VOLUNTEERS
A vital piece of the Third Sector their paces, asking questions on an agreed job role or profession. Joanne Cooper, a Personal Assistant with Barclays’ North East SME sector explained Barclays’ long-running support for CatZero: “After being introduced to the work of CatZero, we were happy to help in providing a venue for the mock interviews. “When preparing for work, it is important that people have this kind of experience and we can see the positive impact it does have on the individuals. Pictured with Samantha and Paul is participant Ashley.
VOLUNTEERS are a vital part of the CatZero success story – from individuals to corporate supporters, there are many who give their time and premises freely.
“For some, it will be the first time that they have been put into this environment and it is only by practice that you can improve.” If you or your business can help in any way then please email suzanne@catzero.org
Barclays, along Hull’s Humber Quays, offers up impressive offices on its fourth floor for the mock interviews that we run as part of our personal development programmes. Held towards the end of the three-months, they see participants having to dress appropriately and find their own way to the building, introducing themselves at reception and taking the lift – making sure they are on time, of course. They are then invited into the ‘real life’ interview situation during which volunteers – all professionals from business and industry – put them through
Samantha Maskell, is proud to volunteer to assist with the CatZero mock interview days. Samantha, a former pupil at Bransholme High School, studied Law at Brunel University, in London, before winning a scholarship and training to be a Barrister at Nottingham Law School. Now in a senior position with the University of Hull, Samantha understands the insecurities that people go through when they are attempting to advance themselves and hopes her experiences can help others. That is why she volunteers for the organisation.
Samantha with Paul Wise of CatZero, who presented participants with questions during their mock interview day. The participants are part of the current CLLD programme for the long-term unemployed.
“I can recall my first months at university in London and the feelings of inadequacy and not belonging that I had, but all it takes is confidence in yourself along with the right drive and support, and you can achieve anything. “You can overcome any obstacles that you have in front of you and CatZero helps people to do this. It makes people believe in themselves who have not done so before and that is why it changes lives,” said Samantha. For volunteering opportunities within CatZero please email suzanne@catzero.org
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