Above and Beyond for volunteering

The benefits of volunteering can last a lifetime – not only for those helped, but also for those who volunteer.

Octavia Ealing recognized one of their volunteers by awarding him the ‘Above and Beyond’ award during Volunteer Week.

Jill Kayum, who works at the Octavia charity shop in High Street, Ealing, 4 days a week, has been instrumental in serving the community and supporting the charity.

Jill has been volunteering at the store for over 3 years. In addition to helping keep things running smoothly, especially during pandemic and low staffing times, she is celebrated for her amazing accomplishments in enabling the store to thrive by attracting a loyal customer base.

But that’s not the most amazing thing about Jill, she chose to volunteer with Octavia to “give back” to her community despite facing considerable personal challenges of her own.

A sense of purpose

During the lockdown, Jill had a very difficult time. Within just a few months of the start of the pandemic, she was fired from her job. Then she discovered she needed surgery for a benign brain tumor. She admits that these events really shook her confidence and she found herself lacking a sense of purpose. “It was awful,” Jill said. “My confidence was completely gone; I became shy for the first time in my life.”

When the lockdown was lifted, Jill visited the Octavia Ealing store with her sister to do some shopping. The store was in an ideal location for her and the team was warm and welcoming, so her sister suggested she ask about volunteering there.

Jill said: “I was really nervous at first but I hoped it would help me get my confidence back. I decided to apply, and within 3 days the manager confirmed that he wanted me to join the volunteer team. I haven’t looked back since – volunteering really helped me get back on my feet and the team are so lovely.”

Having worked her entire adult life, which involved spending a lot of time commuting and working outside the neighborhood, Jill thinks it’s brilliant to be able to go to the store every day and do something good in the community she calls the home.

To give back

“I’m retired and I don’t feel the need to work for money now – I feel like it’s time to give something back,” commented Jill. “I clearly remember when I was about 7 my mum took me and my sister to a charity shop in Camden – we were quite poor and mum was able to buy us the clothes we needed there. I always remembered that experience. Now, I can give back to my community and honor that special memory.

“If you’re thinking about volunteering, I’d say go for it – definitely. It feels great to be doing something with a real purpose here in my community.”

Octavia charity shops have been described by customers as ‘hubs’ of the community and the Ealing store is no exception. The shop has lots of regular customers and donors from the local area and many have told Jill they feel appreciated every time they visit. For Jill, the community aspect is what drives her to work hard every day. She takes great pride in keeping the store clean and organized and providing excellent customer service.

Presenting Jill with the Octavia ‘Above and Beyond’ Volunteering Award, volunteer coordinator Tatiana said: “I’m so happy that Jill is receiving this award. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Jill and she really deserves it. Everything she does for the store and community comes from her heart. She puts 100% into everything she does and truly cares. She is amazing and an inspiration.”

About Octavia

Octavia is a not-for-profit organization providing homes, support and care to thousands of people in central and west London. Founded by Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, it supports Londoners of all ages, giving them opportunities that will help them lead a better life. Octavia operates 7 further care housing schemes in west London and offers events and activities for local people of all ages from their community centre, The Reed, in North Kensington.

Volunteer opportunities

Octavia is just one of many neighborhood organizations that have volunteering opportunities – see what’s available on the Do Something Good website.

There are many benefits to volunteering, including:

• meeting new people and developing lasting relationships
• learning new skills and increasing self-esteem
• helping you stand out in job applications and further your career
• increasing happiness and improving mental health
• knowing you are making a difference and doing good in your local community.