Case Study 2 – Davide Nichesolo “I had been off work for a while due to depression. My GP suggested volunteering as something that could have a beneficial effect on my recovery. I did so Google “volunteering in Islington” and the top result was the Link to the VAI website. I decided so to take advantage of your drop-in sessions and it was there and then I did apply for the post of Volunteer Receptionist and also for the post of Volunteering Brokerage Volunteer. I volunteered at VAI for 18 months and it was great. I had a fantastic supervisor and a great manager. Volunteering gave me back my confidence and I strongly believe that being volunteering twice a week did very much contribute to me having a more positive attitude towards life and eventually recovering from my depression.” What kind of things learned whilst volunteering helped you in your life or with getting a paid job? “It wasn’t much about what I did learn that made the difference, in my opinion, was the supportive atmosphere and professional approach of VAI staff that really made the difference. However, if you really need a list here it is: y Using professional publishing software i.e. Canva and MS Office Publisher y Becoming proficient in professional e-mail writing and using MS Outlook y Using Twitter and TweetDeck to schedule tweet I would like to add that experiencing helping people to achieve their full potential did really make an impact on me and it was the very reason for which I decided to change my career and become a Support Worker. I am now working full time for a charity that helps people affected by Homelessness on rebuilding their lives.” Annual and Impact Report 21/22 29