Raegan Low wants part-time employment in hospitality or administration and has been busy acquiring practical skills by volunteering at the North Shore Football Netball Club. Read Raegan's story.

Raegan Low wants part-time employment in hospitality or administration and has been diligent in participating in training to support this quest. Now Raegan is busy acquiring the associated practical skills to supplement the training. What better place to do this than in a supportive organisation as a valued volunteer?

Raegan has certificates in Responsible Serving of Alcohol, Responsible Gambling and Safe Foodhandling. These all qualify her well to be employed in a hotel or restaurant, but lack of practical experience is the common barrier.

In seeking some volunteer experiences, Raegan was looking for something close to home, hours that fitted in with her family commitments, and a place where she could learn in a relaxed environment. Raegan's visual impairment does not impede her ability to work or volunteer, provided people support her with patience and show her where things are. What can get in her way sometimes is her lack of self-confidence. It can be a real challenge – for anyone – to go into a workplace 'cold'.

It was Raegan who came up with the suggestion of volunteering at the North Shore Football Netball Club. The club is in close proximity to her home and has a connection with the Auskick program through her son. Staff at Leisure Networks were happy to support this idea, particularly after getting such a positive initial response from the Club Officials despite Raegan's disability.

Raegen took the big step in April and made her way on the Friday night to the club, with a Leisure Networks staff member as support. There she was met by the smiling Jo MacDonald, who had happily offered to mentor Raegan to get her started.

'Everyone has made me feel very welcome. On the first night, all the committee members came down to meet me, and the other volunteers were very friendly and helpful,' said Raegan.

On the second night, Raegan was issued with a club polo shirt which was a great symbol of belonging. Since starting this role Raegan's confidence has really grown, and those initial apprehensions have been put aside with the support and friendship of the other volunteers and club members. Even on occasions when Jo could not be there to mentor, Raegan 'just walked in and got going'.

The benefits of volunteering are not one-way, however. The benefits to the club are also worthy of mention. Friday night from 5pm is a difficult time-slot to fill with volunteers, so Raegan is filling a definite shortage. She has also signed up as a financial member of the club to make her position more official.

At the completion of the 2010 football season, Raegan has been inducted into the cricket club who will take over the rooms for the summer. Not only has she been asked to stay on, but she has agreed and is looking forward to meeting new people.

Success factors

• Volunteering aligned to employment
• Relaxed inclusive environment
• Terrific support from club individuals and informal mentoring arrangement
• Rising above the fear factor

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