At Quo Vadis Trust, we’re proud to support and nurture the next generation of professionals who are passionate about mental health and social care. In this interview, we’re delighted to introduce Nana Ofori-Arthur, who originally joined QVT as a volunteer as part of her student placement. During her time with us, Nana made such a positive impact that she was invited to stay on as a Relief Worker after completing her placement.
We caught up with Nana to learn more about her journey, what inspired her to pursue a career in mental health support, and more about her time at QVT so far…
Hi Nana, how did you end up volunteering at QVT?
I am currently studying social work, and volunteering was part of my placement. I was based at Church Road in Crystal Palace, where I supported clients and promoted their overall well-being.
My role involved working closely with individuals, showing empathy, and creating a safe, supportive environment. I facilitated a range of activities, including coffee sessions where we discussed selected topics, gardening sessions, and games like Monopoly, which I actually learned to play with the clients. I always encouraged participation by asking questions and creating a welcoming space.
What do you think are the biggest benefits of activities that you facilitated for mental health?
The activities played a big role in building trust and breaking the ice. When I introduced myself and created a friendly atmosphere, clients felt comfortable enough to open up.
These sessions helped spark conversations, shared useful information, and even led to opportunities for one-to-one support. They had real educational value and gave clients something to look forward to. I noticed they would come early or check in to see if sessions were still happening, which showed how much they valued them. Clients would enjoy laughing during the sessions, which was great for everyone’s mental health.
How about one-to-one sessions?
I achieved two outcomes with clients who needed self-care and living skills sessions. I planned with the clients, and I supported them in cleaning their rooms. I was checking with clients if they were following up with the tasks. Clients started to change and improve their room environment. I listened to clients receiving their feedback, and I was attentive, allowing them to make improvements.
One day, we went with clients for a walk, and I asked the clients if they wanted to do something, and they expressed that they wanted to volunteer. We supported the clients with their CVs, and we popped into the charity shop and asked for vacancies and got in touch with the shop manager. When clients stated that they were volunteering, we encouraged them to improve their appearance for the voluntary work.
What would you say to someone who is hesitant to join any activities because they feel it might not be for them?
I had one client I tried to encourage to join, and I advertised the activity with refreshments and an interesting topic during the session. The clients then decided to join and enjoyed the sessions, joining every week.
What do you like most about volunteering at QVT?
It was nice to have the opportunity to work with clients who have mental health challenges, and it was a good experience learning the work framework, safeguarding and client support. I also enjoyed working with other professionals from various backgrounds.
Thanks Nana! If you’re interested in volunteering with QVT, please head over to our volunteering page for more info and how to apply.