Chats with the Trinity team - Gimmy

A conversation with Gimmy Joshwa

For our latest chat in the series where we get to know the Trinity team, we spoke to one of Trinity’s long-time dedicated volunteers, Gimmy (pronounced 'Jimmy').

Gimmy has been supporting our Centre Director, Paul, for over 15 years, with a wide range of tasks. He helps with caretaking, cleaning, security, reception and working in the garden.

Hi Gimmy! Thanks for chatting to us today. You’ve been with Trinity a long time, can you tell us a bit about when and how you started?

I’ve been a long time user of Trinity services, coming to my church group here when I was young. I started helping out at the Centre when I was in my teens, around 15. I work full time now as an Integration Engineer but still help out at Trinity Centre whenever I am in London.

It seems like you've been responsible for a lot of duties over the years, can you tell us a bit about that?

Well I started out helping around the building, mostly caretaker work, when I met Paul. At first I found the work hard, but shadowing Paul taught me a lot about discipline and responsibility. Watching Paul work helped teenage me understand the importance of having passion for what you do, and how caring about Trinity isn’t just about taking care of the building, it’s about caring for the people in it.

What made you want to volunteer at Trinity?

I’d been a part of the community at Trinity Centre from childhood, and wanted to learn more about the world of work, and giving something back to the place that helped raise me. 

Over time, I started to understand just how much Trinity does, supporting the community seven days a week, with all of the different groups. When I come back now I still see many of the same people attending the groups as when I first started. That really shows how strong this community is.

What have you learned from volunteering?

Honestly, I have learned the most from Paul (Centre Director). He was an amazing mentor to me, and taught me a lot about the importance of being reliable and responsible. He’s a really hands-on leader - he doesn’t just tell you what to do, but shows you how to do it. He’s humble and hardworking. That’s the best kind of leader. He also made sure I had all the training I needed, including fire safety, first aid and safeguarding training. These are all great skills for life. 

When I left London to go to Portsmouth to study Engineering, the skills I learned, especially hard work and dedication, served me well when it came to my studies too.

What's your favourite thing about working at Trinity?

Oh definitely the people. Such a strong sense of community. I worked away in Coventry for a while and have returned to be closer to family now, as my wife is expecting our second baby soon. Returning to the Trinity Centre is like coming back home. I love coming here for a cuppa and a chat, and still help out as much as I can.

Gimmy with his wife and son

What's most important to you?

My family. 100%. Maintaining a good work/life balance is really important to me. Taking care of my family is my number one priority, so while work and giving back is important, my family are what it’s all for after all.

And finally, can you tell us something you're really good at?

Well I love playing badminton and volleyball when I’m not working. I’m not a professional or anything, it’s just a great way to unwind and keep fit!