Archive for the ‘Volunteer of the Month’ Category
-
By vLea 30th January 13
Liam O’Dell, a 15 year old enthusiastic volunteer from
Bedford, has achieved his v50 award and has no plans to stop any time soon. Liam started volunteering in early 2012 and has already helped an impressive portfolio of causes.Nominator Sarah Bigg from Volunteer Centre Bedford says: “Liam has taken part in a variety of volunteering including a farm restoration project, bucket collections for East Anglian Air Ambulance and Sue Ryder and has been a valuable part of a planning team for a Christmas fete for the local Sue Ryder Hospice. Liam shows great dedication and enthusiasm for all his volunteering. His weekends have been filled with bucket collections for local and national organisations. His volunteering is so varied and his passion for giving something back to the community is brilliant.”
Meet the winner!
Tell me a little bit more about the volunteering you have done in the last year?
I started volunteering at the start of 2012. It was through Sarah Bigg, she runs a volunteering project and she came into my school and talked about volunteering and the events that were taking place at the time and how you could get involved and I thought that sound right up my street, really interesting and I thought I would take part.
I have done mostly fundraising for charities, but I have also done some handing out of leaflets, also some more diverse things, like restoration projects and helping out at events and selling merchandise for charities.
How does it feel to win volunteer of the month?
It feels great, it feels nice to know that someone has recognised my efforts and realised my passion for volunteering.
In what ways to do you feel you’ve made a difference to others?
I particularly helped out with the East Anglian Air Ambulance. I made a new friend through the person that organised the events there and he has always explained the task at hand and how much of a benefit volunteers are to East Anglian Air Ambulance. Sue Ryder is another example, they used to hire older volunteers, and now they are hiring younger people and that’s helping them succeed. It’s a great thing to help other people. It’s that great feeling you get when you realised you’ve helped other people and that you’ve done some good and helped people that may need some help in their lives.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering? And how do you feel volunteering has changed you?
I have made some more friends and I have also improved my social skills. I was a bit shy at first, but if I am doing things such as fundraising or handing out leaflets, I’ve got to start to talk to more members of the public and talking to more age ranges. I have to diversify how I speak and establish connections with people.
What do you do outside of volunteering?
I am at upper school. In my spare time I read and volunteer and I also like to write. Of course I have exams taking place but I try to volunteer as much as possible.
What would you say are the 3 best things about volunteering?
1. Making new friends
2. Knowing that you’ve done some good
3. Improving certain skills
What issues do you care about most? If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would be the one thing that you’d change?
I would talk about equality. How everybody regardless of race, gender, etcetera are all treated equally. That there is no prejudice and discrimination, I would aim for that.
How important are the vInspired awards to you? Do you think that achieving the vInspired awards have benefited you in any way?
They are massively important. It is important for employers and your CV and UCAS applications. It’s great to show potential employers that you’ve put in the effort and that you’ve actually helped other people. And the fact that vinspired is nationally recognised.
What would you say to encourage other young people to sign up to vInspired.com?
There are so many benefits and you meet so many new people and you can actually see the good that you’ve done right there. You see if first hand. And the experience is great. vInspired.com is very user friendly and easy to understand and great that you can find opportunities in your area.
-
-avatar.jpg)
By vJoe 2nd November 12
Amy Birch, 20, from Dorking has been awarded November’s Volunteer of the Month for her work on the Halow Project which supports young adults (16-35 ) with learning disabilities.
Nominator Liz Dimmack, Student Liaison Manager at Guildford College says “Amy supports more activities than almost any of Halow’s other volunteers. She is the first to offer help with the activities, always positive, and is always willing to ‘give a bit extra’.”
Volunteering has helped Amy to increase her skills and confidence, as well as gain some great work experience which will help her to pursue her goal of joining the Surrey Police Force.
Meet the winner!
Well done Amy! When and why did you start to volunteer?
I started volunteering about a year and a half ago. I thought volunteering would be a great way to gain valuable experience. My career goal is to join the police force so I thought that volunteering would help me to increase my communication skills and gain experience of dealing with the public.
