Volunteers’ Week: My experience volunteering in the Free Legal Advice Centre

Volunteers’ Week: My experience volunteering in the Free Legal Advice Centre

Volunteers Week 2020 - Laura's Blog

Laura S M Humayun has volunteered with us for two years. As we thank our volunteers this week, Laura writes about what she has gained from the experience.


This week is Volunteers Week, where we take the opportunity to thank all of our volunteers for their dedication and contribution to our work and to the community. This year we have depended on volunteers more than ever, to provide everyday essentials to people across the Borough most at risk from COVID-19. Our Free Legal Advice is also providing essential legal support during difficult times and adapting to the current environment by providing advice remotely.

While the work of our volunteers has a far reaching impact in the community, these opportunities also provide a rich experience for the volunteers themselves to help them grow professionally, and achieve their future goals. Laura has been volunteering with our Free Legal Advice Centre for two years. She reflects on what she has gained from this experience.


“I have been volunteering with Toynbee Hall’s Free Legal Advice Centre for just over 2 years. I was studying law at university and wanted to pursue a career as a solicitor. My main goal when joining was to gain experience in the pro bono sector. I am passionate about women rights especially making a difference in my community so volunteering with Toynbee Hall was the perfect opportunity. The position of legal admin and eventually Tier 1 advisor has challenged me in various ways.

It has been insightful understanding how a charity works and being part of a team at the forefront helping vulnerable clients from many walks of life. This position makes me contribute to a greater change. I have become involved in numerous projects to improve the way clients receive advise in more holistic methods than what is currently generally practised. This includes introducing more awareness around mental health and its impact both on clients and volunteers, developing the way clients can seek help from the centre through digitalisation, offering more resources to vulnerable women and those in difficult positions.

I was initially daunted by many tasks including basic calls to clients to arrange appointments or greeting clients at the reception during women-only Saturday sessions.  This environment has enabled me to gain vital skills ranging from teamwork, communication, problem-solving to IT skills and organisation. These experiences helped me show a willingness to learn and adaptability in different settings. In particular, I am now more confident about myself because I have gone through a range of challenging situations and can see how I overcame them. This is not just important for my career but personal development too. I am aware of my weaknesses, strengths and abilities which helps me advance in many areas of life.”

By Laura S M Humayan


If volunteering in our Free Legal Advice Centre is something that you would be interested in, find out what volunteer roles are currently available.

 

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