About GoldStar 
| Name | Age |
Project |
|---|---|---|
 Case study A |
29 |
Volunteer Centre Westminster |
A is an Asylum seeker from Kosovo. She came to the UK in 1999 with her husband and applied for asylum in the UK. The couple had to leave their country because the situation became too dangerous in Kosovo. A has her three bothers and sister in the UK. At the time her parents were also in the UK but left later.
A is aged 29 and undertook two years of a degree in economics in Kosovo.
She suffers from posttraumatic stress disorder and depression as a result of her experiences of the conflict in Kosovo.
A was referred to the Volunteer Centre by her counsellor who works in a refugee support service. She suggested volunteering might improve A’s health condition, so she was referred to the Refugee Outreach Worker at the Volunteer Centre. After making contact with the Centre, A attended a short interview and a week later commenced as a volunteer. She has now been at the centre for 13 months.
A works in the reception area of the Volunteer Centre, as well as half a day a week undertaking finance/accounting work on behalf of the Centre. Since joining the Centre A has undertaken a course in accounting and also first line management qualification. She indicated that this helps in terms of the work involved in the reception area. She commented “How we can work as a team, how we can understand each other”.
A highlights the support she has received through the Centre in the following terms:
“I have been very supported. Staff in the volunteer centre are very helpful”.
"I have gained confidence in myself as well as communication skills. I meet new people every day. Volunteers coming into the reception area asking about volunteering opportunities”.She also indicated she has gained finance and accounting skills through her work at the Centre.
In terms of recognition by the Centre of the contribution she is making A commented:
“I get recognition all the time”…“They very much appreciate our effort”She summed up her overall experience of volunteering at the centre in the following terms:
“I am very happy that I am here. Very thankful to Johannes and to all members of staff. They are very helpful all the time. I gained a lot of experience here. I am sure it will help me with future plans”
