We Are AAM - Chryso

This month we got the chance to chat to Chryso, one of our fabulous volunteers. Chryso, who's from Cyprus, joined our Hands & Voices and IMPs projects while she was studying here in York. She told us a bit about herself and about her experience of volunteering with AAM.

•    How long have you been a volunteer with AAM?

I've been a volunteer at AAM for 6 months.

    How did you hear about AAM and what made you want to be a volunteer?

My supervisor, Chris Bartram from St John University of York, suggested coming along to AAM during my traineeship as he thought the experience would be a very powerful one for me. I gave it a try, I liked it and I ended up spending a lot of time there!

•    What do you do as a volunteer?

I volunteered with Hands and Voices and also with IMPs and took part in a number of their workshops and performances. For the first couple of months I joined the groups as a member to learn how to do all the singing and signing, to socialise with everyone, and to observe the way that other people reacted when taking part in these activities. The following months I became more active in the group, doing the warm ups, helping to organize events and be part of all the workshop and performance processes.

•    What do you enjoy most about volunteering with AAM? And what would you say to anyone thinking about volunteering with us?

I really enjoyed all those smiles everywhere in AAM. People there - leaders and members - are so friendly, kind and passionate about music. The real communication that exists between the people there, and the family atmosphere was something that made a big positive impression on me. I also liked the songs as well; I found the challenge of learning to sign and to remember signing during the singing really challenging and interesting. The most important thing I noticed at AAM is the inclusive environment that exists for everyone. Through AAM I saw one small society where every single person has the same rights for life and that made me feel hopeful because there are people out there supporting such important work. I can absolutely recommend to everyone to consider volunteering with AAM, it is a very human and unique experience.


•    Tell us one random fact about yourself!

I had the opportunity to live in York for almost eight months!

We're always looking for volunteers at AAM to help us deliver our life-changing projects. If you're interested in becoming a volunteer, or would just like to find out more, please click here for details.