Molly Musker – Disability Energy Champion
Molly Musker – Disability Energy Champion
Hi Molly, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Hi, I’m from Liverpool and I study Business management at LJMU. I have always had a passion for business, and I really enjoy my course! It has pushed me to do volunteering with charities such as Warm Homes service for Caudwell Children’s Charity as a Disability Energy Champion.
How did you get into volunteering?
In my second year I had an employability lecture as part of my course which encouraged me to volunteer to gain new experiences for my CV. I looked at the volunteer opportunities available on the JMSU portal and applied to Caudwell. I liked the idea of working with children and having the responsibility to manage family cases. It seemed challenging yet rewarding. The sign-up process was quick; I had a month of training and induction which included safeguarding modules. Then I got stuck in!
Could you tell us a bit about the role?
‘Warm Homes’ is a short-term service Caudwell set up to support families with energy and financial needs. As a Disability Energy Champion, I liaised with Auriga (a financial and energy partnership) for guidance in direct, family support. I have a caseload of families that I organise virtual calls with to arrange personalised support plans. I then meet the families’ and go over any issues such as looking into grants support, getting equipment for their child, home adaptations or will writing. It’s important to be supportive and compassionate of each family. Some of the discussions can vary. Some are very personal upsetting. Some issues can lead to safeguarding – disabled children are more at risk of abuse, so welfare checks are crucial. This is the first time I’ve experienced safeguarding referrals before.
What support do you get to volunteer?
After completing my training, I have monthly ‘Wellbeing Check-up’ meetings with a volunteer coordinator at Caudwell Children. They ensure safety, guidance with sensitive topics and help manage workload. I was also added to a group chat full of advanced volunteers providing responsive advice at any point. Caudwell have a tool kit of supportive documents, scripts and allow advanced volunteers to guide you when you start. They are also understanding of my studies, so the hours are flexible and fit around my academic schedule. The support is honestly amazing!
What have you gained from volunteering?
I have learned crucial interpersonal, professional, writing, listening and etiquette skills whilst volunteering. The role can be challenging but extremely rewarding, working, and helping families and other volunteers. I’ve built bonds with my families!
I was also able to liaise with Irwin Mitchell, a multi-award-winning law firm, for a family who wanted legal advice. Due to this, I was offered training from the firm.
What would you say to someone looking to start volunteering?
Get stuck in! Before you start volunteering you can overthink – do I have enough time, am I capable? But the support you get is amazing. You are not tied to do anything you don’t want to do, so joining and stopping at any point is an option. But the flexibility, experiences, and connections you make are life changing!
Sign up to a volunteering opportunity today, and you too could become a Disability Energy Champion like Molly.
