Volunteering takes many forms at Share. Alongside support workers, social buddies and befrienders, some volunteers also bring specialist skills that enrich our programmes and open up new opportunities for students.

Steve has been volunteering with us by sharing his experience as a photographer, running a photography freetime activity at the Share Garden. Students have been learning new skills, building confidence and capturing some wonderful images of both nature and each other.

The group regularly explores the beautiful Springfield Park on our doorstep, searching for interesting subjects to photograph and experimenting with different techniques. Sessions also take place in the Share garden, where students learn how cameras work, practise focusing close-up, and develop their understanding of composition before heading out on new photography projects. The group is even hoping to visit a neighbouring school to photograph animals.

Students have embraced the opportunity to express themselves creatively through photography. Kerry Louise said, 'Yeah I like it, Steve’s a good teacher and I’ve learnt a lot of things from him about photography. I can take my own photos when I’m out and about…my headdress for Chelsea was my favourite thing to photograph. I like going to the park and seeing the pond and the ducks when we go out to take photos.'

Nigel particularly enjoys photographing nature, 'Pictures of different plants and garden, I like watching them and seeing them blossom…I like capturing the picture, taking the picture centrally.'

Monica said, 'Taking pictures of plants, colourful plants…it’s good the club. Favourite thing is colourful pictures. I enjoy it.'

For O'Neal, photography and creativity go hand in hand, 'I like the photography…learn about the garden, photographic how to do pictures, it’s fun.'

Steve says volunteering has been rewarding for him too, 'I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the students. Together, we’ve had great fun looking at the world in different ways, capturing its beauty (sometimes in unexpected places), and sharing our adventures with others.

'The support and guidance from the staff has been excellent. I felt quite socially isolated, after many years of caring for a parent with dementia. Volunteering has helped me to reengage with the world, and reinvigorate my passion for creativity and expression. I can’t recommend it enough!'

Steve has also supported our annual awards ceremony as official photographer, assisted by Share students, helping capture memorable moments from the day.

His volunteering is a brilliant example of how sharing a skill can create meaningful experiences for disabled adults while also benefiting volunteers themselves.

We’re always keen to hear from people who would like to volunteer in creative ways and share their skills with our students.