The value of volunteering

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At SensationALL, we make sure that volunteering is mutually beneficial. We get so much from our amazing volunteers, so we want to ensure that their experience is equally as valuable. One of our volunteer story’s, Katie, shows just this. From starting as placement student in our pre-school group to now being a valued member of staff, Katie has embodied the SensationALL spirit and used her volunteering experience to take on a role which is not only rewarding, but will support her in her future career.

Katie told us a bit more about her volunteering journey . . .

“I was first introduced to SensationALL through my university when I was assigned a placement within the Pre-school group. Before this, I had very little experience working with neurodivergent individuals, but after more than a year and a half of volunteering, I am incredibly grateful to have been introduced to such a wonderful charity.

“Following my first Pre-school session, I spoke with the volunteering team to find out how I could become more involved. I was placed within the Girls Group, a social group for teenage girls, where my volunteering journey truly began. With each session, I became more familiar with the service users, building trusting relationships and helping to create a safe and supportive environment. Watching the girls grow in confidence and become comfortable sharing their experiences each week was immensely fulfilling.

“Not only did I witness the positive impact SensationALL and volunteering had on the service users, but I also benefited enormously myself. Volunteering with the charity while navigating my own neurodivergent journey was invaluable and made my own experiences much easier to understand. Alongside this, I developed a wide range of skills that will continue to benefit me in the future.”

From volunteer to valued team member

“Seeing the positive impact volunteering had on both the service users and myself only strengthened my desire to continue supporting the charity. After around a year of volunteering, an opportunity arose to work for SensationALL as a Youth Worker, and I was delighted to accept. Being able to progress within the charity while contributing to such an important cause is something that still makes me excited to go to work every day.”

Katie told us what impact volunteering has had on her . . .

“Volunteering has had a profound impact on my life, both professionally and personally. Watching individuals find a place where they feel safe, welcomed, and understood and seeing their confidence and self-assurance grow, is something incredibly special. I believe that to truly understand how service users think, feel, and experience the world, it is vital to hear directly from them and witness those experiences first-hand. Doing so has been deeply eye-opening and has given me a far greater appreciation not only of neurodiversity, but also of the importance of creating a more inclusive and understanding society.

“I would encourage anyone considering volunteering or anyone searching for a sense of purpose to get involved with SensationALL. Seeing the positive impact the charity has not only on service users, but also on its staff and volunteers, is truly rewarding.”

Getting involved in volunteering

SensationALL creates volunteering opportunities that allow you to grow and progress. We want you to get the best out of your experience while providing us with much needed support. If volunteering sounds like something you would like to be involved with, get in touch at volunteering@sensationall.org.uk

Fundraiser spotlight

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As a registered charity, SensationALL relies on the efforts of fundraisers and donors to help fund our vital services, many of these fundraisers are also families who benefit from the sessions and support and one wonderful example is the Forrest family…

7-year old Jamie has Autism and Epilepsy as well as speech and language issues. His mum registered with SensationALL a few years ago looking for support to help the family navigate their neurodiversity journey. Since registered they have attended soft play sessions and sensory groups that have helped Jamie’s sensory development and given him a safe place to play. They’ve also enjoyed our relaxed events like the Santa’s Grotto at the Old Schoolhouse and even got tickets for Disney on Ice through SensationALL. Jamie’s mum, Natasha, has also attended parent/carer support groups where she was able to access a supportive community of other parents who face similar experiences.

This year, to show their gratitude, Natasha, John, and Jamie decided to take on the Aberdeen Kiltwalk and have already raised over £500 for SensationALL! Natasha explains why they wanted to do this for us:

SensationALL made a huge difference to our family right from the first session we attended (a messy play during the Easter holidays) when we had just received a diagnosis but were battling for support and a school placement. Jamie had fun playing freely in a safe environment and we had a chance to offload our thoughts and worries to staff and other parents in attendance. This gave us hope. 

Jamie has attended a few of the Christmas events. Getting to see Santa with no pressure, no queues and no judgement. He’s also had a fun play session at the Halloween party events. He loves the soft play, again it’s a safe and quiet place for him to have some fun. It warms my heart when staff pay attention to him and play with him. Its very hard taking him to public soft plays, due to safety concerns and sensory issues.

The park in westhill is where he eventually had the courage to use a swing properly, as it was low enough for him to do it. it’s also fenced in and safe.

Jamie faces many challenges. SensationALL bring a positive to Jamie’s life by making him feel involved and valued. We would like to support them by doing this [walk] together. Although, this is a ‘wee wander’ [4-miles], it will be challenging for Jamie, but we are going to do this as a family.

Everyone at SensationALL is incredibly proud of Jamie and his family for taking on the Kiltwalk a go! There are still spaces to sign up and join our team of “SensationALL Striders” which includes a few members of staff or you can sponsor them here!

Feeling inspired to get involved? There are so many ways you can support us through individual fundraising.

Whether it’s taking on a challenge event, organising a bake sale, or creating your own fundraiser, every penny helps us continue providing vital support to neurodivergent children, young people, and adults with additional support needs.

find out about fundraising here