Finding Confidence, Purpose, and a Path Forward: Sarah’s Journey with Our Special Friends

After being out of work for a long time, I needed to rebuild my confidence, gain new skills, and reconnect socially. I was looking, not just for a way back into employment, but for a renewed sense of purpose—something that would help me grow whilst giving back to others. Volunteering with Our Special Friends gave me all of that and more.

I’ve always loved animals and deeply understood the emotional support and companionship they provide. To me, pets are family. When I learned about Our Special Friends through a local volunteering network advisor, their mission immediately resonated with me. I was nervous about reaching out. In fact, I almost didn’t send the initial email. But the warmth and kindness I received from Frances, the Volunteer Support Manager, put me at ease from the very beginning.

Frances and the team were incredibly accommodating, especially since I needed to volunteer remotely. They invited me to support administrative projects such as creating a volunteer geo-map, researching local business contacts, and helping design a volunteer survey. Every task felt like a genuine invitation, never an obligation, and I always felt encouraged and supported. Even when I asked questions I thought were silly, they were met with patience and enthusiasm—boosting my self-esteem bit by bit.

One of the most rewarding parts of my experience was truly feeling part of a team. Despite working remotely, I was kept in the loop with charity updates, invited to training sessions and social events, and regularly checked in with about my progress. That sense of connection made a huge difference.

Through my time with Our Special Friends, I developed a range of valuable skills—from online research and IT (using Excel, Word, email, and video conferencing tools), to improved communication in both professional and social settings. I added these experiences to my CV, and they became key stepping stones toward employment.

Today, I’m happy to say I’ve started a new job—a big milestone I truly believe I couldn’t have reached without the support of Our Special Friends. While I’m sad I can no longer be an active part of the volunteer team, I carry everything I learned with me and hope to stay involved however I can in the future.

To anyone considering volunteering: I wholeheartedly recommend Our Special Friends. The team is passionate, caring, and truly values each volunteer as an individual. When I first started, I didn’t think I had anything to offer. But thanks to Frances and everyone at the charity, I discovered I did have something to give—and in the process, I gained even more.