Celebrating International Volunteers Day

05 December 2024 - Communities
Today, Thursday 5 December, is International Volunteers Day. It provides an opportunity to recognise and thank volunteers who give their time.

In this article, we’ve provided a roundup of some of our incredible customers and colleagues who volunteer and make a difference in their local community. 

Ealing customer launches community hub 

Adama Jallow has been a customer of A2Dominion for 3 years. She started volunteering when she saw the struggles faced by her neighbours, following rises to the cost of living.  

Adama took action and opened a community hub at her mosque 15 years ago. This involves organising regular sessions to educate residents about local support services available. She also translates important information and is a friendly face to those who need it.  

One of Adama’s most significant contributions to A2Dominion has been her involvement in the weekly food distribution hub at Green Man Lane, which is one of our services in Ealing. She plays a key role in coordinating and distributing food across her community. 

Adama says: “It is important to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where people feel valued and understood. Volunteering with A2Dominion has given me the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds who may feel isolated or lonely. It is lovely to see the community come together and support each other.”

Dawn Wightman, A2Dominion’s Director of Homes and Communities, said: “We work with hundreds of volunteers, including customers, colleagues and our partners, who give their time to make a positive difference across our communities. 

“Our commitment to social value is at the heart of everything we do at A2Dominion. We offer all our customers financial, employment and wellbeing support, as well as access to funding, grants and opportunities to get involved. 

“Thank you to all our amazing volunteers for everything you do. You are hugely valued and appreciated.”

Feltham customer volunteers to help improve our services 

David Kingsley has been a customer with A2Dominion for just over 2 years. He is one of 200 customers who have volunteered their time to be part of our Customer Involvement Programme, which launched last year. 

He is passionate about inclusion and highlights the importance of having a diverse range of customers who provide feedback on our services, representing different cultures, ages, and experiences.

David said: “Customer engagement is so valuable. I’ve really enjoyed volunteering my time to be part of the Customer Engagement Programme. It provides an opportunity to engage with customers from different backgrounds, hear their views and build trust.”

A2Dominion staff member Julie gets Special Recognition Award from Met Police

Julie Brooker, A2Dominion’s Communities Partner for Social Value, has been awarded a Commander’s Commendation from the Met Police “For dedication, commitment and services as an appropriate adult.”

Julie has been given this award for being an Appropriate Adult in West London as a volunteer for more than 10 years.  Julie makes sure people are treated fairly and convictions are safe and just. Detective Chief Superintendent Andy Cox said: “For her outstanding effort, time given, and selfless contributions, Julie Brooker is highly commended.”

Julie said: “I really enjoy doing it and giving back, I treat everyone the same, no matter what. It was a real surprise to get the award, but some of the staff in the custody suite had said they wanted to give me some recognition for a long time. It was an unexpected surprise.” 

Find out about more opportunities to get involved on our website.