Meet our Occupational Therapists, who are virtually presenting their research at the International Sensory Integration Conference at Sydney, Australia in October 2024.

Over 150 volunteers were celebrated at Stockport’s first Volunteer Awards in over a decade at a recent Stockport Rocks Volunteer Awards evening, held at Stockport County FC’s Edgeley Park.

Sector 3 along with Stockport Council, Stockport County Community Trust and Marketing Stockport; plus a whole array of brilliant local businesses, put on a celebration worthy of our local volunteers and to honour the dedication and selfless contributions of local volunteers, all of whom make a significant difference in the lives of many.

We are really pleased and proud that three of our volunteers were shortlisted from having been nominated and invited to attend the event. Josh from School, Hayden and Dan from Seashell Active CADS and Friday Night Football. One of our volunteers Dan, received a highly commended volunteer award in the category of ‘Young Volunteer’ of the year.

During half term, Seashell held a volunteer thank you event, invited volunteers to attend an evening supper, meet staff and volunteers from across Seashell, be celebrated and thanked and to enjoy a fun, interactive evening.

Volunteer’s commented that It’s nice to know that what you do is appreciated”. There will be future volunteer social events planned this year.

At Seashell we have 49 volunteers placed across the organisation in a range of teams and volunteer roles.

Volunteers enhance what we do as an organisation, help us do more and together, they support our teams, build rapport and communicate with our students, children and young people.

“In order for a volunteer to spend their time, the experience must be worth their time” Tobi Johnson

A huge thank you from the Volunteer team to anybody who makes room for a volunteer and involves them within your work and invests in a volunteer.

The experiences provided are meaningful and purposeful, Seashell have seen an increase of volunteers taking up staff positions this year, it’s truly wonderful to see how volunteers give of their time, talent and energy and to make a difference.

Stephen Pearson – Volunteer Business Partner

From attending CADS, volunteering and then gaining an Apprenticeship, follow Lorna’s journey with Seashell

My Name is Lorna Croft and I have been involved with Seashell for the past 6 years.  I started attending CADS (Childrens abled & disabled sports) holiday club in 2017, with my brother Louie, who has Downs syndrome, ADHD & Autism. As CADS is open to children with disabilities and their able-bodied siblings, I continued to attend for a number of years. It was great that we could both access the same activities, even though our needs were different.

In 2021, I attended CADS as Louie’s PA, this experience made me realise that I would like to volunteer and help other young adults enjoy the experience like my brother does.

I spoke to Seashell’s Volunteer Business Partner, Stephen Pearson, about my interest in volunteering, he supported me to apply and has been a great mentor during the entire process.

Early this year, I became a volunteer with CADS, and just a few months later I was offered a position as a paid member of staff, working at both the Saturday Clubs and the Holiday programme. I was then given the opportunity to do work experience with the active team for a week, where I got to shadow lifeguards, attend cycling events and much more.

I really enjoyed my time with the team, they inspired me to think about what career I wanted in the future.

An opportunity came up to apply for a Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship and was thrilled to be accepted onto the course. I started in September and have already learnt so much during the first term.

All the staff have been very welcoming and supportive, and it’s been great to work alongside them within the school. I really enjoy interacting with the students and supporting them to get involved in the fantastic activities such as biking, swimming, cooking, arts, etc. You really do feel like you are making a difference.

Some advice I would give to someone considering volunteering at Seashell would be – just do it! You get to learn a lot about yourself and get to be part of a great team. There is an amazing energy at Seashell, and everyone is made to feel welcome.

Interested in volunteering and want to find out more? Click here