our volunteers

The CAE provided me with an invaluable opportunity to volunteer in a field I am deeply passionate about supporting the community through the food bank project. This experience went beyond personal fulfilment; it was essential in shaping my professional journey. Volunteering allowed me to develop critical skills like communication, leadership, and problem-solving, which prepared me for more complex responsibilities. It also gave me a sense of purpose and reinforced the importance of giving back. Thanks to these experiences, I eventually earned the position of Food Bank Coordinator, where I now lead initiatives to strengthen and expand our impact.

My name is Nerlyn Sierra, and I am an asylum seeker. I volunteer at THE CAE, an organisation that has helped me in many different ways during this process, such as providing access to food banks and organising events to help distract my mind (football, BBQs). These events have allowed me to meet new people, share experiences with them, and connect with people from different nationalities and languages. They have also helped me clarify questions I’ve had about navigating a new system.

I would definitely recommend The CAE to new people who are going through the same process I am and to anyone else who might need their help.

Being a volunteer with the Climate Justice Champions has been a transformative journey. At first, I felt excited yet apprehensive about tackling climate change and its impact on marginalized communities. However, as we delved into research and discussions, my confidence grew, fueled by the collective passion of the group.

Before joining, I viewed environmental issues mainly through personal actions like recycling. This experience expanded my perspective, showing me that climate change is deeply tied to social justice, with vulnerable communities bearing the brunt of its effects.

The project taught me the power of collaboration and shared vision. Together, we achieved meaningful outcomes, from raising awareness to influencing policies. This journey has given me a renewed sense of purpose and the confidence to take on leadership roles. I’m excited to keep advocating for climate justice, knowing that collective action can create real, lasting change.

I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at The CAE, my experience has been really good. I joined the organisation shortly after moving to Swansea on the Foodbank and business development teams, and it has really helped me build a community and feel more connected to people in Swansea. My well-being has also improved from a 5/10 to a 9/10.

The CAE was the first professional organisation I have ever worked for, and I feel as though being a part had made me realise the value of work and the dedication one must have to grow and prosper. I feel as though I have definitely grown as a person and at the end of these 6 months, I have developed better skills than I once had, and I find that I have changed as a person through this experience as I feel more ready to work in industries. I have become more independent as a result of this experience and more career driven.