Jackie Whitehead

“Through the support given to me I have gained new skills and become part of the Freshwinds community.

“I started volunteering for Freshwinds in February 2007. It was very new to me as I had recently retired after 28 years as a legal Secretary for Birmingham City Council. During my time at Freshwinds I have had many opportunities that were offered to me including Level 1 and 2 NVQ qualifications in literacy, numeracy and administration. I give much of my time supporting the Integrated Medicine project as an audio typist and doing other administrative duties, which I greatly enjoy.

“I have a great passion for baking cakes and often like to bring in a cake or two to be shared amongst the staff and other volunteers. The cakes disappear very quickly and I know that they are appreciated. I also like to help out with some fundraising where I can.

I found the staff very helpful and accommodating to my needs as a volunteer.

“Through the support given to me I have gained new skills and become part of the Freshwinds community. My experiences at Freshwinds have also helped me in my part-time work as a Medical Secretary at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

I have a great relationship with many of the staff and volunteers at Freshwinds and am glad that I am able to support the charity. As I neared my fifth year of volunteering with Freshwinds, I was invited to become a Trustee, something I gladly accepted. I look to continue my journey with Freshwinds, which has been both rewarding and enjoyable, well into the future.”