Celebrating International Volunteer Day: A student’s journey into volunteering

Thursday, December 5th is International Volunteer Day - a special day to recognise and celebrate the contributions of volunteers around the world. To mark the occasion one of our Life Skills students shared her inspiring journey into volunteering. 

Jodie Hickman, a 25-year-old Life Skills student recently started volunteering at her local library in Codsall. Jodie’s story is a testament to how volunteering can make a positive impact on both the volunteer and the community. 

“I wanted to build my confidence and work with children because it’s something I’ve always been passionate about. I approached the library to ask if there were any opportunities and luckily there was a chance to help children with reading. I now volunteer weekly, reading stories like The Very Hungry Caterpillar to a small group of children.   

At first, I felt nervous but the smiles on the children’s faces made me so happy. Volunteering has helped me feel like I’m achieving something important, and I encourage everyone to try it.” 

Jodie’s experience has been transformative, her story is a reminder that volunteering is not only about giving back but also about personal growth and discovering new strengths. This International Volunteer Day, let’s celebrate people like Jodie who are making a difference in their communities and consider how we can contribute too. Whether it’s volunteering with children, helping a neighbour or supporting a local organisation, every act of volunteering matters.