Mandeep's volunteering story
Mandeep struggled to find work, but through support from Newham Council and activeNewham, he was able to use volunteering as a route to employment.
Mandeep, 31, had been out of work for six months. He has a learning disability, an anxiety disorder and needed to work at a pace he could manage. Being out of work left Mandeep feeling frustrated and with low self esteem.
A friend told Mandeep about activeNewham where he could volunteer and make a difference. Newham Council works together with activeNewham to deliver sports, leisure and volunteering activities in the borough.
Volunteering is one of the options offered to customers who want to engage more in the community or get work experience.
Mandeep signed up as a volunteer with activeNewham and was matched with opportunities that suited his skills and qualifications.
He began giving his time as an events steward across London; volunteering at events including the London Marathon and the ICC Cricket Championships. Volunteering restored Mandeep’s confidence.
Whilst volunteering, Mandeep received training at activeNewham and qualified to work as an events steward and security officer. He was also supported to improve his interview skills and his CV.
Mandeep now has a job as an events steward and he continues to volunteer.
Mandeep says “volunteering made the difference for me. It’s given me confidence and helped me to develop as a person. I developed my communication and organisation skills and it showed me how to work in a team."
