As part of our Volunteers’ Week 2022 celebrations, and keeping in line with the theme Year of Stories, we’re featuring a series of positive stories from our wonderful Falkirk volunteers.
Ann reached out in September 2021 looking to volunteer her time to tutor young people who need a bit of help with mathematics. CVS Falkirk and Volunteer Falkirk staff member Lynsey let her know about Volunteer Tutors Organisation (VTO). Ann got back to us in February 2022 to let us know she was now volunteering with VTO, so we had a chat with her to find out more about this rewarding experience…
Can you tell us a bit about how you got started in your volunteer role and what that role entails?
I signed up for volunteering opportunities in lockdown as I had more spare time on my hands. I have always loved maths and supported my own children, who have now flown the nest, with their maths from primary school right through to their highers. I reached out to Lynsey asking if she was aware of any volunteering opportunities assisting children with maths and she put me in touch with Volunteer Tutors Organisation (VTO) who give 1-to-1 educational support and guidance to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. They work with kids from primary school right through to the end of high school.
What is your favourite part of your volunteer role?
The favourite part for me is when the child I am assisting suddenly understands what I am helping them with, and I begin to feel their confidence grow in maths.
What has been your most memorable moment as a volunteer?
There has been many but the most recent was this week when the child and parent thanked me for my support and were pleased to say they were now back on track with their maths.
Have there been any challenges in your volunteer role?
Like every job, it has its challenges but thankfully the positives outweigh these. As I do all my tutoring over Zoom, I struggle when I am knee-deep in explaining something and the screen decides to freeze or cut out… but hey, we get there in the end!
What would you say to others who are thinking about volunteering?
I say don’t think about it any longer, just do it! You will love it and feel enriched by it.
