When Amy finished school and stepped into her gap year, she found herself with something that many young people suddenly experience; free time, but no clear idea how to fill it. She knew she wanted to do something meaningful, something that would get her out of the house and around other people, but she didn’t want it to feel like a job. That’s when she discovered volunteering with FACE.
“I wanted to do something when I wasn’t working that involved socialising and spending time with other people,” Amy explained. “Volunteering felt like a lovely way of doing that – getting to meet new people and just be part of something positive.”
From her very first session, Amy realised that FACE was more than just a place to help out. It was a community. She found herself chatting with people of different ages, hearing stories that she’d never have come across otherwise, and slowly building confidence in ways she hadn’t expected.
“One of the biggest things for me has been improving my social skills,” she said. “I’ve learned how to talk to people who aren’t just my age, but from completely different generations. The older people are always telling me things from the past, how life used to be, and it’s honestly really interesting. I feel like I’ve learned so much just by being around them.”
For Amy, volunteering doesn’t feel like work; it feels enjoyable, relaxed, and genuinely rewarding. She loves keeping busy and being part of an environment where conversation flows easily and everyone is welcome.
“It’s funner than work,” she laughed. “You’re not just sitting around all day, and you’re not stuck doing something you don’t enjoy. You get to meet different types of people, and it really broadens your perspective of the world.”
The sense of connection is what keeps her coming back. Over time, she’s noticed herself becoming more confident and more comfortable starting conversations. And it’s clear that her presence has made a difference too; attendees have loved having her warmth and kindness in sessions.
So would she recommend volunteering to others?
“Definitely,” Amy said without hesitation. “It’s such a lovely thing to do in your free time. You get so much out of it, and you don’t even realise how much you’re learning until you look back.”
Amy’s experience is a perfect reminder that volunteering isn’t just about giving your time; it’s about gaining confidence and experiences you can’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re on a gap year, looking for something meaningful alongside work, or just want to meet new people, FACE is always ready to welcome new volunteers into the fold.
Feeling inspired by Amy’s journey? We’d love to hear from you. Come and be a part of something special.
