2023-05-31 16:31:24
“Volunteering has given me fulfilment” – A Level student shares passion for volunteering
Seventeen-year-old student Dariush Khodakhah is speaking out about his fulfilling experience volunteering for learning disability charity Hft in Leeds as he encourages others to donate some of their time this Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June).
The A-Level student started volunteering at the Hft service in Leeds in January, accompanying the learning disabled people supported by the charity on walks and hikes each week.
Dariush first got involved in volunteering with Hft after he saw an opportunity posted on a third-party volunteering website. He was motivated to do so by the idea of improving his interpersonal skills and to further develop his empathy.
“The charity is the perfect place to do this,” he says, “as it provides ample opportunities to get involved.” He also notes how volunteering has helped build his confidence.
Dariush spends much of his volunteering time attending walks with supported individuals and, every other week, he and the service join the Leeds ramblers, a local walking group, on their walks.
“I socialise with the men and am a friendly face they can expect to see every week,” Dariush explains.
One of Dariush’s favourite moments of volunteering with Hft happened while out on one of the longer walks.
He explains, “There was a horse that was poking its head from above the fence, and all the individuals lit up at seeing the horse so close, admiring its beauty.
“On another week, we went to the National Rail Museum in York, and the awe and wonder displayed by the entire group is a memory I shall cherish.”
Dariush has received some fantastic feedback for his generosity, including hearing how he gets along very well with Hft colleagues, and being told he is “very cool” by one of the people Hft supports!
He is set to continue volunteering with Hft whilst he studies for his A-Levels and continues to move towards his dream of studying medicine at university.
For anyone who is considering volunteering for Hft, but hasn’t yet made the leap, Dariush says, “do it!”
“The individuals are lovely, the colleagues are very open and genial, and you will leave feeling very fulfilled,” he says.
Find out more about our volunteering opportunities via the Hft website, or by emailing National Volunteer Manager Liz Knott (elizabeth.knott@hft.org.uk).
Notes to editors
For further information please phone 07500 224654 or 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