In what ways to do you feel you’ve made a difference to others? Is there something you’re especially proud of?
With the Halow Project, I feel I’ve been able to give people with disabilities the chance to take part in activities and helped them to integrate more into the community. I’m glad I’ve been able to give young people something positive to do with their time, rather than them hanging around on the streets and causing trouble. I really enjoy being able to see the joy you can bring to other people and knowing that you are giving them the opportunity to do something which they may have been unable to do without your help.
How do you feel volunteering has changed you as a person?
Volunteering has definitely helped to increase my confidence. I am also now a lot more appreciative of what I have and I have learnt to be a lot less judgemental. Volunteering has also given me great experience that will help me to pursue my career in the police force.
So has volunteering helped you to achieve your career goals?
Definitely. Firstly, volunteering allowed me to pass my college course, as this was a requirement and secondly volunteering has increased my confidence and given me really valuable experience and skills which will help me make me stand out from others.
What would you say to encourage other young people to sign up to vInspired.com?
I would say that you’ve got nothing to lose. It will help you gain volunteering experience that looks great on your CV and will help to show others that not all young people are what they are negatively stereotyped to be.
What do you think are the positive things that young people have to offer communities and society?
I think that young people can offer society new ways of looking at things, enthusiasm, hard work, and energy.
Has a young volunteer you know made an outstanding contribution that has gone above and beyond what was expected of them? They could be our next Volunteer of the Month!
Anyone can nominate – whether you’re someone who manages a volunteer, or a family member or friend.
Find out more on how to apply and our full criteria over on vinspired.com.
If you’re a young person, inspired by Natasha’s story – why not start volunteering and registering your hours with vInspired?
-
By vJoe 1st October 12
Natasha Hebblethwaite–Sharpe, 18, from Burbage, Leicestershire has been awarded Volunteer of the Month for her work with YouthNet.
Natasha’s been volunteering for 3 years, achieving her v100 award along the way.
Nominator Laura Owen, Volunteering Development Manager at YouthNet says: “Natasha has developed her skills and confidence considerably, taking on a number of leadership roles within YouthNet’s network of services. The benefits of Natasha’s volunteering can be seen on the direct online community she is involved in as well as with the online community of young people on TheSite.”
This great experience has meant that Natasha has enhanced communication skills and confidence as well as gained some great work experience to put on her CV. Here’s what Natasha had to say…
Meet the winner!
How does it feel to win volunteer of the month?
To be honest it’s a big shock and I didn’t expect to win but it’s a great feeling. I volunteer because I like to use my skills to help other people and it’s lovely to get something back and be rewarded for doing that.Is there anything you’re especially proud of from the past year?
I have been taking part in moderator chats with YouthNet. On one occasion, I was speaking with a young person who was feeling very depressed and thinking of ending their life. I was able to chat with them and offer advice and they later let me know that because of our chat, they felt a lot less depressed and had started to feel more positive about things.Has volunteering helped you to achieve or overcome things in your own life?
I really enjoy meeting new people and the feeling of satisfaction you get from helping others and giving back to the community. Volunteering has been really beneficial for me in increasing my confidence and communication skills with other people. I feel like I now have the confidence to pursue the opportunities that I want to.How has achieving your v100 benefited you?
The awards are very important because of the recognition that they give young volunteers. I think having my v100 award makes me stand out from others and having the actual certificate makes it seem very professional.What do you think young people can offer to their communities?
I think that young people really are the future and can offer society a lot of insight. Young people have new perspectives and different ways of looking at things. They are able to learn from mistakes that have been made in the past and the diversity that they experience in society today.What would you say to encourage other young people to sign up to vInspired.com?
vinspired.com lists a wide range of opportunities and there seems to be something for everyone to enjoy. Volunteering is a great thing to get involved in and you can have so many great at experiences and learn great skills.
