Grace Hamilton

What inspired you to get involved?
I studied Health and Social Care in Lisburn College and decided that I wanted to gain experience in a volunteering role. My mum also volunteers with Positive Futures so I already knew it was a valuable place to gain experience. They have been very good to her and she told me about the things she has encountered with them as a volunteer. My uncle is disabled. I have grown up with this all my life. From seeing what he could and couldn’t do, that showed me what it was like to be restricted in ways that people like myself who don’t have a disability have to face. For disabled people, having support from charities like Positive Futures is a great way to help individuals and their families and I wanted to be a part of this.

What does your volunteering involve?
I currently work with adults supported by the Better Futures Project in Positive Futures. This involves accompanying them on various activities like going to the cinema, bowling, craft events and concerts. So far, I have particularly enjoyed arts and crafts. It’s an enjoyable team-building exercise that everyone seems to like and participate in. It has been great to just be down to earth with each person, and have a fun evening over a cup of tea and a biscuit!

What skills or qualities are requiered for your volunteering role?
I need to be caring and considerate; listen to the person I’m with; and read up on what their needs are in the guide on how best to support each person so I can keep them safe and happy. Teamwork is also important, both with other staff members and with volunteers. I think I am a good team player. I learn a lot from other staff and volunteers, which allows me to learn new skills and qualities. Good communication skills with everyone are very important. I am an enthusiastic person which has been a great benefit. It’s also very useful from a learning point of view. I have been unsure about a few things but I have been able to ask the staff or volunteers.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering and what has been your highlight?
I have really enjoyed meeting new people. This has given me the opportunity to give something good within my community. I enjoy knowing I make a difference to the life of young adults who perhaps wouldn’t have been able to get out to such events. My highlight so far was actually my first night out at the Civic Centre in Lisburn. I felt so good afterwards whenever I realised how much I was appreciated for giving up my time to volunteer. It was so rewarding and I just wanted to experience more times volunteering with Positive Futures.

Why would you encourage others to become a MV and what advice would you give them?
Although I am not a Millennium Volunteer, I would advise any young person to give volunteering a go because it’s so rewarding. You meet many new people, experience new things and, over all, feel great about helping others out.