People who volunteer with Tower Hamlets Council can gain skills and experience to help them land a new job.

The ongoing opportunity was highlighted by the council as it celebrated Volunteers’ Week from June 1 to 7 with an event to showcase the hard work and commitment of volunteers in the borough’s children’s centres.

Mother-of-three Helen Begum was hired as creche worker at Wapping Children’s Centre after volunteering for a year at the John Smith Children’s Centre in Stepney.

Her voluntary work as a play and learning worker, along with a Cache Level 3 childcare course, helped her realise she had the skills and knowledge to apply for paid roles in childcare.

Helen said: “The volunteering work that I did

really did provide a good foundation for my chosen career. It is a great combination of learning and working.”

The Volunteers week event on June 3 at the Tarling East Community Centre in Shadwell featured the screening of a film about volunteering and fun activities for children.

Anne Canning, Service Head for Learning and Achievement said: “I would like to thank our children’s centre volunteers for their dedication, and for ensuring that the voices of children and families continue to shape our services.”

For more visit towerhamlets.gov.uk.