Meet July’s Volunteer of the Month, Joseph Roncarelli

19 year-old Joseph Roncarelli from London started volunteering four and a half months ago at Camley Street Natural Park.

Living with autism, Joseph has faced many challenges, but volunteering has provided a new lease of life and fresh enthusiasm for his future prospects.

So keen has he been to make a difference, that Joseph’s already clocked-up over 200 volunteering hours with vInspired – achieving his v100 award.

Being unemployed for two years, Joseph’s volunteering has not only proven an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but also enhanced his CV and he’s now looking forward to future employment.

Geoff Stanning from national charity Coram, which supports the UK’s most vulnerable children, works with Joseph and decided to nominate him. Geoff said: “Joe always has a smile on his face and brightens up the atmosphere with his enthusiasm and willingness to take on any task. He rarely misses a day and is now the lead volunteer on Wednesdays. We’re very proud of him.”

Meet the winner!

Hi Joseph, how does it feel to win volunteer of the month?

I feel quite proud of the amount of hours I have put in. I stay late and always try to put in more hours when I can, so it feels good to be rewarded for that.

When did you start volunteering and why?

I started volunteering four and half months back at Camley Street Natural Park. After struggling to find a job for two years, I spoke to Connexions and they told me about this opportunity.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering and how do you feel volunteering has changed you (have you learnt new skills or see the world a bit differently)?

From 16 plus I was sitting around not really knowing what I wanted to do. Now I feel I have made a difference and would like to make something of myself. Before I didn’t talk to people because of my autism but now I feel more confident.

I’ve met new friends and they have helped me with a lot of things. I meet new people as I go along (both customers and visitors). Being able to answer people’s questions makes me feel helpful.

What do you think young people can offer to their communities?

Young people should do what they can to help the community. Whatever part of the country you are from, if there is anything wrong, if you have a major concern – ask to help out.

There will never be a day that the world is perfect but you can help make it as perfect as you can.

What would you say to encourage other young people to sign up to vInspired.com?
Do your best and get motivated. Never give up. Volunteering teaches you these things.

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Coram is a provider of 24/24, engaging young people in voluntary work, training and social action, with the aim of equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed to secure future employment or progress to higher education.

Has a young volunteer you work with made an outstanding contribution that has gone above and beyond what was expected of them? They could be our next Volunteer of the Month!

To nominate someone, you just need to be an approved vInspired Awards provider and the nominated volunteer needs to have received one of our vInspired Awards.