Six years ago I was diagnosed with mental health problems. I found it difficult to leave the house much, and so it was hard for me to get or keep
a job. Although I was able to start studying at university, I still felt that I didn't have a good range of skills that employers would be looking
for. My tutor at university suggested that volunteering would be a good way to get experience of working in different situations so I became involved
with the university's Voluntary Sector Placement scheme run in partnership with Halifax Bank of Scotland.
My placement of 100 hours was with a local
Charity in Falkirk as a receptionist and administration assistant. The skills I learned through this placement have been great to put on my CV, and
I enjoyed my time so much that I stayed with the organisation for 2 years!
The best thing I think I have got out of my volunteering is that I am now
a confident, outgoing person, totally different to the person who started the placement.
Volunteering has also opened doors to many other opportunities
for me so it was one of the best things I have ever done.
