The Migrant Access Project (MAP+) helps new arrivals in Leeds to connect with the local community, including finding volunteering opportunities. One of our MAP+ volunteers have shared some of her experience and feedback with us:
“I suffered a really bad injury at work and had to reduce my hours, which meant I started getting into debt. My emotional health deteriorated. Meeting the Leeds Neighbourhood approach officers and Nick has helped turn my life around. They put me in touch with a debt management officer and helped me find my confidence again.
I am now training for new career options and I’m also supporting local people by volunteering with Touchstone. Living in Spain, I did a lot of voluntary work at local schools and also outreach work and so its nice to continue that in Leeds. Hearing other stories in volunteering training about people who’ve experienced physical and mental health challenges has helped me understand my own pains and stresses and to manage them better.”
Other MAP+ volunteers have supported local school students to produce artwork for the Holbeck Gala and assisted people attending a GP practice. By doing this volunteer work, it’s supported them to improve confidence, leadership skills and their spoken English.
