Meet the Belfast Office Volunteers
STEPHEN NORRIS – Belfast
June 2001 to present – Receptionist, Regional Office Belfast
I am 41 years old and work as a Volunteer Officer at Beech House in Belfast. My working life started as qualified cabinetmaker and barman but things should change rapidly.
At the age of 31 I lost my sight due to diabetes related problems. With a view to possibly gaining a level of independence, I attended Ravenhill Adult training Centre (RATC). In 1995, due to the same problems, I suffered renal failure, resulting in kidney dialysis three days a week.
In September 1996 I was referred to a hospital in Dublin for a pioneering kidney and pancreas transplant. I received this seven weeks later and to date is has been a total success regarding my diabetes and renal failure.
Having no knowledge of computers I was offered a place on a computer course with the R.N.I.B. Belfast. Eighteen months later this had been successfully completed. Then I gained a Diploma in reception skills and started work in the Reception at the RATC.
I still had quite a bit of spare time on my hands and expressed a keen interest in working in the voluntary sector. Sylvia Boylan, Manager at the RATC and also a keen environmentalist, asked me if I would be interested in reception work with Conservation Volunteers. I arranged an interview with Ian Humphreys, Senior Manager in Belfast, and agreed to work two days a week in the office. The rest as they say is history.
I have been volunteering with Conservation Volunteers for nearly three years now and feel very much a part of the team, all of whom have made me feel very welcome. Starting with three days a week in the first year, I now volunteer the whole week and enjoy every minute of it.