A Bournemouth volunteer is campaigning to keep her position after being told she faces losing benefits.
Patricia Elseaud, 28, co-manager of the Inspiring Change shop in West Howe for the past two years, will lose Job Seekers Allowance if she fails to find paid employment.
Miss Elseaud is putting signatures together to send to the Prime Minister to raise awareness about the lack of acknowledgement given to volunteers that work hard to enforce community projects.
The voluntary sector is an integral part of the Government’s Work Programme supporting unemployed individuals to get back into employment.
Miss Elseaud said: “After achieving so many skills from volunteering, the only job I can possibly take and be able to look after my daughter is cleaning.
“This is not enough to pay the bills.”
The Inspiring Change shop is part of a community enterprise project, formed of 8 volunteers who work to offer the community advice and information as well as host a range of activities.
“We have put so much into this project and the money raised goes back into helping the community.
“I am being persecuted by being made to do things that I don’t want to do.” She said.
The Department for Work and Pensions allows individuals to volunteer whilst receiving Job Seekers Allowance at the discretion of the Job Centre Plus.
Miss Elseaud said: “The job centre should see the good and importance of our work in the community. Without our volunteers the community project will go to waste.”
Miss Elseaud’s volunteering position remains unsteady as votes to cap the welfare system are currently taking place in the House of Lords.