Has a young volunteer you work with made an outstanding contribution that has gone above and beyond what was expected of them? They could be our next Volunteer of the Month!
To nominate someone, you just need to be an approved vInspired Awards provider and the nominated volunteer needs to have received one of our vInspired Awards.
Find out more on how to apply and our full criteria.
If you’re a young person, inspired by Natasha’s story – why not start volunteering and registering your hours with vInspired?
By vJo 3rd September 12
Tessa Wellard, 24, from Andover is our Volunteer of the Month for September. Tessa has been volunteering for Test Valley Community Services on the Turnaround project which engages young people in activities which promote a positive use of leisure time. She’s also achieved our v10 and v50 awards.Nominator Sue Watsham from Test Valley Community Services says: “Tessa is a brilliant mentor to her peers. She has given presentations on the benefits of volunteering, displacing the myth that some young people have.
“She has also coached them through the vInspired awards enabling three to receive their v10 awards and one to receive their v50 award. She is a brilliant advocate for our project.”
This great experience has meant that Tessa has enhanced her CV and is now looking forward to starting college this summer and pursuing a university degree in Social Work in the future.
Meet the winner!
Tell me a little bit more about the volunteering you have done in the last year?
Through the Turnaround project I have been working with young people and providing with organised activities such as arts and crafts days, raft building, archery and wall climbing. I’ve also been helping out on the administration side in the office e.g. putting together information packs.How does it feel to win volunteer of the month?
I’m quite surprised but it feels really good. I only started volunteering recently so it is great to see that I have been able to help the community.What would you say are the 3 best things about volunteering?
- The satisfaction you get from making a difference.
- The chance to try something new without commitment
- The social aspect and meeting new people.
What do you think young people can offer to their communities?
I think that young people can offer society energy and different ways of thinking about things. I think that young people need to be listened to more because they really can help to make a positive impact.What would you say to encourage other young people to sign up to vInspired.com?
I would say try it – if you’re first experience doesn’t work out then try something else, there are plenty of things you can do. Volunteering is a great way to try something out without having to make a commitment.Has a young volunteer you work with made an outstanding contribution that has gone above and beyond what was expected of them? They could be our next Volunteer of the Month!
To nominate someone, you just need to be an approved vInspired Awards provider and the nominated volunteer needs to have received one of our vInspired Awards.
Find out more on how to apply and our full criteria.
If you’re a young person, inspired by Tessa’s story – why not start volunteering and registering your hours with vInspired?
cialis By vJoe 1st August 12
20 year-old Jenna Rose Moore is August’s Volunteer of the Month for her outstanding work with sexual health education charity, Brook.
In just five and a half months, Jenna has achieved her v10, v50 and v100 awards.
Naomi Sheppard from Brook nominated Jenna for being “totally selfless and showing such dedication to helping others.”
On Brook’s Sex:Positive campaign, she has challenged negative stereotypes and raised awareness of the issues faced by groups including young parents and LGBT young people.
With Jenna’s CV greatly enhanced, she is now looking forward to future employment.
Meet the winner!
How does it feel to win volunteer of the month?
I’m really excited. It really wasn’t expected. Today is my last day at Brook, so it’s a great reward.
Tell us a bit about your work. Are there any achievements you’re especially proud of?
I mainly worked on the Sex:Positive campaign. I had to come up with a sex education programme which was a really positive experience. I created new educational resources which I took out and delivered to colleges and youth groups.
I have been able to inform young people on how to be responsible. Something I’m especially proud of is a leaflet I created in the last 2 months of my placement. I came up with all of the content and had the leaflets printed. These leaflets will continue to be used after I leave. I’m really proud of that.
How has volunteering changed you or taught you new things?
Volunteering has brought new experiences that I wouldn’t have otherwise have had. Through volunteering I have gained confidence and learnt new things – helping to recruit for senior management positions at Brook is just one example. The amount of fun I have been able to have and the amazing new people that I have met. It’s been such a positive experience that will leave a lasting impression on me.
If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would be the one thing you’d change?
