A Volunteer’s Experience…
My name is Evie and I am one of the volunteers here at The Secret Space. I started here in June 2021, just after I left school. I had just completed my A-Levels and felt like I was nowhere near as prepared for the ‘adult-world’ as my friends seemed to be. Everyone had a plan to head off to university or had a job lined up, whereas I hadn’t even thought of planning this far ahead.
When the opportunity came up to join The Secret Space as a volunteer I was a little worried, I was completely out of my depth with no experience at all in the wellness industry. The idea of being in a work environment with multiple responsibilities was a little scary for me as it was something I am not used to. Thankfully, the team here at The Secret Space are the most welcoming bunch of people I have ever met. We all come from different backgrounds, with different experiences in life, and it’s so lovely to be around people who are so understanding of other people’s situations.
I’ve been working here for over 6 months now and in that time I have learned about health and wellbeing, many new skills that I can apply throughout my life in jobs, and a lot about myself as well. The volunteer programme here at The Secret Space has introduced me to a lot of new skills such as admin, social media, and even simple things like people skills. Being around a group of open-minded, intuitive and supportive individuals has really helped me understand myself a little better as well. I have suffered from anxiety my entire life, and working here has helped me identify my triggers, how to look after myself and my mental health. I’m happy to say that I have developed myself into a more mature, kind-hearted, thoughtful (to myself as well as others), well rounded person.
Now, in January 2022, I’m still here and I have two part time jobs. The opportunity to volunteer at The Secret Space has helped increase my confidence to the point where I am no longer scared of new environments and am actually excited, and more inclined, to take on a challenge.
The Secret Space picked me up when I was lost and helped me find myself. I consider myself so lucky to know and work with such a wonderful group of people in such a wonderful place.