Case Study 1 - Sofina Begum (volunteered at VAI in 2020 and 2021) “Volunteering at VAI was a great opportunity for me to expand my skills in an office-based role. I wanted to get back into employment after being unemployed for nearly six years because I am a full-time carer for my son. VAI has helped me to gain confidence and learn about what I want to do in the future. I have worked with an amazing team and a very friendly and understanding manager who I worked with daily. It has helped me boost my confidence as well as gaining new experience to fill in the big gap in my CV. Volunteering has helped me fill in the gap I had for being unemployed almost 6 years. It helped me to get back into employment and get a good reference. It has benefited me to explore what I want to do and by volunteering and looking at other sectors has helped me to know what I want to do in the future. I have learned and gained confidence working with other people. I have also helped and supported others volunteers working in VAI, which made me feel comfortable helping others as well as gaining knowledge whilst working in VAI. The volunteering role has got me into paid work at the NHS which I am very grateful for the role and the team I worked with. I believe volunteering anywhere will open doors for you in life and employment.” 28 Annual and Impact Report 21/22