Lucy Fishleigh began volunteering with Rubicon Dance in 2018 as part of her masters in clinical psychology, she was put in contact with Rubicon by her supervisors, who were keen for her to volunteer in a community role due to its being more applied and beneficial to the local community. Lucy started off her volunteering at Woodcroft Care Home, supporting the dance sessions that Rubicon facilitates there. The initial placement was supposed to last six weeks, but she decided to stay on after discovering how much she enjoyed it. She has assisted in their dance party for disabled adults, structured sessions for disabled adults, and performance group, among others.
Volunteering has changed my perspective, both on my future and the arts
Volunteering has had a huge impact on Lucy’s life. She had previously wanted to get on the career ladder in clinical psychology as quickly as possible, but Rubicon opened up a whole new world to her. It offered her a way to apply the education she had already received while furthering what she was currently studying and learning. She says she may not have undertaken her PhD had she not volunteered and wants to do more research with Rubicon in the future.
Volunteering also helped to anchor Lucy’s week – no matter what kind of week she’s had, volunteering is something she can look forward to. It is a happy space for her, where she gets to spend time with familiar faces in a supportive environment. Lucy also helped a participant to travel to the sessions, who she has since become good friends with. Lucy was also nominated in the C3SC’ Young Volunteer of the year category.
Lucy says volunteering is hugely rewarding, and that rather than thinking of what you can get from it, to think about what you can put in
