The CSV
Volunteer Interview
Marie Houlihan, 24, from London volunteered as one of a group of volunteers supporting a woman in her mid 20s with Downs Syndrome in Bradford.
Q:Tell us about your volunteering experience with CSV
A: I helped a young woman gain more independence by enabling her to live in her own home. I was there to assist in day to day activities and to ensure that no harm came to her as she grew and developed independence. Due to the nature of her disability she needed support 24 hours a day.
Q: Where did you live while you were volunteering?
A: I lived in the house where I volunteered which was large and comfortable.
Q: How did others benefit from your volunteering?
A: The girl I was supporting was able to remain in her own home with her independence; without volunteers she wouldn't have had that opportunity. I also feel that the other volunteers benefited as we were all from different backgrounds and countries and we got the opportunity to share and experience different cultures and experiences.
Q: What do you feel you learnt from being a CSV Full Time Volunteer?
A: I realised my own strengths as a person and was able to handle things I thought I wouldn't be able to. I experienced a world of opportunities and met some of the most amazing people.
Q: What would you say to those considering volunteering?
A: You learn and grow so much that at the end you won't recognise the person that you were. It's the most amazing thing to volunteer. It was tough, very tough, and there are moments you want to give up but in the end you will never want to go back and change your decision because not only do you touch people's lives but others will have brought something into your life.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: I have no plans, although I will be doing more volunteering both back here at home and maybe abroad.
This month we focus on an important part of CSV's work, enabling people with physical disabilities, learning disabilities and mental health issues, and older people to have the freedom to live independently in their own home. Volunteers provide companionship, practical help within the home and support to access activities in the local community, while gaining experience and new skills themselves.
Barbara Austin has been supported by CSV volunteers for over 20 years. In 1976 a road traffic accident left her paralysed from the neck down. With the support of CSV volunteers, Barbara is able to live a full and active life. Barbara says:
Jan Buck, 20, from Germany volunteered with CSV for 9 months. He supported Jon, who has Muscular Dystrophy, to be able to live independently at home while he completed his PhD. Jan says:
If you feel you could help someone to live independently and would like to become a CSV Full Time Volunteer please 
CSV Make a Difference Day is the UK's biggest day of 'hands on' volunteering. This year it takes place on Saturday 25th October and if you are not able to volunteer on a full time basis this may be for you. It's a chance for you to make a difference in your community by organising a project with your friends, family, workplace, school or university. 
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0800 374 991 