As part of Volunteers Week 2019, we’re putting up profiles of some of our volunteers. We’ve featured Annalie, Angela, Simon and Shyam, Rona, George and Chris already, but let’s hear from Giulia, who has been volunteering with Barnet Mencap for many years. Giulia was actually the first profile we featured on this website when it was launched, and below is an updated version of what she said to us then.

Giulia:

I volunteer at Barnet Mencap as they have helped me a lot over the years – they were the first organisation I joined when I moved to Barnet. I like to help them as much as they have helped me and have always enjoyed doing it. All the people I volunteer with have been, and still are, always helpful and kind. I have fun and lots of laughs with them all and they treat me with respect.

I have volunteered in many different roles: answering the telephone; working on the juice bar at Saracens, Finchley Youth Centre and events; attending different meetings as part of the Engagement group (including at the Houses of Parliament, Greek Cypriot Centre, libraries and hospitals); bag packing; tin collecting; carolling; ushering at the AGM; admin tasks for the office; interviewing staff; carrying out phone surveys to gain feedback from Barnet Mencap members; and much more – you name it I’ve done it!

I would definitely recommend volunteering at Barnet Mencap as they are a very good company with lots of different opportunities. I’ve been here for at least 15 years and look forward to many more memories and experiences with them in the future.

Outside of Barnet Mencap

I also help out at CDR, where I hold people’s hands when we go out, and help in other ways when I’m asked, as some of the clients there have higher needs than me.  A long time ago I volunteered at St Joseph’s, and I volunteered with Action for Kids for a few years too.

I have also done paid work; I did work experience at Sainsbury’s in New Barnet, I attended the Learning Disability Partnership Board meetings with Barnet People’s Choice, and worked in a theatre and for Artbox on Caledonian Road. I also did gardening through the Harrington Scheme.

When I’m not volunteering, I like playing sports, I enjoy art, and I love acting. I have attended the Showdown drama group through Barnet Mencap for a few years. I also like going out with friends, eating out, and travelling in the sunshine.

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