Volunteers’ Week is held annually from 1-7 June. It celebrates the time, effort and contributions that volunteers make to society. This could be volunteering in a charity shop, to volunteering in drug rehabilitation centres.
We have volunteers placed in a range of positions in the Charity. From marketing assistants at Advice Portsmouth to pilots at Cycling Without Age. All of them are valuable contributors who deserve much praise!
With that in mind, we spoke to Anne-Marie who volunteers in one of our refuges (safe houses).
Tell us about yourself
My name is Anne-Marie Rodgers and I’m a mother of two beautiful daughters. They are my reason and brighten my day. I’ve lived in Basingstoke most of my life and spend my free time enjoying family days out or doing exercise in the gym. I love to learn and have studied the last three years. My passion is supporting people with complex needs and love nothing more than to see them grow and achieve their goals.
What made you want to volunteer with the YOU Charity?
Unfortunately, I had my own personal experience of domestic abuse four years ago. The support and advice I received from various organisations helped me through a dark time in my life. Without that support I don’t think I would be where I am now. I’ve achieved many things in life. And that’s down to the level of support I received. Now I want to give back and help victims of domestic abuse in any way I can.
What do you like about volunteering in a refuge?
Over a year ago I was given the amazing opportunity to volunteer in a refuge. Supporting the women in the refuge is very rewarding; every day is different. The clients I support are amazing. When I go home at the end of the day feeling like I have made a difference. Sometimes all they would like is a coffee and a chat and I absolutely enjoy every moment.
What is difficult about your work?
The women I support have complex support needs and this can be challenging. As I’ve said, each day is different, but we work had to get through these challenges together.
What do you see yourself doing in 5 years’ time?
I’ve been volunteering for around a year now. Recently, I was offered a new role as a Complex Needs Support Worker. My aim is to keep working hard, keep doing what I love and progress within the charity.
Thank you very much Anne-Marie!
