As part of Volunteers Week 2019, we’re putting up profiles of some of our volunteers. First up is Annalie, who has been volunteering with Barnet Mencap for nearly 9 years! The following is an updated version of a profile she wrote for us a few years ago…

Annalie:

I was born in Barnet on 3^rd January 1992. I live in East Finchley with my mum, but I’m also very close with my dad.  I’m very close with my grandparents who live in Golders Green, and we speak all the time and I travel to their home on my own by two buses.

I have a cavalier dog called Penelope. She is about 3 years old and I love her, she’s a great dog.

I went to Fortismere School and when I left I went to Southgate College. I studied Level 1 IT (Office Skills) and it went really well. I loved school and college, everyone was really nice and I made lots of friends. I love hanging out with friends and going to Costa.

I like going out with my friends and having fun. I enjoy going to clubs but I don’t drink alcohol, only orange juice.  I love music, especially R&B.

My favourite band is the Black Eyed Peas. I like dancing to R&B and rock and roll, and I also like Israeli dancing and bellydancing. I go to Israeli dance classes once a week with my mum.

I love going shopping, for clothes and shoes and jewellery,  I love travelling too. I have been to Israel lots of times and I have been on a plane to Israel all by myself.

Volunteering

I started working at Barnet Mencap as a volunteer receptionist in November 2011. I work on Mondays, but over the years I have also worked on Thursdays and Fridays too. I sit at reception and answer the ‘phone, and put calls through to the staff or take messages. I also do paperwork and some work on the computer if I’m not too busy.

I love it, it’s the best thing and the staff are lovely. I love answering the ‘phone, it’s very relaxing.

I want to be an actress or a receptionist – maybe both. I love drama and acting. I did it at school and I’ve been in an episode of Doctors, and just recently I’ve filmed a few episodes of Eastenders! This is my favourite television show, and I got to meet Danny Dyer!

In 2015 I took part in the Channel 4 television show Kitchen Impossible with Michel Roux Jr. Me and a group of other people with disabilities learnt cooking and serving skills in restaurants. After this, I got a job as a Team Member in Yo!Sushi in Finchley Road.

I love working in Yo!Sushi. I love the customers, the staff and the food! The food is very fresh and I love it all!

For more info on Volunteering, head to our Volunteering page.