May 25, 2021

Volunteers help deliver happiness and fun at Gateways

Nerves were quickly replaced by elation after Harry Moulding’s first time volunteering with Gateways Support Services.

The 26-year-old counselling student decided to volunteer his skills with Gateways because of his belief in equity for people with disability.

‘I was pretty nervous before my first session, especially as someone who has never worked in disability services before,’ Harry recalls.

‘I really didn’t know what to expect except that the clients would be there to have an enjoyable experience, so I just tried to provide that.’

Since beginning in February, Harry has enjoyed the experience so much that he volunteers with the Gateways recreation programs every week.

‘From entering that first session feeling nervous, I left feeling elated,’ Harry says.

‘The staff I worked with were kind and the kids were really sweet, and I was glad to see how much fun they had. I left feeling as though I had helped contribute to them having a good time, so I was happy.’

Gateways Support Services offers a range of volunteering opportunities; from working with people with a disability across all ages, to fundraising and corporate working bees.

During Volunteer Week 2021, Gateways wants to thanks its valued volunteers while also letting others in the community know about the need for more volunteers to support and empower people with a disability.

Gateways Volunteer Coordinator Carol Fogg says volunteering gives people the chance to build on skills that can lead to employment while having a deeply satisfying and enriching experience helping others.

‘Volunteers help our participants build connections, support them to engage in social and community activities and just enjoy spending time with them,’ Carol says.

‘They also provide us with great connections to our community and bring so much diversity, knowledge and joy to our groups. And our participants love our volunteers! We consistently receive amazing feedback about how kind, caring and compassionate they are.’

Gateways Recreation Coordinator Ebony Bottrell says the team feels incredibly lucky to have such highly skilled and dedicated volunteers as Harry to assist the programs.

‘Harry connects so beautifully with our participants. He always takes the time and care to get to know each of them individually and takes an interest in who they are,’ Ebony says.

‘My first time meeting Harry, he was down on the floor wearing a pirate hat and playing games with a participant. It was such a delight to see! The participant just looked so happy and Harry was so immersed in the game. It really highlights how lucky we are to have people like Harry in our volunteer program.’

Harry says no special skills are necessary to become a Gateways volunteer and that he would encourage others looking for a volunteering role to give it a go.

‘All you need is the willingness to learn and a respect for others,’ Harry says.

‘All people with differing personality types and experience are able to contribute, and everyone has something to offer in their own way.’

To learn more about volunteering with Gateways Support Services, please visit our website and complete a volunteer inquiry form.