Julie’s story

We’ve worked with hundreds of learners over the last year but we wouldn’t be able to help so many people without the support of our dedicated volunteers. One of those volunteers is a lady called Julie and we think she’s pretty amazing. Here’s her story…

How were you feeling before you came to Cascade?

 I was feeling really low. My confidence has been low since I haven’t worked for a while. Being under the Job Centre, I had been sent for many jobs, but each time I had been turned down. The loss of my parents and having to move from the house that I lived in for 42 years into a one-bedroom bungalow really affected me. I still feel as though I could’ve done more for my parents before they both died.

Why did you volunteer at Cascade?

I was asked by the Job Centre if I wanted to try to do work experience. I could either try Citizens Advice Bureau or Cascade. I said I would try Cascade because I didn’t think that Citizens Advice Bureau would suit me. So, I went home and did some research on The Cascade Foundation. Three days later, I realised that Jackie was such a caring person and it wasn’t about her, it was about helping everybody to have a better life.

What has changed since you volunteered for Cascade?

My confidence has soared. I love everything I’m doing and I care for everyone that comes in. I only feel down when I’m at home at the weekend – I think Jackie is great!!!

Have you benefited from volunteering at Cascade?

 I have gained more confidence in what I can do. I have gained more skills, that I forgot I had when I was working on the ice cream vans. I really do appreciate what Jackie does I hope to be able to gain more skills with being at Cascade.

Thanks Jackie, love all you do!!!!!!!!!!!

 Jackie’s observation on Julie

Julie came to the Cascade in July 2018. She had brought her CV and she had researched all about the Cascade and the work that we were trying to do in Doncaster.

 Her CV showed that she had qualifications in cleaning, computers, caring. She also had a full driving license and her own car. I was surprised that nobody had given her a job. I could sense that there was a loneliness and that she had been through some hard times. She was a very practical person so I could see that she could do anything that she could put her mind to. I started to ask her for one day a week volunteering, but by the end of the interview, I could see it would turn out to be five days a week!

 Julie started cleaning the Hub, but I could also see that she was very good with learners. She would sit at the table in the main room, the learners would come and sit beside her and I could see that she had the patience to help them read and write. She spoke about her time doing forklift truck driving and driving lorries, doing ice cream rounds and cleaning – this woman could do anything, but nobody had given her a chance.

 By January Julie had a set of keys to Cascade. Her learning of the Hub was wonderful and she took charge of the reception area, booking in interviews, taking charge of the monies going through our community cafe and our bric-a-brac sales, making sure learners work was in place and setting up folders ready for them to work on.

 Her family and people at the Job Centre have seen a huge difference in Julie. She is happy, she’s made new friends and earned such respect and love from all of the learners.

 In her first year with Cascade, Julie has lost two stone in weight and we are now working towards a teaching qualification as well as working on the management side of our new project co-production: ‘Working Together in the Community to Improve Learning Difficulties’.

 Julie’s belief in herself is fantastic to watch, and the journey she has gone on is amazing. She is happy in herself and her health and friendships have given her a new lease of life!!