Supporting your community
Support member volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and have many different areas of expertise. However our research shows that members like to speak to ‘someone like them’. We are therefore looking for younger member volunteers to join the scheme and use their knowledge, experience and skills to support other younger members.
ICAEW will provide induction training and updates on issues of importance as well as an opportunity to network with other support members. Support member volunteers are also free from the duty to report misconduct in relation to this role – giving other members the confidence to seek their support.
The inside story
Sophie Parkhouse is one of our younger support member volunteers. When asked about the scheme she said “Being a support member is not onerous but rewarding. Investing a few hours of my time to listen to someone in need, and provide the practical guidance that cannot always be seen through the trees in a moment of distress, is one of the most satisfying ways of giving back”. The scheme needs more members like Sophie to help those in difficulty. Enquiries range from bullying and harassment at work to getting a speeding ticket or financial problems. Whatever the issue is support members are there to help. Sophie goes on to say “I can say first hand that it leaves me with a feeling of good, giving a boost to my own wellbeing, knowing that by being at the end of the phone has meant so much to someone else!”
Get in touch
The support members scheme is becoming more community focused to make it easier for members in difficulty to speak to someone like them. If you would like to join Sophie and the rest of the team in helping support your fellow members please contact us by email at support.members@icaew.com.