Two caring new Scots have rolled their sleeves up to volunteer with two respected charities at their shops in Irvine.
Jamil Behar and Ali Aslibi, both from refugees from Syria, are giving up their time to volunteer in the charities’ stores in a bid to improve their English, meet new people and integrate into the community.
North Ayrshire Council (NAC) has supported them into the roles at Cancer Research UK and Barnardo’s by providing New Scots Community Link Worker Soultan Albarghouth – who speaks Arabic – to help them through the application process.
The ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) team has also offered guidance and assisted them with filling in application forms and paperwork.
When asked why he chose to volunteer at CRUK, Ali said: “To gain experience, improve my English skills and get involved in the local community.
“I would like to thank the council for helping me to find this volunteering role, and for other support such as interpreting, translation and filling in forms.”
The Cancer Research UK Irvine Superstore at Riverway Retail Park sells everything from furniture to electrical items, clothing and soft furnishings and gifts - with profits going to fund research.
Store manager Amanda Lee said: “It is wonderful having Ali as a volunteer in our store two days a week.
“Ali is very hardworking, conscientious and communicates well with the team.
"One in two of us will be affected by cancer at some point in our lifetimes. Joining our superstore as a volunteer means becoming part of a movement of people passionate about beating cancer.
“People are giving their time to help fund research that will save lives. There’s plenty of support available. Volunteering is a chance to make a difference and to give something back.
“If anyone else would like to find out about volunteering with us they can pop into the superstore and speak to us or apply online.”
Jamil said he decided to volunteer to “take part” in the community, adding: “I gain experience from people and come into contact with others, which helps improve my English skills.
“I enjoy the volunteering because I want to get new experience and communicate with people to make my English better.
“The support was good from the council, through the ESOL and New Scots teams. There are too many people at the council to thank individually!
“I would like to thank the Barnardo’s store manager Shona Cox and her colleagues. All of them gave me support and helped me learn new skills.”
Barnardo’s Scotland supports children, young people and their families in more than 125 specialised community-based services across the country.
Neve Anderson, Store Associate at Barnardo’s in Bridgegate, has described Ali as being “super helpful.”
She added: “He’s a great volunteer and he’s a great person to just sit and chat with.”
The council’s New Scots and ESOL team, part of the authority's Connected Communities service, is proud of the efforts Jamil and Ali have made.
Councillor Alan Hill, NAC's cabinet member for communities and islands, said: “Jamil and Ali are great examples of how people can integrate into life here in North Ayrshire and also help great causes like these two charities by spending some time as volunteers.”
If you would like to volunteer at CRUK, please visit the charity's Irvine superstore or click here for more information and an application form.
For volunteering opportunities with Barnardo’s, head into the shop at Bridgegate or get more information by clicking here.
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