Sarah's Story

• Why did you decide to volunteer at Watford Mencap?

I am a trained journalist and I heard on the grapevine that Watford Mencap was looking for an Editor for their magazine In Touch. I got in touch and was impressed with the team’s work ethos as well as the great work that they do to help people with learning disabilities.

• How long have you been volunteering for?

I have lost track but think it is about four years now!

• What activities/tasks have you been doing?

The first task was to transform the magazine from a small A5 newsletter to a glossy A4 magazine with interesting topics, great photos and snappy, clear articles.

We also introduced regular features such as Talent Corner and Ask Rebecca and are always on the look-out for good ideas for articles.

More recently I have been involved in editing the e-newsletter… and writing this article, of course!

• What has been your favourite thing about volunteering for Watford Mencap?

I love meeting people and hearing their stories.  There are so many inspirational people out there – whether they are carers, people with learning disabilities, volunteers, staff or donors. 

•  What experience will you take away with you?

I think it is so important to ‘give back’ and that is something that I will instil in my children.  You can give back through volunteering, donating or even by doing a good deed.

•  What are you going on to do next?

I will continue to volunteer for Watford Mencap while also juggling my life as a wife, mother, good friend and full-time employee! 

• What would you say to anyone considering getting involved in volunteering for Watford Mencap?

What have you got to lose?  Volunteering can help you to make new friends, discover new skills, and it gives you a warm glow to help a charity as worthwhile as Watford Mencap.  Try it.  If it’s not for you then no-one will mind if you bow out after a week or two!

• What are your future ambitions?

To enjoy life to the full!

•  Other than volunteering, what other activities do you enjoy taking part in?

I love playing cardio tennis which is one hour of full-on exercise – effectively hitting tennis balls to high energy music… with a competitive element thrown in at the end!