Get inspired!
Stories from volunteers, about how youth work volunteering changed their lives
Jessica – my found family
I found there was a space between having babies and having kids at school, and I was at a bit of a loss
Louisa – showing young people that they have choices
He looked at me and he said: “shouting is the only way I ever get heard.”
Blessing – the girl from direct provision
It was their first time coming across a Black Irish person and they were really intrigued
Ben – learning not to be a sheep
I’ve figured out who I am, and that I really want to make a difference
Skye – finding confidence through volunteering
Volunteering has shaped me into the person I am
Jacky – finding my path in life
My life goal is to try everything, and it’s volunteering that’s given me this passion
Louisa – a quiet space
Some of the young people that come in to us, there’s a lot going on at home
Faye – volunteering built my tribe
I learned so much about autism from the young people and their families
Nikolas – transforming negative experiences
I’ve experienced my fair share of discrimination, it’s been a pretty hefty amount of stuff to deal with
Emma – I never guessed she liked me
Sometimes they can really surprise you, with what they’ve taken away from your time with them
Ultan – you don’t need all the answers
I used to think everyone except me had their life figured out
Kayleigh – my own community
I’ve bulit such strong relationships in my community from volunteering
Brian – dog safety
One little girl was scared and I told her I’d support her if she wanted to give it a try
Christopher – the importance of showing up
Some young people, they don’t have a good role model or stable person at home
Brian – volunteering with patients
I came away feeling: that was amazing, and I need to do this more
Jessica – the girl who needed the kit
The first time she came in, she had an enormous scowl on her face
Emily – a non-competitive space
As a volunteer with young people, I feel the best things we can offer them are a non-competitive space, and an opportunity to be themselves