When life felt like it had stalled, Malcom found a new route forward. Since becoming a volunteer minibus driver, he’s discovered more than a way to help others — he’s found a renewed sense of purpose, connection and joy.
Malcolm had worked all his life, as a driver and in other roles including the armed forces. Forced to retire from his lorry driving job due to an accident, he lost his sense of purpose and confidence. Malcolm said of this time:
” I needed to do something, something that would start to give me my mojo back to build my confidence, to put me back in touch with the person who I was.”
Malcolm heard about our Improving Lives course at this point, and decided it could be what he needed to get back on his feet. The course not only increased his self-confidence, gained by talking to the group and working in a team, but also helped him to improve his mood and sense of purpose. Beyond the interactive classroom sessions, participants are introduced to voluntary organisations and roles and take part in vists and group volunteering sessions. During the course, Malcolm visited Spencer’s Park, Albany Theatre, Earlsdon Park Village, St Francis Employability, WATCH Centre and Groundworks.
Following Malcom’s interests, Voluntary Action Coventry supported him to find a volunteering role with Coventry Vision Hub as a mini-bus driver for Coventry Vision Hub. This friendly and active charity provides a wide range of practical and social support for blind and partially sighted people in Coventry and the surrounding areas, and they were delighted when Malcolm offered his help.
Pictured above, Malcom with Chris (Coventry Vison Hub) and also lending his support to St Francis Employability as a volunteer grounds maintenance and gardening volunteer where he has built raised beds and helped in the allotment.
Jemma Paterson (Volunteering Lead Officer, VAC) caught up with Malcolm recently and asked him what he’s enjoyed most about his volunteering, he replied:
“Volunteering has given me a sense of personal achievement whilst also helping vulnerable people. It has slowly made me believe in myself again, giving me my self-belief and my confidence, lifting me back to where I belonged.“
And we were blown away by his answer, when Jemma asked, would he recommend volunteering:
“I would highly recommend volunteering it can be very good for both mind and self-satisfaction. Possibly trying several roles to begin with unless an opening comes through like it did with me and it was something I was quite passionate about. I wish I could have done it many years ago.“
Huge congratulations to Malcolm for securing such a wonderful role, a big thank you for giving your free time and skills in this way. Thank you for sharing your story with us, which we hope will inspire others to ‘take the first step’.
Find out more about the course
To find out how Improving Lives could support you or someone you know, view the event flyer here and take a look at our web page.