Below are a few testimonies from our past and present volunteers - to enable people who are considering taking part in our individualised recovery and job skills packages, and practical job placements, to decide whether this might be for them .. enjoy!

(a)   Donna (volunteering January - August 2010)

What work did I do? Writing envelope addresses, photocopying, sorting paperwork, poster work, signing letters for the director, stuffing envelopes, typing, drafting letters. I have worked with several members of the team. I helped contact our marketing leads, and mailed out information to them. I made up packs for new volunteers and packs for our new Recovery In-Sight courses and I was responsible for signing letters. My work resulted in the Centre being able to recruit new volunteers and new trainees, and in businesses becoming interested in the Centre’s services.

What did I learn? I learnt some of the main tasks in an office environment. I learnt how to organise my work and to work independently. I learnt to let people know when I wasn’t able to come in. And I kept my lunch receipts and completed forms to be reimbursed.

What plans do I have for the future? My plans are to be enrolled this August on a business course at college. I would even like to continue in a volunteering job for extra experience.

How The Recovery In-Sight Centre helped me - The work I have done has helped me organise my tasks and give me confidence to do a certain amount of work in a certain amount of time. And working to deadlines has shown me that I am a productive worker.

(b)   Helen (volunteering July - December 2010)

What work am I doing? The type of work I have been doing has been varied. Letter writing to various companies to raise awareness of The Recovery In-Sight Social Enterprise. Advertising courses by making telephone calls, photocopying documents. I also drafted a volunteer checklist and welcome pack for new volunteers. As a Shadow Trainer, I am working with the trainers and trainees on the In-Sight course.

What have I learned? I have been learning IT skills, as well as communication skills, and learning to work as part of a team. I have learned telephone techniques and key words to use in gaining more interest. I have learned many organisational skills and how to prioritise my work.

What plans do I have for the future? I plan to possibly return to study as a student Nurse specialising in mental health, to study mental health. Alternatively, to study psychology or counselling. I want to continue working with the trainers on the Recovery In-Sight course, with a view to becoming a trainer.

How the Centre has helped me? Working with the Recovery In-Sight Social Enterprise has boosted my confidence, and given me a focus and goals. Completing the In-Sight course gave me an insight into the illness. I have met many like-minded people and the Centre has also given me a much needed structure to my week.

Where did I hear about Recovery In-Sight? Ringing a helpline after watching Eastenders put me in contact with Dr Heather Straughan and Recovery In-Sight.

(c)  Richard (trainee & volunteer September - December 2010. Marketing Assistant in RISE January 2011 to present day)

At the moment I come into RISE Centre to do some voluntary work every Thursday, from 10am till 4pm. I work as part of a team, working on marketing the courses run by the Centre. This involves identifying potential individuals, or companies, that may benefit or be interested in our services, then sending them information about our courses.

I have learned how to work as a team member. In the future I would like to do more, such as using the telephone to find potential clients. I may also ask to work two days per week.

I have enjoyed doing the Recovery In-Sight course, for those suffering from mental illness, and I have found the voluntary work is a great way to spend my time constructively - doing something to help others. I have found my self-confidence has also improved. I enjoy working as part of a team, and look forward to Thursdays.

I heard about RISE through one of the staff at a day centre, Henry Smith House, I attend.

(d)  Julia (trainee, then volunteer September 2010 - March 2011)

I first heard about Recovery In-Sight when a leaflet came in the post to my supported housing address. I enrolled on the Recovery In-Sight course which started back in January to April 2010. On the course, two of the main things I learnt were to keep a ‘Behaviour-Thought-Mood Diary’ on a scale of minus five to plus five, with the best being minus one to plus one. I have found the diary very useful in monitoring how well or unwell I am, and also, monitoring when to alert my CPN. The other thing I learnt was how to be assertive rather than flying off the handle and getting really angry in a negative way. This has helped me no end.

I now work for the Recovery In-Sight Social Enterprise based in Watford as a volunteer worker, as part of the marketing team. I do various things here, from signing letters for the director, putting letters and leaflets advertising courses suitable for companies in envelopes and getting them ready for posting.

I am learning some of the main skills in an office environment. I am learning to use a computer, photocopying and printing. I work both with, and for, nice people who understand my illness and how it affects me; this is one of the most encouraging aspects of working here.

For the time being I would like to continue to work as a volunteer with a view to getting back into paid employment eventually. Firstly, though, I hope to do more work on the computer.

The work I do is helping me learn to re-build time limits and deadlines. I am learning to keep to deadlines which will be particularly important, not only at Recovery In-Sight, but also for any future employment I may have.

(e)   Sarah (trainee & volunteer September - December 2010. Marketing Assistant in RISE January 2011 to present day)

The work I do involves making telephone calls, answering the telephone, sending leaflet information out in envelopes, typing letters, helping with drafting letters, photocopying and general admin. work. I have learnt how to integrate and work better as a member of a team. Also, how to utilise my skills and enhance them, for example, my verbal and personal skills.

The plans I have for the future are to continue to work for Recovery In-Sight as a volunteer, then to eventually return to paid employment in administration/office work.

The Recovery In-Sight Centre has been of invaluable help to me as it has improved my confidence, given me a personal structure and self-discipline. Also, the 3 month In-Sight course they offer is of great help and knowledge.

I heard about Recovery In-Sight through an advert flyer posted at St Albans Day Centre.

Other volunteers -

Rita (from September 2010 to present day) has also followed the In-Sight training during this time.

Julie (from July 2011 to present day) previously followed the In-Sight training.

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