Case Studies

Riding for the Disabled

I volunteered on a weekly basis for my local Riding for the Disabled Association group; this allowed me to bring my enjoyment and knowledge of horse riding to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities. It was very rewarding helping people achieve their goals, from learning new skills to taking part in competitions and games. RDA gives individuals opportunities they may not have otherwise had to socialise, connect with animals, have fun and undertake therapy through horse riding. Every session offered a different challenge and I worked as a member of a team with the other volunteers to help overcome some of the frustrations faced by the riders. This has to be the most rewarding activity I have ever undertaken, to see other people enjoy, find humour and communicate in an environment they would not have had access to if it were not for RDA groups across the country. They are always looking for people to volunteer and there are no prerequisites, so you will learn just as much as those coming to ride!

I also developed my interpersonal skills by encouraging and motivating the riders, enhanced my communication skills as I was expected to interpret instructions if individuals didn't understand what was expected of them and adapt the level of support I provided. In addition, I learned to empathise, became extremely patient, deal with the unexpected and enjoyed the social aspect of weekly meetings. I didn't see it as a huge commitment as we all had fun!

Charity Bookshop

I did my school work experience in an independent bookshop in my local town and felt I wanted to find out more as a week wasn't long enough. Unfortunately, when I came to Reading, I couldn't find a part-time job in any of the bookshops. So, I called into the Oxfam store, found out when the Manager was free and arranged to see her. I prepared my CV which outlined my experience to date. I wrote a few notes so I knew what to say and explained what I had done so far, the time I had available and how I hoped this experience would shape my career plans.

After a couple of days, the manager rang to offer me an afternoon a week and extra hours during the vacations. Naturally, I accepted this offer. I was given till training, instructions on how to catalogue the books, a pricing strategy and advice on how to market key publications to customers. In return, I learned to play my part as a member of an ever changing team, improved my self confidence, gained insight into what the public like to read and started to think of ways of improving our turnover which in turn would benefit many people living in third world countries. I was making a difference by helping people to choose interesting books as well as fund raising for a worth while cause. There were boring days when we didn't get many customers and there were also times when I was rushed off my feet but this is what retail is all about. Convincing some volunteers we could do things differently to improve sales was hard work and I soon learned that influencing change can take a long time. I'm not sure if I want a career in book sales, Library and Information work or a career in publishing. In any case this experience will prove invaluable when it comes to deciding which books to publish or knowing which authors sell well. Perhaps the powers of persuasion I use with customers could also be redeployed when drawing on my experience in future interviews. Ok I haven't been rewarded financially, but I have been given huge amounts of responsibility, great variety in terms of what I do each afternoon and with this experience I really know what I'm talking about which long term will make a huge difference to my life.

Landmark Trust Conservation Week

Being a student it's always difficult to budget over the summer vacation, I have often worked to earn money however it means it isn't much of a break. During my summer off last year I decided I wanted a holiday. Several times my family have visited Lundy Island, a 3 mile by half a mile island in the Bristol Channel. It has many interesting self catered buildings that you can stay in including a castle, a manor and a lighthouse. It is a great place if you like wildlife as it is a marine and nature reserve whilst also being exciting for walkers, climbers, divers and families despite its small size! It is owned by the Landmark Trust who rely on volunteers and donations to keep the place a special retreat from modern life. So I decided that I would like to help out and contacted the nature warden

I worked on the island for a week, others often go in a group on organised conservation weeks, I thought getting away from it all would be good but if I did it again I would like some company. You can choose what type of work you would like to do however I did a mix to improve my skills in different areas. One day I helped the farmers round up the isla nd's sheep and goats for their vaccinations another I worked in the pub serving food and helping in the kitchen. I found the most enjoyable days were when I did conservation work as it meant going out in a land rover or quad bike to different parts of the island and checking mammal traps for biological surveys, bird nets and counting plants. The work also involved chopping down rhododendrons which grow so fast they harm the other plants and pulling up ragwort which is poisonous to the island's wild ponies. I had a couple of days off and did not have to pay for accommodation or travel from the mainland. I had a discount on food and also cooked my own in the room I was staying in. On my days off I walked round the unique environment, went down to the beach and snorkelled and relaxed in the sun. I really enjoyed the week, although I would definitely like to do it with other people next time, I came back with a tan and more importantly had developed skills I could use in employment or at university. I had new experience in a catering environment, with animals and housekeeping. I felt good for helping preserve the island for its inhabitants and future visitors who are vital to keeping it going. So next time you can't afford a holiday consider volunteering in one of your favourite places or visit somewhere new.