Volunteering with the BUILD Charity comes with many varied opportunities. 

Tim's story

For some it is about taking a governance, or leadership role, professionally and efficiently working in the background to ensure that the charity conforms to its objectives and the regulations that ensure it meets legal and moral obligations.

"I started volunteering with BUILD over 15 years ago.  I was 40 at the time and had no experience of volunteering or supporting people with disabilities.  The staff, volunteers and members of BUILD encouraged me to try activities outside of my comfort zone, and I’m very glad they did.  I felt welcomed into a family of friendly, positive people.

I started by supporting activities such as karaoke and computer skills at Wednesday Club, tenpin bowling in Norwich, and was once part of a team that organised a musical showcasing the talents of the BUILD members.  After a short time with BUILD, I had the opportunity to join the governance team.  Again, I lacked experience for this role but was supported by the BUILD family.  I currently sit as co-chair of the BUILD Board of Trustees. Each new activity I was asked to take part in, took me on a learning journey and I continued my personal development. 

My time with BUILD has helped me in my role at work and has greatly increased my confidence.  What I have described is the BUILD ethos, a values-based charity with people at the heart of everything it does.  Come join us!!"

Maria's story

For others it is playing a role on the front line, supporting people with disabilities to get the most out of life, by helping them maximise the social, leisure and learning opportunities we offer. Here Maria, a volunteer within our Skills for Life and GetAways Programme, talks about her role, what impact they hope it makes, and what they get out of volunteering.

"I have been a volunteer with BUILD for just over two years and my role involves supporting members and beneficiaries on trips in the community as well as being a regular volunteer on the Skills for Life Workshops which allows me to work on a more one to one level with members and beneficiaries and guide them with important life and social skills. Volunteering with BUILD is extremely rewarding and has given me the chance to visit some amazing places such as Cadbury World and Harry Potter Studio Tour. I have really enjoyed all the trips and getting to know the other volunteers, staff and members. But for me being a volunteer is not just about the social aspect, its more about giving up my time and supporting people with learning disabilities and encouraging them to achieve and make the most of the social and learning opportunities offered by the BUILD charity."

Colin's story

Around 17% of our current volunteers have disabilities themselves. Some give their time supporting their peers within programmes like the Wednesday Club, as well as directly benefiting from our services. Others find that volunteering with and for other people with disabilities is in an environment where they feel equally valued and respected. Here is Colin's story, who having previously been employed by the charity, now volunteers every week with the Wednesday Club as well as being a leading member of our training unit.

"Colin became a volunteer by accident, when he was visiting the Wednesday Club with another organisation, and he answered the then Co-ordinator's request to help staple some annual reports. That was over 30 years ago, and in the time since he was been employed as the Club Leader, and when he retired, after a short break came back and now plays an active role in the Charity's Training Team, sharing his knowledge and experience with new staff, volunteers and external customers, helping them understand what it is like to live with disability. He says he is "proud" to do it and "very grateful to BUILD for the opportunities volunteering has given."

Click HERE to find out how to join our team.