As part of Volunteers’ Week, we’re highlighting the inspirational work and collaborations between our Employability Team and their partners to demonstrate the power of community and connection.

One such partner, GAVO – the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations – works closely with our team to get people back into work by referring them to us for volunteering opportunities. Platfform’s Employability Team then pick these referrals up and develop a plan with them, including volunteering as well as other skills, confidence and wellbeing training.

Amy* was recently referred to Platfform for a volunteer role in the Caerphilly area, having arrived there without any real connection to the place. She found herself struggling to integrate as her confidence was at rock bottom. Here’s her heart warming story which shows how small steps can change the course of someone’s life.

*Name changed to protect identity

“When I first moved to Caerphilly, I felt completely out of place. I didn’t know anyone, I didn’t feel connected to the community, and the loneliness started to affect my confidence more than I expected. I wanted to feel part of something again and to feel included, valued, and accepted, but I didn’t know where to start. 

That’s when I was referred to the Caerphilly Pathways to Employment project by GAVO. I didn’t realise it at the time, but that referral would change everything for me.

During my first meeting, we talked about what I wanted from a volunteer role. I remember saying that I wanted to build new skills, meet people, and feel like I belonged in my new community. I’d lost a lot of confidence, and volunteering felt like a way to slowly rebuild it.

We set some goals together – stuff like gaining new skills, completing training, and finding a role where I could genuinely contribute. I was so nervous, but for the first time in a long time, I felt hopeful.”

“I was offered the chance to complete First Aid and Safeguarding training. At first, I wasn’t sure I could do it. I worried I wouldn’t fit in or that I’d fall behind. But with encouragement, I pushed myself to go and I’m so glad I did.

During the courses, something shifted. I started to feel really involved, accepted and included. Being part of a group, learning alongside the other people I’d never met before, and realising I could do it felt amazing. When I received my certificates, it felt like the icing on the cake – a real achievement after feeling stuck for so long.

Once I started my volunteer role, everything began to fall into place. Each shift helped me grow a little more. I started to feel valued again  – not just for what I could do, but for who I was. 

My confidence and self‑esteem improved, and my social anxiety eased as I met new people and became part of the community. Volunteering didn’t just give me something to do, it gave me purpose. It made me feel like I mattered and gave me confidence.”

“I even felt brave enough to offer my time to another local project. I honestly never would have imagined doing that when I first arrived here. And every time I volunteer, I feel so grateful – grateful for the people I’ve met, the skills I’m learning, and for the support I’ve received. I’m picking up new skills all the time, and the training I’ve completed has given me qualifications that will help me work towards paid employment in the future.

Most importantly, I finally feel part of the community. I feel accepted, valued and for the first time in a long time, I feel like myself again.”