Volunteering at NDFH: Make a Difference and Gain Experience
The Neurodiversity Family Hub is offering volunteer roles and internships. We work with University programs, the Duke of Edinburgh Award or anyone looking to boost their CV. Read this article to learn more about our opportunities and the story of one of our current interns.
From America to the Hub
Hello! My name is Lewis Kerest and I’m the newest member of the NDFH team. I’m from Shelburne, Vermont in the United States and am studying abroad in London for a semester. At home, I attend Wesleyan University, where I’m studying Economics and Data Analysis. I enjoy fishing, running, spending time with friends and family, and am an avid sports fan. My mother has spent most of her career in non-profit work and my father spent most of his as a lawyer in the US Department of Justice. Growing up I developed a strong understanding of what it means to be an advocate for those who need one and am grateful for the opportunity to make an impact here.
My perspective on London so far
I have been here in London since early January and will be here through the end of April. I am taking courses with Boston University London alongside a 7-week internship at the NDFH. So far I have really enjoyed my experience here. London is a beautiful city with so many great areas to explore. So far some of my favourite experiences have been running through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, attending QPR football matches, and eating great street food near the office in Southwark.
My NDFH experience
Working with Marine and Sonay has been a refreshing and educational experience. Their dedication to the work they do is obvious and constant. Aside from those two incredible women I have really enjoyed meeting the community here. On my first day I attended Monday club, meeting Karl, Anna, some of the Young Leaders and young people in attendance. I immediately felt welcomed and especially enjoyed talking about football and basketball with Karl and Ayo. I also had the chance to practice my shaky badminton skills on the playground.
At the NDFH I am spending most of my time helping to apply for grant funding. Some of these grants are focused on NDFH’s advocacy work and others are aimed at expanding the existing programs at the hub. I'm gaining valuable writing experience and have made great progress developing a step-by-step guide for grant writing. I feel lucky to be part of such an important process and this hands on experience will strengthen my CV greatly.
Future volunteers should understand that NDFH is flexible to fitting in your skills. You may do similar work to what I outlined above, but if you have a different skillset, they are open to help in all areas. Volunteers will have a mutually beneficial relationship here, making a true impact on our cause, but also boosting your personal development and career.
Where do you fit in?
There are plenty of opportunities to help out here as a young person, older student, or adult looking to volunteer. If you are motivated to make an impact or/and build your skills, this is a great place to do it. Please reach out if you feel you have something to offer, even if it doesn’t fit directly into the following categories.
Existing Opportunities
The Young Leaders programme sits inside our after-school club for young people aged 6-18. This is a space to develop socialisation and friendship through play. It is also a valuable opportunity for volunteers aged 17-25 to practice communication, planning, and leadership while building friendships, and making an impact in the lives our young people.
Our Tiny Tribe for ages 0-5 years old is another great place to make a difference. It runs every Wednesday morning. Volunteers help set-up and tidy up the group. They also help welcome parents and make them feel comfortable. For those who like children, there is so much to do between the art table, outdoor games, indoor play, reading and singing!
We also arrange supported volunteering placements for Neurodiverse adults through the London Bridge Job Centre. We have helped members of our community gain work experience and a reference for future goals in a variety of areas including admin and youth work.
We are currently hosting volunteers through the Duke of Edinburgh program. Please reach out if you are interested in pursuing this.
Join us!
Whether you are a student looking for work experience, a volunteer looking to make a difference, a parent looking to support your child, or a donor hoping to make the maximum impact with a donation, I could not make a stronger or more genuine endorsement of The Neurodiversity Family Hub.
Those interested in volunteering click here: https://theneurodiversityfamilyhub.org/volunteer-with-us