Volunteer Voices: Sandi
Volunteering is more than just lending a hand—it’s a powerful force for change. In this feature, we explore one of our longest serving volunteers’ journey and how even now she still gets nervous before starting a new circle.
I was introduced to Circles SW by a Quaker friend who gave me a leaflet and suggested I check it out, as he thought it would interest me. I was intrigued, and 16 years later I’m still here.
I joined as a volunteer because I’ve always believed in communities having a responsibility to support the vulnerable and the challenging in our midst. It made sense to me that helping people with harmful sexual behaviour to find a safe place to live, maybe a job, and a way to find a place for themselves as functioning members of society can only be a positive. In the process of getting to know our core members, we are also able to observe and understand their behaviour and attitudes, challenging them where necessary, so future harm may be reduced. It’s a double whammy!
The Circles training is excellent (worth it for the lunches alone) and it’s always worth going to the sessions on offer. I have to travel from deepest Cornwall, but I’ve learnt so much over the years and met so many interesting people. Despite the serious subject matters, there’s always lots of laughter. The camaraderie between all of the volunteers is amazing – we all share something – a way of thinking, a desire to make the world a better place, and usually the same sense of humour.
I started a new circle last night and I was explaining to our new core member how I always feel anxious beforehand, just as they probably do, even after all these years. I wonder how on earth it will work out, and then this bunch of people start talking….. before you know it, the year is almost up and we’re planning a meal in the local pub to mark the end of our journey as a circle, and the beginning of a new one for the core member.
Behind the scenes, our coordinator is our support and advisor. They make sure the circle is working and keeping an eye out for our wellbeing along the way. Some meetings can be challenging for all of us, and it’s good to have someone to use as a sounding board, to raise concerns or just let off steam. The coordinator gets to know the core member pretty well before the circle begins, so they can understand the issues and advise on things to try. As we go through the process of unpicking prejudices, discussing behaviours and unforeseen consequences, identifying realistic goals, and making sure that boundaries are maintained, I think it really helps that we are all there voluntarily, including the core member. Our conversations draw us all together over time, so that we’re able to share in the achievements and celebrate the positives for our core member, knowing how much mutual effort has gone into making the circle work.
All for 90 minutes a week….
To join our thriving volunteer community find out more here, and apply here.
