Volunteers key part of keeping Centre running

19 February 2009

With just six staff and up to 100 children having music therapy through the RMTC each week, time to complete all those day-to-day tasks can be hard to find.

Volunteers are a vital part of the Centre, and RMTC is always grateful for the help they give. But as one volunteer found recently, volunteering is not all about administrative support.

"I got a chance to video sessions as part of my two weeks of volunteering," said Danielle Jelleyman, who has recently completed her studies at Kelston Girls College. "I was absolutely thrilled that I got the chance to be part of this.

As well as assisting in the AV suite videoing sessions, Danielle helped in reception and with data entry.

Her motivation for volunteering at the Centre was a research project she had completed at School on music therapy.

"I'd heard about music therapy and I wanted to experience the environment, and meet some of the children who benefit from it. I hoped to see it in action and talk to the music therapists, to find out where their inspiration lies and what kind of person it takes to be a music therapist.

"Now I think it is wonderful. I've seen it working and seen how music has a way of letting anyone express themselves. I have found there are far more dimensions to music therapy than just music; it involves all aspects of a person."

Danielle said she would recommend that people who wished to volunteer at the Centre came with an open mind and be ready to do anything.

"I have had to do some pretty normal jobs, so come with a willing attitude and a view that whatever you are doing is helping the cause as a whole."

Volunteer support is always needed at the Centre in areas such as administration and reception, fundraising, public relations, website, and events. If you have some time available, please give us a call.