2023-05-31 16:31:40
From mechanic to support worker – Ken’s volunteering story
Ken Czmeiduch has had a packed career working as a breakdown mechanic for the AA, owning a website-building and software training business, and working as a support worker for national learning disability charity Hft. Now, post-retirement, he remains at the charity on a voluntary basis and is sharing his story to encourage others to volunteer this Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June).
For decades, Ken worked for the AA, helping stranded motorists to get back out on the road but, after nearly 30 years in the job, Ken swapped his motoring skillset for a different job altogether- setting up his own website-building and software training business.
Though Ken’s venture took off, he craved time away from his desk. Then, when he spied an advert calling for support workers in his local paper, everything changed.
“Initially, when I applied for the role at Hft Leeds, and got the job as a relief worker, my idea was to work the odd shift every week just to get a break from my website business,” says Ken. “But in two weeks, I was asked to go full time.”
Which he did, embarking on a whole new career with Hft.
Throughout his time with the learning disability charity, Ken has served as a colleague representative on a national level, spent two years as acting manager, and harnessed his digital skills to develop practical tools including a fuel calculator and menu planner.
At one of Hft’s supported living services in Leeds, Ken met Adam – a person supported by the charity – and learned about his passion for classic Morris Minor cars and one particular dream that he had long harboured.
Ken says, “Adam always dreamed of owning a vintage Morris Minor 1000 car, which Hft colleagues could then drive him around in.
“So, while working at the service, I supported Adam to achieve his dream of purchasing his very own Morris 1000.
“He was absolutely made up – and myself and the team would take it in turns to take him out and about in his prize vehicle.”
Soon after he had retired, Ken was approached by the Hft Leeds team to see if he would be willing to sign up with the service, this time on a voluntary basis, to drive Adam about in his Morris Minor 1000.
Ken explains, “I said yes, because I was keen to make sure Adam could still have his trips out.
“I only live three miles away, so since then, weather permitting, I’ve been able to get him out in his car.”
For Ken, the satisfaction and reward he gets through volunteering is in the positive impact he has had both on Adam and the wider service team, through his generosity.
Ken says, “My favourite bits are seeing the massive smile on Adam’s face, and the enjoyment he gets from sharing the story of his car with everyone who comes for a chat when we are parked up.
“It’s wonderful to receive the positive feedback from the Hft team, and Adam is always happy to see me.”
Ken, who turns 70 in July, concludes, “I would and do recommend working and volunteering with Hft as much as I can. I hope to be doing this for a long time.”
Volunteering is mutually beneficial, not just for charities like Hft by helping to enrich the lives of the people they support, but by providing supplemental support to paid colleagues and enabling volunteers to gain skills and experiences.
To find out more, you can visit Hft’s volunteering website pages or can National Volunteer Manager Liz Knott at elizabeth.knott@hft.org.uk.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
–
For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
