By Debbie Noad In the coming months, we will be asking members from our dedicated Heston West Big Local team why they volunteer for us and what they get from volunteering! This month it's Debbie Noad. Debbie has been consistently and actively involved with the Big Local for nearly 5 years and is one of our first committee members. Debbie's involvement has enabled us to connect with local residents, inspire our young people and help promote and raise awareness of the Big Local. Debbie is passionate about community, young people and families, as well as Lala, her father's adorable dog. Debbie has made a great impact and we thank her for the amazing energy and support she continues to give us. Debbie is a brilliant asset and inspiring role model for our local community. Why I volunteer? My name is Debbie Noad and I have been a volunteer at the Heston West Big Local for the past few years. Heston West is a lottery funded community group, supporting the residents of Heston west to become a Healthy Integrated community offering them lots of opportunities. It can’t thrive without the support of volunteers. Volunteering has given me the unique opportunity to make a difference to the area I live in and have a say in what we want to improve. I have received some valuable training over the years and have attended workshops that enhanced my knowledge. It’s enabled me to link into activities and wonderful experiences I would not have normally done. It’s given me the opportunity to give something back and it’s extremely rewarding. What have been my experiences?
We show that we care about where we live and involve the community in projects such as clean up days that make the area a better place to reside. What do I get out of volunteering? The best thing about volunteering is having the opportunity to integrate more. You meet new people and we have now become one big family. We have developed a support network for each other. Volunteering empowers you to have a say and learn new skills. I would never had the opportunity to gain valuable training, had the experience of making films, attend boxing classes, visit parliament, boot camp, art classes, attend community day trips and support a host of activities, if I hadn’t had volunteered. It’s never too late to start, my dad joined us at 79 and some of our youngest volunteers are only 7. Try it I can guarantee you won’t have any regrets. Debbie with her father Terry discussing the health and social benefits of walking in your local area.
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