Richard

I first heard about Catch22 Steps to Success in Sheffield from my probation officer.

After my first appointment with them, I decided to have a go at some maths and English classes. I achieved my qualifications and began to think about carrying on with my learning. I managed to get on a counselling course at Sheffield College.

Volunteering

It was about this time that I was asked if I wanted to try some volunteering with Catch22. I spoke to the Volunteer Coordinator and we both decided that because of my experience working on building sites, it would be a good idea if I helped out in the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) classes.

During the CSCS classes, our service users are able to work on computers and do practice tests, using our books and handouts to help with this. Once the service user and staff are confident that they’re capable of passing the test regularly, they’re put in for the proper CSCS test.

Helping others out

I try to help by explaining questions from the view of someone working on site, and helping them to understand the reason for the answer instead of just giving them the answer. I hope this can give them a better insight into how a building site is run. During quieter times, I help out with some of the paper work.

I’ve been volunteering for about 18 months now and during this time I’ve managed to achieve a level 3 in counselling skills. I’ve also attended courses on drugs awareness and disclosing convictions, both arranged by Catch22 in Sheffield. I think that volunteering with Catch22 has helped me with my college work and given me the skills to work in a helping role. I’m now keen to further my learning in this type of work.

I was recently nominated for a Volunteers Shaping Lives Award. I was quite surprised when I first heard about this and it was totally unexpected.