Maureen Leask who volunteers with Dundee International Women’s Centre is one of this year’s Volunteer of the Year finalists!

Maureen began volunteering with Dundee International Women’s Centre in 2018 straight after she attended a cooking workshop as part of Dundee’s International Women’s Festival. Through attending events she saw that a lot of women who attended DIWC were struggling to communicate using the English language and needed support with reading, writing and speaking. Being a high school English teacher herself, she was enthusiastic about sharing her skills.

Over her time at DIWC Maureen has volunteered regularly with the literacies group, sewing class, provided one-to-one ESOL support to several learners, set up a popular quilting class and has lent her gardening skills to DIWC’s plot at Tayview Community Garden. These efforts have contributed in a meaningful way on an individual level, where volunteers have developed their communication skills and confidence, but also on a wider level. Her varied roles mean there are more spaces for vulnerable women to participate, meet new people, learn new skills, feel valued and have a sense of belonging. Maureen’s positive impact has also taken the shape of inspiring some of her friends to volunteer at DIWC too, helping in the sewing class and community garden.

Maureen is a very dedicated volunteer and we wish her the best of luck at the Volunteer Awards!