1. When you first arrived in the UK, what was life like for you, and what made you decide to look for a volunteering opportunity?
When I first arrived in the UK, everything felt new and quite overwhelming. There were so many different cultures, accents, and ways of life to get used to. I was still trying to understand the culture and find my place. I wanted to do something with less pressure, but that would help me meet people and learn more about the community – so volunteering felt like the perfect step.
2. What was it about Unitas that made you choose us as the place to volunteer?
The first thing was how close it was to my home – I discovered it right next to where I lived. When I saw they were looking for volunteers, I applied. I met David, the volunteer coordinator, who was incredibly friendly and welcoming. When I learned that Unitas works with young people to help develop their skills and confidence, it really inspired me and made me want to be part of it.
3. Can you remember your very first day at Unitas? What stood out, and how did it make you feel?
I remember feeling both nervous and excited. It was still difficult for me to understand everything people were saying, so I had to concentrate a lot and sometimes ask people to repeat themselves. But everyone was so kind and supportive. David made a big impression on me – he was very understanding and helped me feel comfortable straight away. That first day really stayed with me.
4. What did you enjoy most about volunteering here, and what kept you coming back?
I really enjoyed working with young people and being part of such a positive environment. Seeing the difference we made in their lives was very rewarding. It was amazing to see some of young people discover a passion for cooking and even go on to careers in it. Moments like that kept me coming back.
5. How has your time at Unitas helped you personally or professionally?
It helped me grow in many ways. I improved my communication skills and confidence, especially in a new environment. I gained experience working with young people, organising activities, and running projects. Most importantly, it gave me a strong sense of purpose and showed me the positive impact I can have on others.
I think it was my passion and commitment. I enjoyed being there and always tried to give my best. I especially loved cooking and working with young people. When the opportunity came up, David approached me and offered me a role. It meant a lot to feel valued. My passion, along with my previous experience, helped build trust and made that step possible.
7. What are you most proud of from your time at Unitas?
I’m most proud of the impact I had on young people, especially through the cooking course. Seeing them gain confidence, develop skills, and even go on to careers in cooking was incredibly rewarding. Knowing I played a small part in their journey is something I’ll always be proud of.
8. If someone is new to the country (or just nervous!) and thinking about volunteering, what advice would you give them?
I would definitely encourage them to start with volunteering. It’s a great way to build confidence, improve language skills, and understand the culture in a supportive environment. There’s less pressure than a paid job, and you can grow at your own pace while meeting new people and opening doors for future opportunities.
9. In one sentence, what does Unitas mean to you?
Unitas is a place where I found belonging, grew in confidence, and discovered the impact I can have on others.
“Unitas is a place where I found belonging, grew in confidence, and discovered the impact I can have on others.”
Real people, real stories
Over 15,800 young people have been members of Unitas since we opened in 2019. These are just some of their stories.
We’re more than a youth centre – we help young people unlock their potential.
