What is your name and job title?

Helena Angstmann, Volunteer Services Officer for Retail & Fundraising

Tell us about your role?

I love the varied opportunities my role offers. The opportunity to interact with volunteers in the shops, volunteers at events/fundraising opportunities and the wider charity staff team. It’s my responsibility to oversee the recruitment and onboarding of new volunteers to both the shops and events. With new shops opening up, this is a really exciting time!

With regards to events/fundraising, I love the variety of requests that come through, and the challenge of reaching the goals set. There is never a dull moment - or a quiet time - which is what I most enjoy about my role. I am also responsible for co-ordinating student placements, and corporate volunteering opportunities; both of these bring additional volunteers onboard and enable the charity’s visibility across the city to be more widely acknowledged. 

When did you join the charity?

I initially joined the charity as a volunteer (in November 2022). I was so taken by the work of the Volunteer Team, that when the vacancy came up, I decided to apply. I’ve been with the Charity as a member of staff since 26th April 2023. 

Why did you choose to join the charity?

The interaction and communication from the wider charity, invites to the "Our Impact" sessions and the way the Volunteer Services Team were set up encouraged me to join. More importantly, though, are the Charity Values. They resonate with me so much, in terms of how I like to work, so it was this that really cemented my decision. 

Do you see opportunities for career progression at the charity?

There are LOTS of opportunities to progress within the charity. In fact, within my own team I was promoted in January this year; and  I now manage the Retail and Fundraising Volunteering side of things. It’s exciting that the charity continues to develop and grow and gives exciting opportunities to its staff and local people. 

What do you enjoy most about working for LHC?

I love the team I work with and staff in the wider charity. I also really appreciate the focus on making a difference and ensuring the values drive progress for patients, their families and staff across the Trust.  

What has been a key highlight of your time at LHC?

Every day is an exciting day within the charity! Now that sounds really cheesy – but I mean it. I love interacting with new and existing volunteers. The day job never tires me! I also love the challenges I am set, and working together as a team.

I guess my key highlight so far would have to be getting promoted. At my age, and having already had a career, I never thought I’d move into anything else. Proving to myself and my colleagues that I can make a difference is really rewarding.