Volunteer Centre Network Scotland

Name:			Jan Whiting

Jan, is a young Scot with Dutch roots. He found himself at a loose end when he became unemployed so he decided to volunteer through his local volunteer centre. it was a good move.

What kind of volunteering do you do?
I drive people – usually from home – and take them to whatever class, activity they need to go to.

Can you describe an average day in your volunteering life?
There’s no such thing. Take today. I picked up a blind lady from her home - Alice - and drove her to the centre. She can meet friends there and have a spot of lunch. Believe it or not, Alice and a whole load of other blind and partially sighted ladies do a keep fit class every Monday at the centre. Pretty impressive as some of them are almost 80 years old.

Do you have to be a particular kind of person to be a volunteer?
You don’t have to be a special person to volunteer. I haven’t had any special training to do this apart from the basics. Anyone can do it.

Do you feel your volunteering makes a real difference to others?
Yes. You can tell Alice appreciates it - just like everyone I help - the things they say, they show it. It means a lot.

And finally, what do you personally get out of volunteering?
I get a lot of satisfaction out of volunteering. You’re helping people. At the end of the day, for me, it’s the feel-good factor that makes it all worthwhile.

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