VOLUNTEER CENTRE GREENWICH And finally... M ICHELLE MARTIN

Chief Executive • Volunteer Centre Greenwich (VCG)

What was your first job and what was the pay packet?

My first job was working for Barclays Bank as an office junior. I was 16 and my first pay packet was £160 per month – emergency tax!

What would you do with your last pound?

Give it to Pudsey.

What is the biggest challenge facing your business?

Funding, particularly for our core costs. Costs are going up but funding has been cut or levels haven’t risen. We received a donation last year which was very helpful.

Creating Pathways to Opportunities

Volunteer Centre Greenwich connects people to local volunteering that builds skills, confidence and community. We support individuals and organisations through tailored advice, training and access to inclusive volunteer opportunities.

We also offer a range of projects, including Supported Volunteering, Befriending and Emotional Support and Wellbeing.

This June, we’ll celebrate the heart of it all the volunteers at our recognition event during National Volunteers’ Week. It’s a moment to honour the everyday acts of kindness that make our community stronger.

If you were Prime Minister, what would be your first decision?

To tackle the cost of living crisis and its impact on poverty, children, mental health and the voluntary sector.

If you could do another job what would it be?

I can’t imagine doing any other job as I think volunteering is in my DNA! As well as working for Volunteer Centre Greenwich I am a volunteer bereavement listener and volunteer at my local theatre.

What book are you currently reading?

I love murder mysteries and am currently reading the third book ‘The Bullet That Missed’ in the Richard Osman series The Thursday Murder Club.