Volunteering Case Studies

Here you can read about inspiring volunteer success stories from the real world. Below are a couple of examples from the local area of Gosport.

All content below has been used with the full consent and permission of the individuals involved.

Chantelle Rowe attended the 'Preparation for Volunteering' course at Gosport Voluntary Action and did so well that she was invited back to become a mentor on the course, mainly involved with course members whose literacy skills were minimal. Chantelle was very good at this as she was able to be patient and empathic. Helping others like this increased Chantelle’s confidence and self esteem enormously. As a result she enrolled on a Travel & Tourism course at Highbury College.

Two years later, at the end of the course, Chantelle was chosen for a major award – ‘Perseverance and Determination’. As Chantelle says, “I would never have had the courage to join a college in the city without your help”. The help she received was partly from Peter d’Agostino (tutor on the Preparation for Volunteering course), but mainly from Alan Booth (co-tutor). Alan spent a lot of time counselling and encouraging Chantelle and helping her over her numerous hurdles.

Left: Photo of Chantelle (2nd left) with friends and family after receiving an award at Highbury College.

Both course tutors are delighted with Chantelle’s success – she has now enrolled for the Diploma in Tourism starting in September 2010. This was suggested by her current Highbury tutors. Considering that due to a long-term illness, Chantelle missed all of her formal secondary education. She has indeed come a long way.