Getting involved in the community

I had not long been in the UK, finally coming over from Nigeria to join my wife. I didn’t really know anyone and was/am in the process of finding meaningful opportunities and friends to connect with. My wife all ready has a network of people and a life, I now need to find my own.  I was feeling excited about being in a new country, getting used to a new way of life. But also wanting to fill my days with meaningful activities. I found out about the Volunteering Plus project through the connections of my local church. I am a pastor and have always been involved in people and the community, so  it was familiar to me and a good way to meet people.     

I wanted to volunteer to get involved in the community, busy myself and it would help create a life here. I was given a lot of good support from the team. Claire and Norah came to my home (making it easy for me). I needed help with the paperwork due to the language … also my writing. This was done for me, and questions phrased differently if I didn’t quite understand. I was invited to go to the Communitea Café at AGE UK to see if I would like to volunteer/visit the groups there. Norah worked with me around transport and bus times etc. I have also attended a workshop, which was different and it was nice to be thought of and offered these different things to try.

The induction was good and reminded me of the similarities of my pastor work (confidentiality, do not judge, to have boundaries.. although you are there to help, you cannot do everything!). Since getting involved I am more confident in getting around. I have visited new places and met new people not just around Sandwell but also in Sutton Coldfield. I have also begun volunteering as a befriender and am happy for this to continue – this opportunity was unexpected so I am pleased that it happened.  I feel a bit more confident to get to know more places and get to know the gentleman I am befriending better.