Bob has been volunteering with the Witness Service for over 5 years and explains “As a self-employed software designer working from home I originally started volunteering because I wanted to get and out at meet people. After researching the volunteer opportunities in my area I found Victim Support Witness Service and it was exactly what I was looking for. 

I volunteer one day a week in my local courthouse providing support and assistance to witnesses attending court to give evidence. Every day in court is different which gives me the variety that I am looking for from volunteering. I get to meet people of all ages and from all walks of life. 

I really enjoy the social aspect of volunteering with Victim Support as our local team has the opportunities to meet up regularly through events organised by the local coordinator. My volunteer team is made up of a real mix of people, students, retired individuals and people who work part time but want to put their spare time to good use. Although we are different ages and have different life experiences the one thing we all have in common is that we are making a real difference. 

We know because that’s what witnesses tell us every day and there is no greater recognition as a volunteer. I never realised how much I would get out of volunteering otherwise I would have applied earlier and I would encourage anyone who is thinking about volunteering to go ahead and make the phone call because you definitely will not regret it”

Positive Futures is the leading local charity for people with a learning disability, acquired brain injury or autistic spectrum condition. Our aim is to transform the future of the people we support. We do that by enabling people to realise their hopes, dreams and ambitions. Our volunteers help us to do that.

Rodney Johnston has been supported by our Magherafelt Supported Living Service for over 15 years. He is supported by Ryan O’Neill, just one of our fabulous volunteers. Rodney and Ryan’s story illustrates how volunteering can help the people we support to be involved in their local community and live life as fully as possible. 

Rodney first met Ryan in January 2013 after our volunteer matching process was used to ensure they shared the same interests. To begin with, they met up once a week, building their relationship a little more each time they met. Rodney was really keen to start going to the local gym but needed support to do this. Ryan arranged for Rodney to have an induction at Greenvale Leisure Centre and since then Rodney and Ryan have been attending the leisure centre weekly. 

Rodney loves his time in the gym with Ryan and enjoys telling people about their friendship. He greatly values the male company, especially as he and Ryan have so much in common.  Rodney loves going on the rowing machine and Ryan is able to keep Rodney right when it comes to using the weights and other equipment. 

Rodney says: “Ryan is good craic and we love talking about sport, especially Liverpool FC!”

If you would like to make a difference in someone’s life in the same way Ryan has with Rodney, then be positive and join our team of volunteers supporting our Services across Northern Ireland. Call us on 028 9147 5720 or email us at volunteering@positive-futures.net.

Together we can achieve dreams and transform lives!  

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