PUBLIC HEALTH
given their individual health conditions.
Once agreed, they then embark on an
initial 12-week volunteering role and
keep in close contact with Ealing CVS
during that time.
It has helped numerous people with
long-term health conditions grow in
confidence and increase their selfesteem. Samantha Stotland, Ealing
CVS volunteer centre manager, said:
“Our volunteers tell us the experience
has improved how they feel, given
structure to their lives, widened their
social networks, and helped gain
access to further education, training
and paid employment.”
The project has helped people
with many different health
conditions, ranging from difficulty
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difficulties. One participant who
the ‘more
suffered memory loss because of
below.
a brain tumour volunteered as an
IT support assistant and subsequently
and debilitating.
went on to get a paid job.
However, I’m now
volunteering in the public sector and
‘IT WAS QUITE FRIGHTENING
have a public-facing role dealing with
AND DEBILITATING’
requests and enquiries. I’m really
In 2007 local resident Amiir*
enjoying the work and my manager is
was diagnosed as suffering from
very pleased with how I’ve progressed. I
schizophrenia – a long-term mental
keep a diary of my experiences and what
health condition that causes a range
I’ve achieved, which I find very useful.
of different psychological symptoms.
“I’d now like to move back into paid
Amiir previously worked in a
work and gain more independence. I’m
customer service r ole for a
confident my volunteer role has given
large high street fashion
me the skills, experience and, most of all,
retailer in central London.
confidence, to make that move soon.”
Amiir was kind
enough to speak to
‘MANY OPTIONS AVAILABLE’
Around Ealing about
Councillor Hitesh Tailor, the council’s
his experience.
cabinet member for health and
He said: “I had
adult services, said: “If you have
not been in paid
been affected by a long-term health
work since 2007
condition, volunteering could play
because of my
an important part in your recovery.
illness, which was
The range of activities is varied, with
quite frightening
recent volunteers finding opportunities
*Not his real name. Identity protected. Images are of models.
in retail, data entry, IT support and
advisory services. There are many more
options available and they do not all
require giving up an entire day.
“This excellent programme is
transforming lives. The participants are
inspiring and many had previously been
unemployed or socially isolated for
several years. Whether you have a health
condition or not, volunteering can make
a big difference to your community and
your own health and wellbeing.”
MORE INFO
If you are interested in
finding out more about
the volunteer programme,
or if your business might
be able to offer a placement,
contact Samantha Stotland at
[email protected] or
call 020 8280 2230.
around ealing
Summer 2016
35