Well first I should introduce myself. I am Iain Shanks, currently looking for work - like so many others, and while I am doing so I am keeping my skills up and learning a few others by volunteering for PECT.

There are many different organisations that I could be volunteering for, you only have to look at sites such as www.do-it.org.uk to see that there are many opportunities. This opportunity was mentioned to me by a contact I made at the Peterbrough Back to Business Club. Having worked in various communications roles and knowing the arguements for a sustainable approach to business and development I thought this would be a good fit for my skills and experience.

So, one day per week, here I am, which is a great motivator, after passing 200 applications so far this year I felt I had to achieve something more than talking to recruitment consultants telling me that I am over or under qualified for roles that countless others have also applied for. One day a week I am back to making a difference to the world and made to feel a welcome member of the team.

Everyone has different projects to work on, my main one is assisting with the Environmental Education Awards, coming up in February. Allowing for Christmas that is 6 working days for me. no time at all to organise an event for 100+ people but all that just adds to the fun.

2009 is a year that many of us would rather put behind us, but 2010 promises to start well for this volunteer.

Tags: Sustainable Communities | Do your bit for the environment