We are marking National Volunteering Week (NVW) by sharing a selection of volunteer stories to highlight how small actions can make a big impact, and how volunteering can be make a positive difference to the volunteer as well as the the beneficiary.

We start the week with Sagarika Sharma who tells us how volunteering from home has become a way of life and an important outlet for her creativity.

“Covid-19 brought all our lives to a standstill. I was getting by but the lockdowns one after another and not getting a chance to socialise outside family was challenging. Just one week before I was due to fly to India to attend my only sibling’s wedding, the whole world went into lockdown in March 2020. But life goes on and it did- though not in the same way.

The year 2021 began with Level 5 restrictions. Due to repeated lockdowns and lack of social life, I felt I was having a hard time expressing myself. This made me realise that in spite of having family with me I was facing difficulties, then how hard it must be for people in Nursing homes and people cocooning. I decided to do some volunteering and I came across Letter writing for residents of New Lodge Nursing home.

I applied for it and was excited to receive a response that I could begin writing. I was excited as I as a child used to write letters to my grandparents. But, I haven’t written regularly or written at all after my gran passed away. So, I thought writing to residents of New Lodge Nursing home will be a great way to let my feelings out. But, the first letter was difficult. It took me a week to figure out what and what not to write. The letter writing required me to be creative but am not creative. Yet, I got some glitter pens and colours, I made a lot of mess but I kept going. Writing letters was so fulfilling that it has now become like a routine to me. It comes naturally to write twice a week.

Thereafter, I developed an interest in digital marketing and pursued a short course in it. Soon after I finished it I came across a requirement posted by Miriam at Connections Arts Centre for Digital and Support Volunteers. I applied and Miriam was quick to respond and I started immediately. Connections offer online courses in Arts and other courses to adults with disability.

Connections Arts centre launched on 12 April 2021 and I carried out a few digital marketing activities for the launch. This again gave me a chance to develop my creativity. I started off by creating awareness about Connections Arts Centre in my locality and organisations that provide support to adults with disability and wider disability community through social media marketing. I am thoroughly enjoying my learning process and using my skills at Connections Arts Centre.

Hence, I am surrounded by creativity all around me. Both of my volunteering opportunities helped me discover a different side of me and are helping me to be a better version of myself. I feel happy and proud of myself. I have been able to express myself better and get my thoughts out. I will continue to volunteer as long as I can. It doesn’t feel like an obligation but very natural.

Finally, I would like to thank Colette Gallagher at South Dublin County Volunteer Centre for being proactive in listening to me and guiding me throughout the process. Special thanks to New Lodge Nursing Home and MIriam at Connections Arts Centre for accepting my volunteer request and helping me get through these trying times.”