I would organise a parade or fair to get young people excited about volunteering opportunities and to let young people from all backgrounds know that they can achieve anything they want and that anything is possible.
What do you think young people can offer to their communities?
Energy, new ideas and new ways of thinking. Young people often set themselves goals which to others may seem unrealistic – but when they achieve and meet these goals, it forces those peoples’ attitudes to change. Young people are often underestimated.
What would you say to encourage other young people to sign up to vInspired.com?
You never know where you might end up. There are so many different things you can experience through volunteering regardless of education or background. Volunteering is great. You can find out where your passions really lie, it helps you to network and you get to gain valuable work experience.
Has a young volunteer you work with made an outstanding contribution that has gone above and beyond what was expected of them? They could be our next Volunteer of the Month!
To nominate someone, you just need to be an approved vInspired Awards provider and the nominated volunteer needs to have received one of our vInspired Awards.
Find out more on how to apply and our full criteria over on our website.
If you’re a young person, inspired by Jenna’s story – why not start volunteering and registering your hours with vInspired?
By vFay 5th July 12
19 year-old Joseph Roncarelli from London started volunteering four and a half months ago at Camley Street Natural Park.Living with autism, Joseph has faced many challenges, but volunteering has provided a new lease of life and fresh enthusiasm for his future prospects.
So keen has he been to make a difference, that Joseph’s already clocked-up over 200 volunteering hours with vInspired – achieving his v100 award.
Being unemployed for two years, Joseph’s volunteering has not only proven an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but also enhanced his CV and he’s now looking forward to future employment.
Geoff Stanning from national charity Coram, which supports the UK’s most vulnerable children, works with Joseph and decided to nominate him. Geoff said: “Joe always has a smile on his face and brightens up the atmosphere with his enthusiasm and willingness to take on any task. He rarely misses a day and is now the lead volunteer on Wednesdays. We’re very proud of him.”
Meet the winner!
Hi Joseph, how does it feel to win volunteer of the month?I feel quite proud of the amount of hours I have put in. I stay late and always try to put in more hours when I can, so it feels good to be rewarded for that.
When did you start volunteering and why?
I started volunteering four and half months back at Camley Street Natural Park. After struggling to find a job for two years, I spoke to Connexions and they told me about this opportunity.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering and how do you feel volunteering has changed you (have you learnt new skills or see the world a bit differently)?
From 16 plus I was sitting around not really knowing what I wanted to do. Now I feel I have made a difference and would like to make something of myself. Before I didn’t talk to people because of my autism but now I feel more confident.
I’ve met new friends and they have helped me with a lot of things. I meet new people as I go along (both customers and visitors). Being able to answer people’s questions makes me feel helpful.
What do you think young people can offer to their communities?
Young people should do what they can to help the community. Whatever part of the country you are from, if there is anything wrong, if you have a major concern – ask to help out.
There will never be a day that the world is perfect but you can help make it as perfect as you can.
What would you say to encourage other young people to sign up to vInspired.com?
Do your best and get motivated. Never give up. Volunteering teaches you these things.
Coram is a provider of 24/24, engaging young people in voluntary work, training and social action, with the aim of equipping young people with the skills and experiences needed to secure future employment or progress to higher education.
Has a young volunteer you work with made an outstanding contribution that has gone above and beyond what was expected of them? They could be our next Volunteer of the Month!
To nominate someone, you just need to be an approved vInspired Awards provider and the nominated volunteer needs to have received one of our vInspired Awards.
By vJoe 1st June 12
What better way to celebrate the beginning of Volunteers’ Week than announce our latest Volunteer of the Month award-winner?!
Our Volunteer of the Month Awards celebrate the outstanding contribution of young volunteers across the country.
Without further ado, introducing our Volunteer of the Month winner for June…
Hayley Mitchell
Hayley Mitchell, 17, from Chorley has been volunteering since she was 13. She currently volunteers as a Gymnastic coach, whilst studying at Runshaw college.
