Putting time into the Together Trust as a Volunteer Research Assistant
Kerri Braham has been a voluntary research assistant since February after discovering the Together Trust online. After reading about the work they do for others, she decided to contact them and hasn't looked back since. Kerri wanted to volunteer to expand her experience in researching and to build up transferable knowledge and skills, as well as do her bit for society.
Part of Kerri's role with the Together Trust’s campaigns team is to look into regulations and unregulated policies for children’s accommodation.
"When you give volunteering a try, it opens up multiple avenues. I've learnt so much, made connections and gained excellent experience."
One of Kerri's favourite things about her voluntary role has been meeting everyone through the Together Trust from all areas of the charity.
There are many roles within The Together Trust and a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. Kerri is supported by a paid member of staff, Styliana, who has been with the charity for nearly five years. Her role as a Campaigns and Advocacy Officer involves supporting the Together Trust's policy and campaigning work. This involves championing the rights, needs, and ambitions of children, young people, and adults who may be care experienced, disabled, and have special educational needs or complex health needs in England.
Styliana got involved with The Together Trust when she was studying law and realised she wasn't passionate about it, so she became a support worker for the charity at first and moved on from there.
Through Styliana's current role, she has learnt a lot through doing research on what barriers are in different sectors and exploring the problems that people are facing.
"The Together Trust gave me the opportunity to progress in my career. It's a great place to volunteer as the culture is very supportive and gives people the opportunity to gain a lot of experience that can be very beneficial for the future."