providing some entertainment and an outlet that people look forward to, and rely on, especially when someone might have had not such a good day until then.” 

Annabelle fits volunteering in around her job and at first she was worried about how it would work with the time commitment, but she says most places are quite flexible and really do need the help so they can often work out something to suit you and the charity. 

 

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