Volunteers' Week: Ethan and Vinny

An interview with Prescot Hub volunteers Ethan and Vinny

Tell us your first name, and your volunteer role.
I'm Ethan and I am the Hub Volunteer in Prescot.

Who do you volunteer with?
I volunteer for KeyRing, I am supported by them, first as a full Member, then I became an Associate Member and then a Linked-In Member. I have always volunteered for them as soon as they started the Hub, I do it with my partner Vinny.

How long have you been volunteering with them?
I think nearly three years.

Why did you decide to begin volunteering?
I decided to become a volunteer because of the fabulous work KeyRing have done to support me, I am now taking this time to pay back and offer my time.

What have you enjoyed most about your time volunteering?
Meeting new people and seeing new faces, and being part of organising the different organisations coming in.

What benefits have you experienced personally?
Making new friends, sharing stories.

Do you have any stories you could share about your time volunteering?
I enjoy being around other like minded adults where nobody is judgemental, it is nice that we all have different opinions but are able to respect each other’s views.

Would you recommend volunteering (with KeyRing or generally) to others?
Yes I definitely would, I also volunteer for St Johns Ambulance, I am also a career for my partner Vinny.

What would you say to anyone who is thinking about volunteering?
Jump right in, it will make a big difference to you especially when you get to make new friends.

Anything else you’d like to add?
I would like to think that I will continue to volunteer (until the day I die) I find it very rewarding. I love seeing other Members having fun and mixing.

Tell us your first name, and your volunteer role.
Vinny and I am the Hub Volunteer in Prescot

Who do you volunteer with?
I volunteer for KeyRing, my partner Ethan is supported by them that is how I became involved.

How long have you been volunteering with them?
Nearly three years.

Why did you decide to begin volunteering?
I decided to volunteer to support the wellbeing of other Members, and ensure Members have something fun to do.

What have you enjoyed most about your time volunteering?
Being around people who are like minded, because it doesn’t matter if you are in a paid role or volunteering role it is just one family.

What benefits have you experienced personally?
Gaining new friends.

Do you have any stories you could share about your time volunteering?
Getting Livv Housing to attend the Hub, we all took part in making their tenancy policy more friendly - easy read, we all got vouchers from Livv for taking part in this.

Would you recommend volunteering (with KeyRing or generally) to others?
Yes, any chance I get I get to tell people how volunteering has had a positive impact on my mental health I will tell them.

What would you say to anyone who is thinking about volunteering?
Just give it a go, see what you think if it isn’t for you that’s fine.

Anything else you’d like to add?
I like to think I will always volunteer I really enjoy it.