“Volunteering with BIG Alliance has given me the opportunity to put my professional skills to use in a meaningful way, continuing to develop them outside the workplace..”

“Working with The Big Alliance has made me feel reconnected to the wider world, an opportunity to work with people from all backgrounds, ages, and in various contexts I would not have otherwise felt connected to, even though I always wanted to.”

“Supporting charities which provide much needed services and leisure activities for children in the borough feels really rewarding. In addition, the response from the people working in the organisation shows how much difference having some volunteer support makes.“

“The programme is really well organised by some of the most enthusiastic people I’ve ever met. The mentees are on the whole great with some needing a bit more engagement to bring them out of their shell, which is part of the reason for doing this, i.e. to observe the change in a young person as they grow in confidence and ability.”

“Volunteering through Big Alliance is a fun and efficient way to give back to the local community. It is especially pleasing to pass on knowledge and experience that others may not have received otherwise.”

“I feel it is important for young adults to have someone older in their lives to talk to and ask questions and who will help guide them.”

“This year the volunteers and myself have renamed the sessions ‘Happy Hour’, an hour working with fantastic young people building their skills and showing them the world of work. Our faces hurt at the end of session from all the smiling and laughing, it is such a special hour! “

“My close network of female peers helped me realise the importance of supporting and developing female talent, which has been a focus area for me for the last few years and what has inspired me to volunteer in this space.”

“The programme has increased my self-confidence and knowing that I am helping others and the community has also given me a sense of accomplishment.”