Young children with an interest in gymnastics are able to learn the correct, safe way to execute moves and Hayley uses her expertise to help young people get healthy exercise, learn discipline and walk away with a positive outlook on life.
Her nominator said: “Hayley is a deeply caring student who is always keen to help and is a positive role model for others.”
Meet the winner!
Congratulations Hayley! How does it feel to win Volunteer of the Month?
I’m honoured. I didn’t think I did as much as some of the other people on vInspired so it was a bit of a shock when I found out!
In what ways to do you feel you’ve made a difference to others?
I like to think I help kids enjoy the sport. I’m especially proud that last month for my first competition as a coach every single one of the girls in my group got a medal. They all have the potential – I just help them show their talent.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
I enjoy the smiles on my groups faces when they leave the gym. It just gives me that warm feeling inside and makes me feel proud to know they are happy because of something I did.
How do you feel volunteering has changed you?
Volunteering has made me realise how much selfless acts can make you feel happy. I am friends with all the other coaches at the gym and have learnt how to support many new skills. Volunteering takes up a large chunk of my week but I don’t even care because it is something I enjoy doing.
What do you think are the positive things that young people have to offer society?
I think the more young people volunteer, the better society could be. vInspired can get young people involved. Not only does volunteering look good on CVs and job applications but you can volunteer in an area you are passionate about.
The 3 best things about volunteering are…
1. Making a difference
2. Helping other people love something I am passionate about.
3. You can volunteer for almost anything, it never gets boring.
Has a young volunteer you work with made an outstanding contribution that has gone above and beyond what was expected of them?
They could be our next Volunteer of the Month!
To nominate someone, you just need to be an approved vInspired Awards provider and the nominated volunteer needs to have received one of our vInspired Awards.
Find out more on how to apply and our full criteria over on our website.
By vTraceyP 1st May 12
Cydney Butler, 23, Volunteers as a Peer Educator at Brook in Milton Keynes.
This month, we’re launching our all-new Volunteer of the Month Awards to celebrate the outstanding contribution of young volunteers across the country.
Introducing our first Volunteer of the Month winner….
Cydney Butler
As a young mum Cydney has a special interest in offering support to others in her position. She delivers sexual health lessons to young people in a variety of settings.
Cydney’s constant commitment and empowerment of young women has proved a true inspiration to all those around her.
Her nominator describes Cydney as: “Reliable, passionate and amazing! We feel extremely fortunate to have her.”
Meet the winner!
Hi Cydney, how does it feel to win volunteer of the month?
I feel quite honoured really. It’s a special feeling
How do you feel you’ve made a difference to others and is there anything you’re especially proud of?
Through my work at Brook I have been able to encourage people, improve their confidence and tell them: ‘just because you have done it once doesn’t mean you have to do it again’. By being involved as a young mum I have been able to challenge misconceptions about teenage pregnancies and let people know that you don’t get things handed to you on a plate.
When did you start volunteering and why?
I started volunteering 3 years ago. I originally attended a programme for people involved in domestic violence. Through that programme I was given the opportunity to get involved in the ‘peer education course’, which led to me getting involved with Brook and recieving my v100 award last November.
What do you do outside of volunteering – and what are your hopes for the future?
I’m a part-time employee and a full-time Mum. In the future I’d love to continue my work at Brook. When my children are a bit older I can see myself having a career in education, training and managerial work.
Which issues do you care about most? If you were Prime Minister for a day, what would be the one thing you’d change?
I’d make sex education, information and contraception more accessible to young people.
What would you say to encourage other young people to volunteer?
To anyone that hasn’t done any volunteering I’d say: try it. You get so much out of it. I was sceptical at first but it has honestly given me something priceless.
Has a young volunteer you work with made an outstanding contribution that has gone above and beyond what was expected of them?
They could be our next Volunteer of the Month!
To nominate someone, you just need to be an approved vInspired Awards provider and the nominated volunteer needs to have received one of our vInspired Awards.
Find out more on how to apply and our full criteria over on our website.
Recent comments: