Martin started a volunteering role at his church in late 2025. This was with the help of our Persona Employment Pathways service, which helps people we support learn new skills and get a job or voluntary role.
Why did you want to start volunteering?
I was looking to do something different in my life; to gain new skills, become more independent, and build on my confidence and self-esteem. I also felt that volunteering would allow me to contribute positively and help others in the community.
How does volunteering make you feel?
Keeping the church clean is important to me. I enjoy my role and love meeting new people. It makes me feel happy and relaxed.
Do you feel valued in your role?
I feel good knowing that I’m appreciated. This makes a huge difference to how I feel overall as I'm much happier and satisfied.
How did the Persona Employment Pathways team help you start volunteering?
I’m very happy with the support I receive from the Persona Employment Pathways team; they've helped me find a job I love and been very supportive, kind and caring and given me the confidence I needed.
Tell us about your Fridays now you volunteer.
I have a good work life balance. I enjoy keeping busy and working every Friday, and I enjoy going out and socialising with my friends every Friday evening.
Talk us through a normal day at the church.
When I get to church, I sign in, have a cup of tea, and then I start cleaning the main church hall. I dust the benches and pews using dust cloths and a duster, hoover, and clean the toilets.
When the playgroup finishes, I dust, hoover and clean the windows in the entrance.
Which job do you enjoy the most?
I enjoy cleaning the windows and making sure they're sparkling clean. I also enjoy being able to prioritise my workload.
Are there any jobs you find difficult or don't enjoy?
There are no jobs I dislike, but I wouldn't feel comfortable working upstairs in the church. There are potential safety hazards, and I would struggle to climb the stairs.
Would you like to volunteer for more days?
I'm happy working Fridays.
How does it make you feel to volunteer at the church?
My confidence has grown and it makes me feel happy. I like being my own boss.
Who do you go to if you need help at the church?
I go to Joanne or Sally for help at the church. They're very friendly, welcoming and nice.
How does the Persona Employment Pathways team help you?
They make sure I feel confident in my role and help me to understand my tasks. They're also great listeners and are very encouraging.
Have you met anyone new while volunteering?
I've met several members of staff at the church and the craft coordinator from the Manchester Church Group. I enjoy talking to the people who come to the playgroup - everyone is friendly.
Are there any new skills you'd like to learn while volunteering?
I've already learnt lots of new skills. I used to struggle using the long extension cord, but I now know how to use it with patience. I've also learnt which cloths to use for different tasks.
I would like to learn more about gardening, as it's a passion of mine. When the weather is nicer, I'd like to focus on litter picking and weeding the church's entrance.
How do you feel about moving from day support to volunteering at the church?
I love the change - it's been a very meaningful and positive one! I feel much happier and I'm doing something different, which I really enjoy.
Is there anything you miss about day support?
I enjoyed playing Bingo, but I much prefer volunteering at the church. I have a purpose in helping others, which makes me very happy.
Being happy is number one.
Martin's name has been changed to protect privacy.
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