Jane
 |
|
Imperial War Museum North Volunteer - Jane |
About Me
I began volunteering in September 2006 after being off work, due to depression, for several years. This had made me very isolated and I lost touch with my friends as I felt unable to go out. I also felt that I was losing my identity, having no job or social life, and that my skills & qualifications were either out of date or of no use.
What I have gained from volunteering
I can honestly say that volunteering at Imperial War Museum North has changed my life! I love meeting & helping visitors to the Museum, and expanding my own knowledge of the Museum. I have also made many new friends and now have a social life. But the biggest change has to be my return to work. As a direct result of the help & support I received I have found a part-time job as a volunteer co-ordinator at Cheetham & Crumpsall Welcome Centre, where I work with volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds. As it’s a part time job I still have time to volunteer myself at the Museum. My experience as a volunteer has given me back the skills and confidence that years of depression took away, and I would recommend it to anyone!
Patrick
 |
|
Imperial War useum North Volunteer - Patrick |
About volunteering
Since becoming a volunteer in May 2007, I have among other things gained tremendous knowledge about the history of Great Britain and Commonwealth countries. It is with such knowledge that I now have come to realise in more detail how war changes people’s lives, in particular children.
The training
During the Cultural Heritage course, I also achieved Level 1 English in Adult Literacy, Welcome All/Host and Conservation. The Cultural Heritage also helped me improve my computer skills.
Apart from meeting and making new friends, I have had the opportunity to visit other Museums, like the World Museum in Liverpool and The Manchester Museum. These visits stimulated me into going to other Museums and cultural venues alone, such as the Science and Industry Museum and Manchester Art Gallery.
Becoming part of Imperial War Museum North has indeed changed my perception about Museum’s and I am enjoying being part of this wonderful family. I hope to continue to enjoy volunteering and taking part in activities here in the future. It has been a wonderful adventure and a Journey to remember all my life.
Frank
About me
I’ve been volunteering for three and a half years, somebody suggested that it’d be right up my street because I’m interested in history. I enjoy coming. I’ve just got my Level Two English and I’m hoping to do a Media course and a Sign Language course in the autumn.
What do I do?
I assist visitors with Your History – helping them to us the computers and trace people’s wartime history. I also buddy new volunteers and help them to find their feet when they start volunteering and I’ve just narrated a new DVD that we’ve made on Volunteering at IWM North.
Katie
About me
I’ve been volunteering for about a year – it’s been great. I’ve just finished a BTEC introduction in Travel, Tourism and Hospitality at college and I’m hoping to do the next level in September.
What I would say to someone who is interested in volunteering?
Just go for it. You feel great when you give up some free time and you know that it’s helping people.
David
About me
I became a volunteer because I was out of work due to ill health. I wanted to do something to occupy my time. I have been a volunteer for four years now. I have gained more confidence through being here and now have a part time job. I come in once a fortnight to help visitors with Your History.
What I’ve been involved in
I have done lots of things, lots of training, and we attend evening events to help out with the public and trips out. We’re always invited to the Private Views and Chairman’s drinks, which is very good. I just enjoy being here, I enjoy taking part.
Linda
About me
I’ve been volunteering for six months and have just finished the Cultural Heritage training course. I’m really interested in working in museums.
What I enjoy about volunteering
The Cultural Heritage gives you all the knowledge you need to know to volunteer. It’s been an informal, relaxed atmosphere; the fun we’ve had in learning has been a very big bonus. It’s just opened up a whole new world of expectation and excitement.
