Working for the Coalition, a small charity
When asked what I do, I always hesitate, not sure how to describe what I do to someone who doesn’t understand the voluntary sector world. I’m not certain that anyone is any wiser once I’ve finished ‘explaining’, which is a little worrying because I have worked for The Coalition for 8 years!
The difficulty is, putting into words a job which can be so varied. One day you are hosting a virtual café on zoom. For those who don’t know, a virtual café is a zoom meeting, with no agenda but we all chat about what we have done at the weekend, what we are going to do, what we’ve watched on TV, whilst drinking a hot or cold beverage of our choice! Just like being in a café, hence the name. We also host a super competitive and rowdy quiz amongst other things.
The next day you could be in a meeting with commissioners from Surrey County Council or Surrey Heartlands, or officers from Surrey Police discussing how their service supports/responds to Disabled people in Surrey. My role is to support members to give their views and challenge when things are not right.
I would find it very difficult to describe a typical day in this job. Yes, I spend a lot of time on the computer, sometimes attending many meetings in a day. But then, I also got to visit 10 Downing Street to support our members in campaigns to stop the proposed closure of railway ticket offices and to call for the end to floating bus stops! Floating bus stops are where there is a cycle lane between the pavement and the bus stop. Yes, it is as ludicrous and dangerous as it sounds!
I also get to support our members to carry out access reviews in buildings but also in the beautiful Surrey countryside doing our bit to make access to some beautiful places more accessible for all in the future. Our members work very hard to continuously challenge lack of accessibility throughout Surrey and when improvements are made it’s thanks to a dedicated and tireless group who want access for all!
Our members are a diverse, knowledgeable and friendly bunch. They are a major incentive for anyone wanting to work for The Coalition. I have learnt so much from them. So, if you’re thinking of a career change, I would strongly recommend working for the voluntary sector and of course, particularly The Coalition. Compared to corporate companies the pay isn’t as good and monetised perks are non-existent but instead you can be guaranteed job satisfaction, pride at what you have helped people to achieve and the knowledge that every day is different. Yes, this work can be challenging, it is a job after all, but I guarantee the challenges are worth it.
Interested in finding out about current job opportunities at The Coalition? If so, please visit our job vacancy page: Work for us! – Surrey Coalition of Disabled People