Safiya Williams

Where have you volunteered?

I’ve been very fortunate to try out lots of things as a volunteer, all of which have given me something different.

One of my first volunteering roles was as an Events Assistant at Doc/Fest (a Documentary Film Festival), this involved stuffing envelopes, staffing the registration desks and also acting as a ‘runner’ during the festival – it also meant I go to see some great films!

I’ve also volunteered at a few Museums and Galleries – Surface Gallery, Derby Museums and Galleries, and Kensington Palace – these all helped me to gain work as a Curator and Arts Programmer. Volunteering especially helped support when I worked freelance in these sectors.

My most recent volunteering roles were centred around literacy and reading support in primary schools, which helped with research for my Masters degree.

What impact has volunteering had on you?

I would not have had any of the jobs I have had throughout my career (current job included) if I hadn’t volunteered.

Volunteering has given me knowledge, hands-on experience, and opened doors that I would never have got through otherwise.