Jeff makes a difference through volunteering

Jeff Bradshaw has relished the opportunity to volunteer in Minda’s MyPath program during a block of annual leave from his IT career.

Jeff spent seven days over three weeks helping in the Lifestyle Precinct at Minda Brighton, and says volunteering with MyPath was really satisfying.

“I felt like I was contributing, like I was able to help in some small way to making a difference to people’s lives,” he says.

Jeff used to live in the Brighton area, and says he had always wanted to do something at Minda, whether in a work or volunteer capacity.

Then the block of leave he had booked for the birth of his and wife Kristy-Lee’s third child presented the opportunity to give some part-time volunteering a go, as the older children were in school and part-time care.

He got in contact with Minda through the website www.mindainc.com.au/volunteers – and didn’t look back.

“I’ve helped out at bowling with the MyPath crew, we’ve gone swimming at Marion, gone for walks, and I’ve enjoyed helping people with their independent living skills,” Jeff says.

“The real highlight has been the people. I’ve enjoyed having chats with Caitlin and enjoyed listening to music with some of the guys, it’s been great fun. It’s the people who create the fun, and I feel lucky to have been a part of it.”

Jeff says he enjoyed working with the staff at MyPath, including support worker Jaime who set a ‘caring and genuine’ tone from his first day, and support leader Michael.

“The staff and clients made it so enjoyable and I really looked forward to the days I’ve come into MyPath,” Jeff says.

“I will definitely miss the clients – they’ve made the days fly by, it’s been so much fun.”