Pat, who is supported through Active Prospects Community Prospects service, has been volunteering in the Active Prospects charity shop for four months, helping to serve customers and sort, label and display donated items. The shop, in Horley, has a particular focus on providing supported volunteering opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, offering them a chance to develop work skills and confidence, increasing their chances of moving on to paid employment. Pat is just one of a number of supported volunteers who have been developing their skills in this way since the shop launched in June 2017, with another having already moved into a paid role in August 2017.
Following her successful time with Active Prospects, Pat’s potential was spotted by the manager of another local charity shop, Age UK, who offered her a expanded volunteering role, working five afternoons a week at their Horley shop. Working with Active Prospects Job Coach, Nick Kinsella, Pat was supported to make the transition to the larger role where she is taking on greater levels of responsibility and enhancing her skills further.
Pat is already greatly enjoying her new role and is particularly delighted to be able to dress the shop front mannequins with donated items.
