VOLUNTEER SPEAKER TRAINING DAYS
More than 30 people took advantage of our volunteer speaker training days this spring, which were held in London, Henley-in-Arden and Llandudno.

Each day was slightly different in its emphasis, but all participants were able to:

• learn more about leprosy
• look at how The Leprosy Mission organises its work to raise financial and prayer support and deliver projects around the world
• find out about community-based rehabilitation, and the broad range of activities The Mission is involved in
• pick up and share some hints about public speaking

We were fortunate to hear from some very knowledgeable contributors.  Further training about leprosy was delivered by Catherine Benbow and Jannine Ebenso who shared their extensive overseas experience in hospital work, leprosy control and community development projects.  Jenny Hawke shared her memories of living in India while her father, Eddie Askew, was superintendent of Purulia hospital.  Jenny contrasted her reminiscences with a later visit she made with her family and described the encouraging progress they saw.  In another session David Parry, who has a wealth of experience serving on the Board of The Leprosy Mission England & Wales and The Leprosy Mission International, described the work that goes on internationally, and some of the challenges faced to ensure that life changing projects meet the needs of people affected by leprosy.

However, it wasn't all hard work! There was plenty of opportunity to share ideas with fellow volunteers over lunch and refreshment breaks, to browse leaflet and picture resources and even to sneak off and enjoy the sunshine!

Some comments about the days;

"It was all very useful to me"

"More of these days please"

"Day was too short!"

"Thank you for this opportunity to meet with like-minded people"

"I think it would be good to have something similar on an annual basis for volunteers to meet together to share experiences and best practices"