I first got involved with Intergen in 2007 as a school volunteer then as a trustee and a treasurer -still with Intergen-trafford- after retiring from a career as a financial accountant. About 10 years ago I moved to volunteering again in various schools. Hand on heart, volunteering in schools has been the most rewarding job I have ever had. I usually choose to stay with the same teacher every year because we now understand each other so well, but some volunteers prefer to follow their favourite class through the school or try out with different age groups.
I started helping with reading but these days I like to help in the maths class as well – it keeps my number skills alive and I now can appreciate the way maths is currently taught. Over the years I have been involved in all sorts with Intergen-Trafford. I have helped with play productions, debates and sports days and nowadays often stay all morning throughout both maths and literacy. I was once an event photographer for one celebration and they made a photobook of it! I also meet other volunteers who do things like help with cricket or gardening every week or come in some weeks for the crafts afternoon. I’m so glad I found out about it. It may not suit everyone but it doesn’t take much knowledge or commitment and the needs are greater than ever these days!
My late friend’s daughter Kay got involved with Intergen right at the start and convinced me to join in early 2003. Initially I went to Cherry Manor school in the Sale West Estate, a school then led by a brilliant Head. It was there that I met Judith Owen, also a volunteer for Intergen and we have been friends ever since, moving together to Wellfield Infant and Nursery School when Cherry Manor school closed. I help children with reading and have lovely conversations with them. I love coming one morning a week, it makes me happy. I feel very much part of the school and I know that the children enjoy our time together when they can relax. I have got to know the staff well and appreciate the respect they show me and the friendly interactions we have.
“Mo’s help and commitment has been so valuable over the years. She has nurtured and supported so many young learners, giving extra time to those who need it most. Mo is part of the “school family”, one of the iconic Wellfield team”. Miss Ward, Y1 class teacher.
Having volunteers in our school provides lessons in mutual respect and commitment. Mo has been with us for so long that she is part of what makes our school. We never forget to invite her to all our events and the children really enjoy having her.
I have been volunteering at Brookland Primary School for about two years now. I volunteer every Friday afternoon and mostly work with a small group of children who are dyslexic. Because I am myself dyslexic, I can make a notable and observable difference with those children, starting with confidence building. I have also a background in science, so the school is less prescriptive about what I bring to the children. But schools do not expect volunteers to have specialist skills in any areas of the curriculum and at Brooklands Primary School all volunteers are well appreciated.
The main reason why I volunteer is simply that I have always enjoyed the company and being able to talk to children. When I go into Brooklands and I walk down the corridor, the number of children who are pleased to see me and want to tell me about things is so satisfying and rewarding because you’re getting feedback that you are being useful. This is probably the motivator for all volunteers to return week after week. Yes, it gives you something to do in retirement but it’s so much more than that. Whatever you do, you are valued.
In January 2024, we were delighted to hear that Philip had received an MBE in the December 2024 Honour’s list. The recognition was for bringing the concept of enthusiastic engagement of children in science and technology through his Company SciTech. It’s a fascinating story and you can read his personal press release statement here.
