I’ve been volunteering for nearly 4 months with the Tilbury Hub. I provide support and information to people coming into the hub and help with IT related activities such as administration, publicity and social media. I recently set up an activity called Crash Tech where I support people with IT queries and have got involved in organising an event.

I decided to volunteer as a way of giving back to the community and to do some good locally. Since I’ve been volunteering I’ve noticed a lot of changes in me. My social skills have certainly improved and I have become a more confident and approachable person. It has also helped me to refresh my IT skills since leaving full time education.

I enjoy helping people with IT needs and it also makes me feel good about myself. I would recommend volunteering as it’s a good way of keeping busy and you meet nice people. It also makes your CV and application form look more appealing to prospective companies if you are looking for employment.

Volunteering is worth it, so give it a go!

Phil Gledhill

03/10/16

 I have been a volunteer for over 30 years, I have been a cub scout and was also in the Military for a number of years. I am happy to do everything that is available within the Hub whether that be manning the desk welcoming the public, or joining in the events throughout the day. I often help out with the Games afternoon on a Friday. 

Volunteering helps me give back to the community and help those in need! Volunteering has helped me improve socially and has helped me know how to respond to certain situations. I recommend volunteering it is a fantastic opportunity that should be taken full advantage of!

Barney

12/10/2016

I have been a volunteer at the Tilbury Hub since day one, and I have enjoyed every moment. I meet and greet people as they enter the building and supply with tea and coffee and any other refreshments available. I also helped create and manage the Nitter Natter group that meets every Monday at the Hub, it’s a great way for people to meet and have a chat while getting on with some knitting. I enjoy the company and meeting new people at the Hub, and I have learnt many new things since being here, my knowledge of technology has improved for example using the printers and the photocopiers. As a result, I can now use the tech I have at home without an issue.

Volunteering is a great opportunity to improve your skills and your personal development and would absolutely recommend it.

June Quick

12/10/2016

I have been volunteering for over 17 years’ and been a part of Tilbury Hub since day one. My roles at the Hub include the meet and greet on the desk helping people as they enter the building. I also help people with issues concerning the council and housing which I know due to being a member of the Thurrock Council Excellence Panel.
I decided the volunteer to give back to the community and help those in need. It also keeps my mind active and gives me something to do during the week, I have made a lot of friends since joining the Hub and I have become more social when talking to new people.

I recommend volunteering as it’s a good way to keep busy and it helps the community.

Carol Purser

23/10/2016

I am new to Volunteering as I’ve only been doing it a couple of months, but already I have learnt new things and seen a difference in myself since joining the Tilbury Hub. Although my main job is the meet and greet and direct people to the appropriate members of staff, I enjoy the company of new people and have made new friends.
My communication skills have improved during the small amount of time I have been a part of the Hub, which has made me feel more confident in myself socially. I would recommend volunteering as it boosts the employability and helps your communication and social skills which are necessary in everyday life.

Beatrice Allen

19/10/2016

I have been Volunteering for 2 or 3 years in total, however  volunteered at Tilbury Hub only for a few months. In the time of being at the Hub, I mainly sit at the desk meeting and greeting the members of the public that come in asking for assistance or enquiries. I got involved with volunteering at the Hub because a fellow volunteer June Quick recommended it. Since joining the Hub team I have become more confident socially and learnt more about how to approach and talk to people.

Since volunteering I have greatly improved my confidence around new people, volunteering has helped build up my confidence so know I can talk to new people and make new friends. Volunteering is great opportunity to learn new things and meet new people and is also looks great on your C.V!

I would absolutely recommend volunteering!

Joanna Brazier

19/10/2016

I have been trying to get help for the Tilbury Community for several years, and I’m very proud of the fact that the Tilbury Hub is now up and running. And the Tilbury Community is gaining confidence in the hub as time goes by. I’m so proud.

 I remember a time when I was volunteering, a young man was walking up and down outside the hub. I asked the man if I could help him, he told me that he was a stranger to the area and that he was looking for a cybercafé to use his phone. I told the young man that the Hub/Library had Wi-Fi facilities and that he was welcome to use them. I gave him a Wi-Fi code and a nice soft armchair, made him a cup of tea and gave him a biscuit. It turns out that the young man was a Russian Seaman away from home for the first time and he wanted to let his family know that he was safe and sound, after he finished he came to thank the hub and we still see him from time to time when he is in town and yes, he lets his family in Russia know that he is safe and well. Yes, a little kindness and respect goes a very long way.

Chris Talbot

27/10/2017

I have been Volunteering since day one with Tilbury Hub, Before the library was refurb and when it moved to crown court, and then back as it is now The Tilbury Hub. I must say that I feel that I’m making a difference to the Tilbury community in these days of modern living. I firmly believe that the more mature members of the community need a little help to adjust to doing things on line and then the community will self-assist more confidently.

The thing that I get out of volunteering is watching the faces and the changing attitudes of the people that have been assisted and the growing confidence the Tilbury Hub and what it stands for.

Robert Divine

24/10/2017

My name is Jean Eacott and I’m a volunteer for the Tilbury Hub because I’m a people person, and for me this is a golden opportunity to meet and talk to people.

I first joined the Hub a year ago, and because of my back-ground I found myself co-ordinating a craft afternoon every Monday which now called Knit 2 natter, and is open to all crafts. Every Friday afternoon there is a table top session which I attend whenever I can. My interests have always been craft work and reading, so for me having a Hub in the local library is just the ideal place. A place where you can come for information have a cup of tea and meet people. I have made so many friends here and the atmosphere and the people are so warm and friendly, I would recommend it to anyone. And it’s also a place where you can learn new skills.

Jean Eacott

27/10/2017

I feel there is always something one can do to improve their community. This can be in the form of voluntary work and helping others when they need it. As a part of our organisation one is given support and encouragement that will help improve our community. For some years, I was a qualified nurse in learning disabilities, it gave me an insight in how we sometimes take things for granted when we would be of some help by being a volunteer in the Hub.

As I’m now retired I hope to bring some input into the Hub, perhaps to share my time in a worthwhile manner where someone needs support and understanding. I have some counselling experience which hopefully helps me to come along side someone who just needs a listening ear and empathy. I feel the Hub is a very good organisation which gives people some understanding and support all the time.

Ron Eacott

27/10/2017