Rochdale Volunteering | Ming's Story

Rochdale volunteer Ming shares her volunteer story with us and how Action Together's Volunteer Support Officer, Asma Begum, has supported her to build her confidence and much more

Rochdale Mind volunteer Ming smiling at camera
Ming (Wendy) has been in the UK for 18 years since moving here from China, but without permanent work or opportunities to learn fluent English she's found things quite challenging.
 
Our Volunteer Support Office, Asma, met with Ming back in September 2024 at Middleton Job Centre to discuss how we could support her, and maybe find a volunteering opportunity that would allow her to get on track. When they spoke, Ming shared her desire to take on something where she could build her confidence, improve her English and, at the same time, gain experience in both cooking and retail.
 
Asma signposted Ming to a volunteer opportunity at the Middleton Wellbeing Centre and Cafe operated by Rochdale and District Mind, where she could interact with customers using the skills she already had.
 
Ming eagerly rose to the challenge and, after speaking with Suzanne, the café supervisor, she asked if she could learn to operate the till so she could engage more with people.
Smiling group of volunteers in kitchen at Rochdale and District Mind
Asma caught up with Ming this week to check on her progress and see how she's settling in. We were delighted to hear that Ming told Asma she loves being there - it makes her happy, helps her develop her English, and has even led to friendships that feel like family.
 
Not content with just one role, Ming has also been volunteering at West Yorkshire Dog Rescue too.
 
Since Asma's first meeting with Ming, we're delighted to report how far she has come in such a short space of time. She was quite nervous and shy initially, saying she couldn’t speak English, but she actually communicated very well. Ming continues to stay in touch with Asma, and is making fantastic progress. It’s amazing to see how volunteering can open doors and bring people together!
group of volunteers outside doors of West Yorkshire Dog Rescue

Asma also had the opportunity to catch up with Suzanne, supervisor at the Middleton Wellbeing Centre and Cafe, about the amazing work they do, and how volunteering has made a difference for people like Ming.

Suzanne shared how wonderful it’s been having Ming as part of the team - her enthusiasm, kindness, and willingness to learn have made a real impact.

Listen to Suzanne share with us how much volunteering can benefit individuals, and how Ming has settled in so well and 'get's stuck in'!

Watch the video HERE

Volunteering isn’t just about giving back; it’s about personal growth, building community, and finding a sense of belonging.

Find out how we can support you to take action, and start your own volunteering journey below...

Woman smiling at camera-Cafe supervisor Suzanne-Rochdale Mind

Volunteering in Rochdale

Asma and Phil make up our Volunteering Team in Rochdale. They can help you find an opportunity that fits in alongside your other commitments, and is appropriately matched with your relevant skills and experiences, as well as your reasons for volunteering.

To find out more, call us on: 0161 339 2345
email us at: volunteering@actiontogether.org.uk

You can register your interest to volunteer at: www.actiontogether.org.uk/volunteer, and use our online directory to search hundreds of volunteer opportunities currently advertised by local groups and organisations: www.actiontogether.org.uk/volunteering