I decided to volunteer as I nearly lost my life to stupid behaviour as a young person on the streets and I needed a way out. A youth worker from the Harrow Club, who I looked up to while growing up, took me under his wing and told me to come and get involved.
The Harrow Club to me is now home, as the staff have always looked out for my best interests. It has always been a safe haven. My role is to build relationships with the young people, be influential in developing programmes, and come up with new ideas for projects and other ways to attract new young people into the club. One of the best parts of volunteering at the Harrow Club has been the many opportunities to gain qualifications and skills.
I was given the opportunity to volunteer before but at the time I was much younger and couldn’t see the benefits of volunteering. The management gave me a second opportunity to volunteer and I have gained so much from this. Volunteering has given me a true insight into the world of youth work and confirmed that this is the professional field that I wish to proceed in.
Volunteering has taught me a great deal: I have changed my mindset, and I have grown as a person and as a professional. Before volunteering I was engaging with the wrong crowds and was on the wrong path. I have become an advocate for local young people and shown them with a little dedication and determination, you can change for the better. I think all young people should be given the opportunity to volunteer.
Want to find amazing volunteering roles? Check out our latest opportunities.
- Read more volunteering journeys here.
- Want to volunteer but not sure if it’s right for you? Take a look at our short video and see the benefits for yourself.
