Lavaniya Mahendra
Bromley Kent,Kent
Summary
A dedicated professional with 12 years of experience in the non-profit sector, specialising in volunteer management and community engagement. Skilled in coordinating and supporting volunteers with a strong focus on building meaningful relationships that contribute to long-term organisational success. Currently exploring new avenues through event volunteering and seasonal work seeking to bring my experience, adaptability, and passion to a fresh opportunity within the charity sector.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Event Steward (Seasonal Work)
Event & Exhibition Partnership
05.2025 - Current
- Supported visitor experience during 12-hour shifts at Chelsea Flower Show.
- Welcomed attendees, providing directions and event information.
- Ensured safety and enjoyment for all visitors in a high-pressure environment.
- Demonstrated calm professionalism and public-facing skills throughout event.
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
Prostate Cancer UK
12.2019 - 12.2024
- Matching active volunteers with suitable opportunities.
- Facilitated matching volunteers to around 500 prostate cancer UK awareness talks and awareness stands...calculated that 50 thousand people have attended the talks
- Supported transition to virtual volunteer activities during COVID-19, maintaining engagement levels.
- Aligned volunteer skills with organisational needs through effective interdepartmental collaboration.
- Coordinated recruitment efforts for major events, including London and Brighton Marathons.
- Managed communications with volunteers via newsletters and webinars on charity initiatives.
- Administered Prostate Cancer UK Volunteer Network Facebook Group to foster community engagement.
- Reported monthly statistics on volunteer activity and participation to stakeholders.
- Guided colleagues in volunteer recruitment, promoting best practices and volunteer value.
- Facilitated induction processes for new volunteers joining the charity.
- Organised logistics for events, encompassing transport and accommodation arrangements.
Supporter Care Officer
Parkinson's UK
03.2019 - 09.2019
- Established and nurtured relationships with existing and potential supporters through effective communication.
- Processed voluntary income accurately, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
- Handled sensitive enquiries via phone, email, in person, and post, providing compassionate support.
- Promoted charity membership programmes and services, directing supporters to appropriate teams.
- Managed supporter data in Raisers Edge database for optimal record-keeping.
- Led team efforts in processing online giving platforms, including JustGiving and Virgin Money Giving.
- Created process documentation and conducted training to enhance team capabilities.
Community Engagement Executive
Breast Cancer Now
04.2018 - 03.2019
- Volunteered at prestigious events, including ‘Pink Ribbon Ball' and Science Research fair at Parliament.
- Managed community inbox and triaged phone enquiries to ensure timely responses.
- Coordinated supporter communications, including thank-you letters and promotional materials.
- Oversaw social media pages to celebrate supporter achievements and promote events.
- Monitored stock levels and liaised with suppliers for efficient material reordering.
- Contributed to e-shots and crafted CEO's monthly email using Adestra platform.
- Collaborated with internal teams to streamline processes and enhance supporter experience.
Fundraising Support Officer
Cystic Fibrosis Trust
07.2012 - 10.2017
- Secured permanent position in school after completing voluntary six-month placement.
- Maintained volunteer role during holidays to enhance community engagement.
- Established strong relationships with supporters, serving as primary contact for enquiries.
- Managed event and community inboxes, ensuring responses within 48 hours.
- Coordinated donation allocation via JustGiving and Virgin Money Giving.
- Collaborated with fundraisers to supply materials and promote initiatives on website.
- Supported major events by coordinating materials and assisting participants.
- Administered regional Facebook page to celebrate achievements and promote events.
Education
BA - Media and Cultural Studies
Canterbury Christ Church University
01.2004 - 01.2007
A Level - English Literature, English Language and Media Studies
Orpington College
01.2002 - 01.2004
GCSE'S - 6 A-Cs including English Literature, English Language, Mathematics and Double Science Award
Holy Trinity College
Bromley, Kent 01.1996 - 01.2002
Skills
- Volunteer management
- Community engagement
- Event coordination
- Relationship building
- Customer service
- Frontline support
- IT competency
Affiliations
- Singing, Travelling, Museums, Musicals, documentaries, Self Help,
Accomplishments
Level 3 Award in Volunteer Management for the Charity Sector
Accredited by NCFE (Investing in Quality)
Bereavement Online Training – Cruse Bereavement Support.
Volunteering.
- Bookmark Reading Charity – Volunteer
- The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity – Ever After Garden Support Volunteer
- RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2025 – Event Steward
Volunteered at one of the UK's most prestigious events, supporting visitor experience across a 12-hour shift. Provided wayfinding and event information, ensured safety and enjoyment, and demonstrated excellent public-facing skills, calm professionalism, and commitment during a fast-paced, high-profile environment. - Prom Praise 2025 – Choir Marshall at the Royal Albert Hall
Supported over 100 volunteer choir members at a live concert performance. Guided the choir on and off stage during rehearsals and the event, assisted with refreshments, upheld safeguarding practices, and supported post-event clear-up. Demonstrated flexibility, stamina, and teamwork in a high-pressure live event setting. - Soon to be volunteering with My Cause UK at Hyde Park Musical Festivals
- Prostate Cancer UK - Route Marshall for March for Men event.
Timeline
Event Steward (Seasonal Work)
Event & Exhibition Partnership
05.2025 - Current
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator
Prostate Cancer UK
12.2019 - 12.2024
Supporter Care Officer
Parkinson's UK
03.2019 - 09.2019
Community Engagement Executive
Breast Cancer Now
04.2018 - 03.2019
Fundraising Support Officer
Cystic Fibrosis Trust
07.2012 - 10.2017
BA - Media and Cultural Studies
Canterbury Christ Church University
01.2004 - 01.2007
A Level - English Literature, English Language and Media Studies
Orpington College
01.2002 - 01.2004
GCSE'S - 6 A-Cs including English Literature, English Language, Mathematics and Double Science Award
Holy Trinity College
01.1996 - 01.2002
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