Date published: 18 February 2018 by Anna Jackson

Volunteer of five years, Chloe, shares why she started volunteering and how the experience has changed her life for the better.

How did you first hear about Rainbow Trust?

I used to volunteer at a different charity but then I moved out of the area. When I moved here I was walking down Leatherhead high street and went into the Rainbow Trust charity shop. I started talking to the volunteers there and decided that this was a charity that I wanted to be part of. It’s been 5 years now!

Why did you decide to volunteer for the charity?

I always wanted to work with children, but I knew I wasn’t physically able to, so instead I began looking for something where I could support children from an office environment. I went through a lot of hospital treatments as a child, so I know how hard it is for the whole family and Rainbow Trust does a lot to make it a better experience for them.

What do you enjoy most about your volunteering?

I love the variety of jobs I have here – it changes week to week. There’s always a different way in which I can help, so it stays interesting.

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

My favourite Rainbow Trust memory was two years ago at the volunteer evening. It was held at Fetcham park which was beautiful. When I was there, I felt like I forgot everything and just focused on my achievements and I really felt worth something. It was such a happy evening.

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

Rainbow Trust has a really lovely work environment where everyone is willing to help each other. Volunteers here are treated the same as the other staff and it’s so friendly.

If you could sum up your volunteering in one sentence what would it be?

Volunteering at Rainbow Trust has been a life changing experience for me. It has made me really confident.

If you would like to volunteer, check out our current opportunities or get in touch.