Minister of the Month Adam Keeper
This month we’re delighted to introduce Adam, our Minister of the Month.
From nervous first steps into volunteering, Adam embarked on a journey… He was working in a desk job in construction and looking to change his career. His dedication and commitment to volunteering helped to build his confidence – he’s now a qualified special educational needs Teaching Assistant.
“Volunteering at the Ministry gave me the confidence and determination to pursue the career change (plus it gave me a little something special for my CV).” – Adam
Name: Adam Keeper
Volunteer role (s): Saturday Club Writing mentor, on-line writing mentor for community writing labs and Story Engine mentor.
Hail from: Originally Narnia, now residing somewhere sarf of the river.
Favourite story and why: I’m a fan of Neil Gaiman and Diana Wynne Jones, I love the way that there is nothing spare in the detail of their stories, everything is working towards a perfectly packaged ending. Fortunately, the Milk and House of Many Ways are my favourites, both have lots of chaotic energy and are particularly fun to read aloud (silly voices are mandatory).
Tell us a little bit about yourself: Father of two and SEN Teaching Assistant, I like to tell stories, draw with sharpies and make stuff out of cardboard.
Why did you decide to volunteer with Ministry of Stories? I had read a blog post online about 826 Valencia and the experience of someone that had volunteered there, which sounded amazing! I wished that I could find something similar here in London, and thanks to the magic of the internet I found Ministry of Stories.
Were you nervous about anything before starting? I’m naturally nervous about anything and everything, so probably the sky falling on my head on the way to my first session (it didn’t by the way, it was awesome!)
What has been the best experience of volunteering? Being part of the on-line writing labs during the C-19 lockdown is one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. I have been privileged to be part of a dynamic social space that has helped the community club members to continue their creativity in the face of the uncertainties all around them.
Being part of the on-line writing labs during the C-19 lockdown is one of the most inspiring experiences of my life. – Adam
What has been the most unexpected thing about volunteering? Being around so many creative people and ideas has definitely rubbed off on me. It has pushed me to figure out how I can apply a little bit of extra creativity and imagination in everything I do.
Has volunteering changed anything in your life? When I began volunteering, I was also looking to change my career from a desk job in construction to supporting children with SEN. Volunteering at the Ministry gave me the confidence and determination to pursue the career change (plus it gave me a little something special for my CV).
Describe the Ministry of Stories in three words: Energising, Inspirational, Fun
What would you say to other people thinking of volunteering with the Ministry? Why are you still only thinking about it!?! Heed my words adventurer, click that sign up button post-haste! You won’t regret it!
