Get Connected Summer 2016

The Connect Residents
Federation (CRF) is an
independent organisation,
run by tenants for tenants.
Diary
dates 2016
CRF general meetings
are not just for members
– why not come along and
see what it’s all about?
Tuesday 13th September,
1-3pm, Huddersfield
Tuesday 8th November,
1-3pm, Leeds
In the loop
In order to share information
in the best way, the CRF
recently asked members
whether they prefer to
communicate by post or
digitally. Thank you to
everyone who completed
the survey – we had a
massive 51 responses and
the CRF will be using this
feedback to shape how they
communicate.
Congratulations!
Well done to Betty, winner
of the survey prize draw,
who has won a £50
Love2Shop voucher.
Q
&A
Joanne, Volunteer
The CRF relies on the support of volunteers. When Joanne
applied to gain hands-on admin experience, the perfect
match was made! Joanne has been volunteering for four
months and talks to Get Connected about how she’s finding it.
Q. Why are you volunteering
with the CRF?
A. I have been in retail for
a number of years, but due
to health reasons I now have
to look at changing my career
path and getting a desk job.
This is ok, but because I lack
experience in administration
it’s hard to get into that type
of work. A friend said, “Why
don’t you volunteer? Don’t
look at it as you’re not getting
paid – you’re getting paid in
experience.” And that’s what I did!
Q. What does a typical
day involve?
A. I volunteer for a few hours
at a time and I’ve done printing,
photocopying, envelope stuffing,
collating documents etc.
I’m learning a lot.
Q. Any stand out moments?
A. Yes, the photocopier –
I’ve never used one before
and I now know how to use it.
It was a light bulb moment!
Q. Anything you don’t enjoy
or would change?
A. No, I wouldn’t change
anything. Getting told how
to do something doesn’t
stick with me. I need to be
shown, I learn quicker that
way. That’s why I came here.
Q. Would you recommend
volunteering to anyone else?
A. Oh definitely. Volunteering
builds your confidence. Having
volunteering on your CV also
shows that you’re willing to
learn any aspect of the job.
My arthritis, I didn’t want it,
but in a way I’m glad that it
happened – otherwise I would
not have tried volunteering.
Get in touch ››››
If you’d like to find out more about volunteering
opportunities at Connect, please contact:
Tom Dunn, Volunteer Services Co-ordinator
T: 0300 5000 600
E: tom.dunn@connecthousing.org.uk
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