Catherine McManus

Active Student - a volunteer's experience

Catherine finished her BA Social Policy at the University of Brighton and went on to do an MA Health Studies. She chose a volunteering role that matched her studies to gain hands-on experience.

What made you decide to get involved with us?

After noticing the posters, I looked on the Active Student website for more information. I had wanted to volunteer and was not sure how to go about it, so I thought getting involved through Active Student would be a good starting place.

Which organisation did you volunteer at?

Age Concern – Brighton, Hove and Portslade.

What was your volunteering role there?

I was a member of their social policy team, working on a pilot project looking at social policy issues affecting older people. I also volunteered in their information and advice service where I answered the telephone and dealt with client queries, assisting in providing information and advice to older people.

Why did you choose this opportunity?

The original role I applied for was to be part of the social policy project. As my first degree was in social policy and I had an interest in how social policy affects older people, particularly in relation to their health care needs. I also became involved with the information and advice service which is a valuable experience and helps to establish a better understanding of the practical implications of social policy for older people.

Were you trained for this role?

Yes, full training was provided which was very thorough. The training involved shadowing other advisors for as long as I felt I needed, until I was ready to go solo. I attended an induction session which introduced me to the organisation and I also received training on benefits advice, which was very interesting and helpful. 

Throughout my volunteering experience I received full support from my supervisors at Age Concern and also from other volunteers and staff within the organisation.

How long were you in training for?

Overall I trained for one day a week for three months.