A Barnet man who is living with cerebral palsy is demonstrating how people with disabilities can make a positive impact in their local communities. John Knight, who was born with cerebral palsy has spent several years volunteering to care for an elderly woman before she passed away aged 97-years old. (Issued 7th September 2006).
John, a former unpaid carer, is now volunteering his time as a receptionist with CSV’s Active Volunteering by Disabled People project at the Barnet Carers Centre. The experience has helped the 59 year-old to be more confident and assertive about himself, and he feels that his work experience will benefit his future career.
John says: “My experience of looking after my friend really helped me to adapt more fully to life. I feel stronger especially after recently being mugged and having to defend myself and warn off my attackers. Even though I have cerebral palsy, I am determined to make the most of my life. I really like working with people and feel that my communication and organisation abilities have improved. I can now take these skills to the next stage of my career.”
CSV’s Active Volunteering by Disabled People project has recruited seven office volunteers. The volunteers have many different responsibilities including database maintenance, filing documents, helping with research and ensuring smooth administration at the unit.
Development Co-ordinator Jaya Gajparia feels that the experiences gained by the volunteers and their contributions are well appreciated, as they look towards further training or advice on job opportunities.
Jaya says: “John is a very enthusiastic person, who really enjoys being around the office. He always gives 100 per cent as a volunteer and is a good communicator. I believe that he would make an excellent carer as he has the right qualities and dedication for this sort of role.
“As the co-ordinator I have had to deal with a wide range of duties. I am glad that I have received help from the volunteers here, as their work effort is good and they are always willing to learn and very enthusiastic about what they do. I think John has a lot of potential to reach his goal of finding paid employment as a carer.”
CSV’s Active Volunteering by Disabled People project has been providing volunteer opportunities for two years, and is now offering practical job advice to disabled people working or living in Barnet.
The project has encouraged volunteers to develop an awareness of the job market, reach employment goals and provide them with the best possible work experiences to work in a team, as well as the opportunity to meet new people and gain good communication skills.
More importantly the project aims to offer disabled people opportunities within the community, which hopes to create social solidarity and understanding of disability within the borough.
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For more information Active Volunteering by Disabled People e-mail Jaya Gajparia on jgajparia@csv.org.uk or call on 020 8445 2780.
Further press information: Robin Sprott or Jason Tanner/Paul Donohoe on 020 7812 0033 / 37 / 38. www.csv.org.uk/press
Notes for editors
1. CSV (Community Service Volunteers) is the UK’s leading volunteer charity and creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their community through volunteering, training and community action. Each year 195,000 people give 4.9 million hours of their time as volunteers through CSV. www.csv.org.uk