My experience of volunteering

By Amy Truscott

I have been volunteering for just over 2 years and it is one of the best and life changing things that I have done. I have enjoyed every moment; you get such a sense of achievement for it.

During this time I have taken part in many different things including Wokingham youth café, The Africa project, Create as well as advertising volunteering to young people. Through this I was able to help lead an assembly, explaining the different ways, in which young people can get involved in there area. I have learnt different skills through these like organising events, communicating with different people, leading a group, all of which are important skills for the future.

Volunteering is hard work but it comes with it’s own rewards including awards, for me these have included award ceremony’s, free entry to a x-factor concert. But for me just seeing the people you are helping to be happy is a big enough reward in it’s self the rest is just a bonus.

Getting involved in volunteering isn’t as difficult as it seem there are so many organised opportunities and usually there is something that suits every one, from kids Work to Sports.

There are even opportunities to volunteer in your school, some thing you may already be doing but you don’t know about. Including helping in lessons for the younger years, being some sort of rep of your class or year, These all count and you can get recognised for them as well with a nationally recognised award. The V 50 and V impact.

These are awards that recognised the hours that young volunteers have done. The V50 for 50 hours and the V impact for a future 100 hours. I have completed both of these awards and have used them for applying for university as it shows that you are passionate about something, and how much you want to do the subject of your choice (if the volunteering is relevant).

If this has inspired you to log the hours you are earning but not being recognised for, or to start volunteering then speak to a youth worker or look on http://vinspired.com