I’ve volunteered with young people in my local community for years. Working with the Garda Diversion Project, I was helping out with young people who are at risk of offending or who have already been through the courts. Some of them were quite closed off and not really wanting to communicate, there wasn’t a lot of trust there. But then one of the young lads recognised me from the volunteering I had done with the local Summer Project, and he was really happy to see me. He told his friends I was all right, and the trust was suddenly there. I got a lot out of that placement, it was very rewarding. Being involved in the local community through volunteering, it’s built some amazing relationships for me.
Kayleigh – my own community
Volunteering with young people really helped me with my social skills. Before I started volunteering, I was quite an anxious person. I’d be the kid who would get my friend to ask a question instead of asking it myself. Volunteering pushed me out of my comfort zone. Being a junior leader meant I had to ask the questions. Before volunteering, I really didn’t think I’d ever go to college, I didn’t want to. But being actively involved made me see that there were so many options, and it’s led to me studying social work. It’s been so rewarding.
Youth groups in towns and villages around Ireland need local volunteers who can help rebuild our safe and secure spaces for young people. People like Kayleigh, people like you.