Daniel’s Story: Volunteering, Advocacy and Belonging
Earlier this year, we shared information about the Sunflower Hidden Disabilities initiative and the importance of recognising that many disabilities and challenges are not always visible to others. You can read that story here.
With Daniel Nguyen’s permission, we are proud to now share more of his volunteering journey and the impact volunteering has had on his life.
Daniel is a young man from Melbourne’s northern suburbs who has been volunteering with Volunteer West for more than six months. Despite the long commute, he consistently shows up with warmth, dedication and a willingness to contribute to the community.
Daniel speaking with students at the William Angliss Institute Career Expo, helping promote volunteering as a pathway to building confidence, skills and future career opportunities.
Like many people living with hidden disabilities, Daniel has faced barriers to employment and daily life that are not always seen or understood by others. Experiences of rejection and exclusion can be discouraging, but through volunteering, Daniel found a sense of purpose, confidence and connection.
“Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose in my daily life. Without it, there wouldn’t be much for me to fulfil.”
Daniel first joined Volunteer West supporting administration tasks such as drafting emails and helping advertise volunteer opportunities for community organisations. Over time, he also discovered a passion for speaking up and advocating for people living with hidden disabilities.
For Daniel, volunteering is not only about the work itself. It is also about the experiences, connections and independence that come with it.
“I enjoy the journeys I take to and from my volunteering role. I get to see parts of Melbourne I normally wouldn’t visit.”
One of the things we admire most about Daniel is his openness in encouraging others who may also be facing barriers or uncertainty.
“The only thing stopping you is yourself. Visit the place where you’re thinking of volunteering to get a feel for it. If you’re interested, just go for it.”
Daniel’s story is a reminder that volunteering can mean many different things to different people. For some, it is a way to give back to the community. For others, it can be a pathway to confidence, belonging, skill development and personal growth.
At Volunteer West, we recognise that barriers to participation still exist for many people living with disability, including hidden disabilities. Creating more inclusive and welcoming volunteering opportunities continues to be an important part of building stronger communities.
By sharing stories like Daniel’s, we hope to encourage greater understanding, empathy and awareness of the experiences people may carry quietly every day.
We are incredibly proud of Daniel and grateful for the kindness, dedication and advocacy he brings to the Volunteer West community.