WESC celebrates the work of its volunteers during national volunteers week

Angie Lunn, from Exeter, talks about her experience volunteering for WESC Foundation and why she wishes she had done it years ago.

What led you to volunteer for WESC Foundation?

I had been toying with the idea of volunteering for about four years before I took action to make it happen. 

I was talking to a friend about her son who has attended WESC Foundation for the past ten years and met him on a sponsored walk and had such a lovely time in his company that I decided to enquire whether I could use some of my spare time and skills to help at WESC.

I was also encouraged by one of the teachers at WESC, whose son I teach in Kenton. He kindly gave me a tour and has been very supportive.  

I now work part time as a teacher at Kenton Primary School and have always had an interest in the special needs area of education and was thrilled when my enquiry led to a two-hour a week volunteering role at the school.

What do you do at WESC Foundation?

Each week, I help one of the children get to and from their lessons and also work on a one-to-one basis with that person in their art class.

It is really enjoyable to see how the activities and care at WESC can bring so much joy to the children and young people here, and I feel privileged to be part of a team that can help to enrich the lives of so many wonderful people.

I am learning so much from the staff here too – they are all a real inspiration. Personally, I get a real buzz from the atmosphere on campus too – there is a strong sense of community and it is a really positive place to be. I am always surrounded by people laughing – both children and the staff – which makes it a really happy experience every time.

Each week I leave feeling that I have had a lovely and rewarding time and it gives me a great sense of fulfillment.

What would you say to someone considering volunteering?

I wish I had taken steps to become a volunteer years ago –  it is probably one of the most rewarding things I have ever done in my life. I am proud to be a part of WESC and to be contributing towards enhancing the lives of the children and young people at the school.

I was born in Exeter and it is nice to think I am giving something back to the people in my local community.

Everybody has something to offer WESC, so I would strongly recommend anyone thinking about volunteering to come to meet the children and staff and find out how they can contribute. If you have a gap in your life or you’d like to learn a new skill or meet likeminded people, them please come and join us!

If you have been inspired by Angie’s story and would like to find out how you can help transform the lives of the children and young people at WESC Foundation please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.

Helen Smith hsmith@wescfoundation.ac.uk 01392 454 208