May 19, 2020

Volunteers looking for flexibility and fulfilment, stop right here

It’s Volunteers Week! And what better time to check in with two of our western Melbourne volunteer crew to say thank you and to find out what inspired them to give their time to Gateways Support Services. 

Isata and Brandon have different backgrounds but share a passion for disability support, with both contributing to recreation and camp programs for child and adults. 

In under 12 months, Isata’s passion for the sector has seen her become Gateways Support Service’s most active volunteer, amassing 119 hours so far.  

Having obtained a Certificate IV in Disability work, Isata started volunteering with us in August last year with the aim of gaining new skills and experience working in the disability field. 

She completed her 120 hours study placement by participating in weekly recreation activities and camps, enjoying it so much that she decided to stay on with the team.  

Isata says her volunteering experience has led to immense personal growth and improved her self-confidence tenfold when it comes to interacting with clients and colleagues. 

‘Volunteering has provided me with a new perspective through working with and meeting diverse people. I’ve also gained valuable experience working in the disability field, learning from and supporting people,’ she says. 

‘It has helped me to improve my communication skills and develop my social skills, as well as develop strength and confidence in myself.’ 

Isata – who wants to build her career in the disability sector – says working with children and youth has been especially fulfilling and inspiring, adding, ‘listening to their endless stories and doing activities together brings a smile to my face.’ 

Brandon, who works as a doctor in Melbourne’s western suburbs, has volunteered with Gateways Support Services since moving into the area five years ago. 

‘I’ve always had an interest in working with people with disabilities since high school, so when I found Gateways online, I decided to go for it,’ says Brandon. 

He enjoys helping out when he can with recreations programs and attending camps, adding that the weekend volunteering opportunities fit with his busy work schedule. 

‘It is time away from work and getting to meet new people as well as working with people with disabilities,’ Brandon says. 

‘We try to facilitate them being able to participate in things that everybody else can.’  

Brandon describes his time volunteering with Gateways Support Services as fantastic, adding that participants and staff are lovely. 

‘We always have a ball; whether it is a dinner after a show or a visit to the zoo. I especially love going on camps because you start to know people better after spending a few days together,’ he says. 

‘Sure, you’d get home exhausted, but you’d also feel a great sense of satisfaction at the end of it. If you are thinking of volunteering, take a leap and join the Gateways Support Services family!’ 

Gateways Support Services also welcomes volunteers in Geelong and South West Victoria with opportunities spanning fundraising, Interchange Host program, recreation and corporate volunteering. To learn about how volunteering can work for you while supporting people with a disability, check out our Volunteering section under the Get Involved tab.