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

Faye – embracing the weird

We celebrate the weird and extraordinary and unusual

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

Nikolas – the Pride Party

I’d say over 12 weeks he said about 12 words to me

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

Leticia – the big hug

When this boy’s friend left the group I thought he’d leave too

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