Date published: 07 August 2019 by Anna Jackson

Tell us a bit about yourself – interests and hobbies, other work or volunteering

I’m Hannah and I have volunteered with Rainbow Trust for 6 months so far. For the last 3 years I have worked as a personal trainer helping people with their health and fitness goals in their own homes. I combine this with being a life coach and am also studying to be a counsellor. Prior to this I worked in the city in accounting, a very different environment and I much prefer what I do now.

I have always been very sporty, I play netball, tennis, I cycle and go hiking and I also love to travel.

How did you first hear about Rainbow Trust and why did you decide to volunteer?

I was aware of the work of Rainbow Trust and when I started working for myself, I finally had the time and flexibility to do some volunteering, so I applied for a role at Rainbow Trust Head Office.

What do you enjoy most about your volunteering?

Although I don’t miss my old corporate accounting role, I do miss the office environment and social aspect of working in a team so volunteering 1 day a week in the office fills this gap and I really enjoy the teamwork. I love working in the sports and special events department as it really suits my personality and background. I love volunteering in such a friendly, welcoming environment where everyone is working for the same great cause. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone and have learnt a lot more than I thought I would have.

Can you describe a typical day volunteering and what it involves?

I work closely with Sally-Anne, the Events Assistant and there is no typical day, it is a very varied role. I have a debrief with Sally on arrival and then I may be calling people to chase their fundraising money from past events, or to confirm their attendance at future events. I have ad hoc tasks to complete such as looking for volunteer massage therapists to help at running events. I also attend events myself, marshalling and cheering people on which is a lot of fun.

Do you have a particularly distinctive memory from your volunteering so far?

I think talking to Carly, one of the Support Workers from the Essex Care team about the work she does with families and hearing about the dedication she has to her job and the energy that she puts into it. I felt really moved listening to her and I feel proud to be helping in a small way to enable our Family Support Workers to be there for people in the need.

If you were to meet someone who was considering volunteering for Rainbow Trust what would you say to them?

Definitely do it, it’s an amazing charity full of friendly people and it’s a great learning experience and really rewarding. I put off volunteering for so long as I didn’t have the time and I really wish I had found a way to have done it sooner.

If you are interested in volunteering click here.