Why I became a team leader

A Google search of “volunteering in St Albans” led me to Centre 33 after my youngest daughter departed for university. I had the classic empty nest with three children gone out into the world and a husband who loves his work and shows absolutely no sign of retiring! A bit more time on my hands.

Four years later and it was definitely one of the best things I ever started doing.

It's great that there is a lot of flexibility. I have a busy life (even with the empty nest!) so I cannot always commit to a shift every week. I can give as much or as little of my time as I am able and signing up for a shift is easy online. I like that I can see who else is working on a shift with me. I have made some great new friends including a fellow Formula One fanatic with whom to discuss the travails of Lewis Hamilton.

New volunteers starting their first shift are made very welcome by existing team members. I remember quickly become part of the team and learning what to do. The sessions are busy as we set up for breakfast or dinner, cook, serve and clear up afterwards but it is so rewarding to meet and chat to our visitors while they are sitting down to eat their meals. Even a simple thing like remembering a visitor’s name and using it makes such a difference. They are so appreciative of all the help that Centre 33 provides. I come away from each shift hoping that I have made our visitors lives - which in so many cases are really awful - that little bit easier.

I have become a team leader (and trustee) now. Nothing onerous there. A few more responsibilities but nothing that makes me anxious. A small amount of paperwork, collecting keys and opening and closing the premises for the shift that I am on. Well maybe the alarm makes me a little anxious as I did forget the code one day!