The Alan Shearer Activity Centre offers a wide range of opportunities to get involved in volunteering and this Learning Disability Week provides the perfect opportunity to share how one volunteer went on to achieve her dream job.
While living in one of our Independent Supported Living services, Gail worked with her support team to build the skills she would need to take that first step into volunteering — learning to travel independently, how to manage her money and organise her day.
Starting out on reception and helping with a variety of tasks around the Centre, Gail quickly settled into her role. She enjoyed volunteering so much that she chose to attend college to further develop her skills, with the hope that one day she might secure a permanent job.
When a vacancy came up at the Centre, Gail couldn’t wait to apply. Following a successful interview, she joined the staff team and has been a highly-valued colleague ever since.
Learning Disability Week asks us to look beyond the role and truly see the person — their ambitions, their determination and what they can achieve.
Gail’s story shows what can happen when those qualities are recognised and supported.
