“I was starting to get a little bored. I’d been involved in running a corporate volunteer programme as part of my work in London and enjoyed it. I knew it would be a totally different world and the time was right to give it a go and give something back to the community,” Jim explained.
After investigating the options, he applied to join the Folkestone Coastguard Rescue Team and he quickly got stuck in to the new role and its training opportunities, bringing with him transferable skills from his former employment.
Worlds apart but with one aim - to save lives
“It was just such a fantastic and refreshing change to be doing something that’s incredibly worthwhile. From working in corporate finance to helping save lives may be worlds apart but it’s still about teamwork.
“Every volunteer has a different reason for signing up and brings a whole range of life skills and backgrounds that are really valuable to the overall team but we all share one clear aim – to help people in difficulties around the coast,” he said.
After several years’ volunteering with the Folkestone team, Jim knew he wanted to do even more. So when the permanent role of Senior Coastal Operations Officer became available, he applied and was successful.
I'm proud of what I do
“Working for HM Coastguard has been such a positive and different change for me and so many others I know. And the best thing of all is that now I’m proud to tell anyone who cares to listen what I do and why I do it.
“It really doesn’t matter what your day job is, nearly everyone has something to bring to a team and they can help make the world of difference to someone’s life. You can’t put a price on that,” he said.
If you are interested in volunteering opportunities with HM Coastguard, visit the link to find out more and how to apply.
