The impact of volunteering on everyone involved

Meet Sharon, whose life changed during Covid. She discovered that volunteering impacted her just as profoundly as her students.

Sharon, a former tour guide, was used to working with people from all over the world. However, when Covid brought tourism to a halt, Sharon found herself unable to work. Adding to this challenge, she became suddenly and severely visually impaired. Beyond the emotional impact of her disability, there were serious financial implications. As a self-employed tour guide, she could no longer work even when tourism resumed.

“It was a difficult time but the extraordinary kindness of neighbours and even complete strangers helped me through. As I regained confidence, I resolved to somehow repay their generosity and approached LEAH.” 

After her initial training, Sharon has since supported two students as a volunteer tutor.

“The training is superb and the ongoing support for volunteer tutors is focused, practical and responds to our suggestions. “

Her first student lived in sheltered housing and was recovering from the trauma of an abusive arranged marriage. Isolated and missing her family, the student was eager to improve her English. Sharon used role-play to practice real-life situations such as visiting the doctor and shopping. She also employed flashcards to build vocabulary, leading to longer conversations.

"She was so determined to learn and slowly became less timid. Eventually she gained enough confidence to join a group class and to work towards her English exams " Sharon recalls. 

Sharon’s second student was a graduate living in an asylum hotel with her baby daughter. Her life had been marked by hardship and resilience. Trafficked by her boyfriend, she struggled with poor health and the uncertainty of her asylum status. Despite these challenges, she remained determined to pursue professional qualifications in the UK. Together, Sharon and her student worked on legal scenarios, child-related topics, and incorporated fun word games to keep the learning process engaging during tough times.

"Her determination was inspiring, even when life felt overwhelming," Sharon says. "When she obtained UK citizenship, it was an accomplishment that filled us both with joy." 

Reflecting on her own experiences with severe visual impairment, she emphasises how volunteering has helped her rebuild confidence and reclaim her sense of identity. 

"LEAH is always sensitive to my visual impairment, without ever making me feel a lesser person, which sadly happens in other contexts, I have found.  LEAH has helped me so much. Being able to ‘give back’ by contributing to such an exceptional charity has taught me as much as I hope I have taught my lovely students!” 

Why not join the LEAH volunteer team and be part of something bigger.    

Inspired and ready to volunteer? Complete an application today.

Want to know a little more? Find out more here.