News, Volunteer Stories
Volunteer Stories: Meet Megan
Volunteer Stories – welcome back Megan
Megan is in her fourth year at the University of Edinburgh, studying Health and Social Sciences. She has a busy academic and personal life (she is an accomplished Irish Dancer!), AND finds the time and energy to volunteer with GCP on Fridays in the Numeracy Group.
Megan has known about the work of the GCP for a while, having had a placement with us as part of her first year module. She spent 3 hours a week leading the Health and Wellbeing class. Megan enjoyed herself so much that she came back!
‘In my second and third year, I had to get paid work, but I knew I’d volunteer in fourth year. I contacted Kevin (the Volunteer Manager) and he got back to me straight away and has been very supportive.’
Why Volunteer with GCP?
We asked Megan,
‘What’s great about the GCP is that it builds relationships, and I meet people I would never normally get to meet. I came in early to support the Numeracy class last Friday and everyone was having lunch. It felt like the school canteen in a movie as there was only one seat left and I felt very self-conscious as I sat down. Immediately everyone started to chat, ask me how I was and what I was doing today.
‘It is just so welcoming and such a positive vibe.’
Megan is enjoying volunteering at the Numeracy class,
‘I was a bit worried at first as I haven’t done maths since GCSE but I quickly realised it’s about supporting members, giving reassurance and building their confidence with numbers, which builds their life skills as well.’
Megan would recommend volunteering to anyone,
‘I’d say to do it. There are so many classes, endless opportunities. You can help with something you are interested in or, like me, use skills you haven’t used for a while, like maths, or you can get involved in something new.
‘The environment is so supportive, and you don’t need to be an expert.’
There are big changes ahead for Megan’s but she says,
‘I would love a job which allowed me to stay in Edinburgh, so I can keep volunteering at the Grassmarket.’
We’d love that too Megan! We wish you all the best for the future and hope that you can volunteer with us for a long time to come – thank you for all your support and hard work.
Become a Volunteer
We would not be able to deliver GCP’s amazing support and services to vulnerable people and social enterprise customers without our fantastic volunteers.
There are lots of opportunities for individuals to participate and join in! Everyone is welcome.
The volunteer commitment varies depending on the role, but can be as little as two hours a month. All volunteers receive ongoing support and have access to free training.
A BIG THANK YOU
The Grassmarket Community Project relies on the time and commitment of our volunteers. The Volunteer Programme is possible thanks to the generosity of our customers, funders and donors. Our main funder for this area of our work is The Big Lottery Changing Lives programme and we thank them for their essential continued support.