Volunteers’ Week - People First Keighley & Craven

Nadia

Nadia is a wonderful disability advocate who uses her time at PFKC to encourage other disabled people to use their voices. We are so proud of the work she does especially the disability and travel services. She inspires members, staff and other volunteers to be who you are. Her project called Life Stories that she ran was a big success in our office. In fact, she kindly put all the presentations together to create a book of them all. Thank you Nadia for all you do for us!

Esta

Esta comes on Tuesdays and she has lots of experience giving feedback. Esta has helped all of us learn about accessibility because she is an expert in this field. Her research skills are superb she shares her skills and knowledge with members. Esta sometimes accompanies staff & members to give talks about disability for example at South Craven School and Airedale Hospital. Both of which received excellent feedback. Esta has a very giving nature and contributes to our work greatly. You may notice that she designed our With Compliments cards and the back page of last years Zine for the Inclusive Wellbeing Festival was an Esta Watson. We love working with Esta and we look forward to doing more work together moving forward.

Shelagh

Shelagh has been volunteering with us now for several months. She has got in so well. She supports the function of the office and brings elements of her Makaton into different parts of the office. Most recently Shelagh worked on signs and symbols for the fire marshals to learn. We are loving having Shelagh as valued part of our team.

Susan

Susan has been such a tremendous force within our office. She goes to great lengths to make the process of learning to read meaningful to each individual member she works with. Whether that’s typing up a book a member wants to read in large font size so it is easier to see; to finding football players with names for each letter of the alphabet.

I have observed these members grow in confidence after each session and it has been a huge source of joy for myself, other staff and volunteers to observe how much the skill of reading and writing enhances our members lives. I truly believe that it was the unique approach and hard work from both Sue and the participants that has enabled them all to flourish.

Margaret

Margaret is a calming presence in the office. She has recently enjoyed reading with members this has been particularly helpful when a member has had a difficult time. Listening to a story or reading a story can calm the mind and help regulate emotions. Plus Margaret supports round the table she helps guide members.

Paula

Paula has volunteered with us for a good while now. Her and her guide dog Kirsty are regularly found at the meeting table involved in discussions about disability. Paula has accompanied us on trips such as the People Powered Press trip. We thank Paula for her time and effort.

Wendy

Wendy is an organisation machine and has worked incredibly hard to find places for things and bring order to places like our store room. We all feel very lucky to have Wendy round our table and we look forward to her art sessions within the Bradford 2025 creative project.

Sam

Sam has volunteered with People First KC for quite a while too. Her help during events and social nights is particularly appreciated. Sam recently did her Frontline Makaton Training on Wellbeing with Shelagh.

Tracey

Tracey has helped us numerous times in the office in particular when we need an extra staff member. Tracy is a great example of someone who treats everyone equally and works hard. Her skills and expertise is greatly valued with our organisation.

Alina

Alina has been a volunteer for quite a while now but because of work commitments we don’t see her as much. Alina brings her gentle kindness and supports our learning. Chinese New Year has become an important date in our diaries because of Alina. We celebrate each year with her help and support!

Trevor

Trevor has supported our organisation by doing the handyman jobs that needed doing. He is always there if we need help and supports our organisation greatly.

Ben

Ben Purkiss is always a fantastic support to our organisation. We appreciate his fun presence in the office and his Halloween Cocktails have become legendary! Ben has helped not only on social nights but in the office if a member of staff is needed.

Jane

Jane is another volunteer at PFKC. She recently did her Level one Makaton training. Jane’s experience in this sector is a great resource to us and her kind spirit fits right in around our table.