7. Volunteering at The Mill
Part of People Making Things Happen, a Big Lottery funded project exploring the history of The Mill.
The Mill is only able to exist because of volunteers, and was initiated by people who wanted something to take place in the building and gave their time to make it happen. Now many key parts of the running of the Mill are made possible through volunteers, for instance receptionists, communications, the Artworks programme and projects like this one.
Oral History extracts
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1. Zahra Ahmed
It was really nice to be able to give something but I got so much more in return. Like, I would never have dreamed of knitting but I knitted and I also met such amazing people that have been part of my life, for now ten years, and a few of us have done things outside of The Mill, which has been lovely. So I think in terms of that it also made me realise what kind of role I’d like to go into because when I first went to The Mill I was a bit unsure what I was doing. I had graduated, but then, having that experience, I realised I’d like to work with a charity because I feel like I got so much out of The Mill, and to find a job where I could be helping others or just being present in a role that might be able to support people just felt lovely. So I’m currently working with a mental health charity and I don’t think I would have got that role if it hadn’t been for my experience with The Mill. So, I think The Mill has literally given me lots and lots. And I’m so glad that day I walked in!
2. Sue Grant
As I approached retirement, I got very, very nervous and worried about “what am I going to do with my days?” And coming to The Mill was just fantastic. I cannot emphasise enough how much being a volunteer at The Mill is of mutual benefit.
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