In light of International Volunteers’ Day 2024, North Yorkshire Youth (NYY) are feeling particularly proud of our volunteers and would like to say a huge ‘Thank You’ to each and every one of them.
As the Coordinator for the Buddy Network and Independent Visitor Scheme, I have seen first-hand the impact NYY volunteers can have. Simply providing consistency and kindness in a young person’s life, even for as little as one hour per week, really does make a difference to young people in North Yorkshire and provides them with the opportunity to thrive.
We are really proud of the feedback NYY receives about our team of volunteers, which really shows the impact of their work:
‘’They give our young person the consistent message that they care about their wellbeing and value their views, wishes and feelings.’’
‘’Blessed to have an Independent Visitor. They are an unbelievable person’’
It is well documented that volunteering brings many personal benefits for volunteers, and we have heard directly from our own volunteers about the impact it has had on them:
‘’I love spending quality time with a young person who is becoming a young adult. The opportunity to offer support to them during a critical time in their life is very rewarding. Seeing them gain confidence is an incredible feeling.’’
‘’ It has made me make time in my busy life to stop and do some of the things we love doing.’’
‘’I always come away feeling like I have spent my day with a great young person.’’
‘’It was great to be part of this experience with them.’’As a Coordinator, I am proud to be a part of something that can really make a difference to our communities and the feedback we receive really highlights the amazing work our volunteers do.
NYY provide a variety of opportunities to volunteer, whether that is as a Trustee, through ‘Friends of Carlton Lodge’, supporting your local youth club, joining the Buddy Scheme as a Volunteer Buddy, becoming an Independent Visitor or supporting your own community in providing clubs and activities for young people. There are a wide range of fulfilling roles and opportunities available to suit a variety of interests and needs.
If you feel you could make a difference to a young person’s life and would like to find out more about volunteering with NYY please contact [email protected]
To find out more about International Volunteers Day 2024 please visit International Volunteer Day 2024 | NICS Well.
Stef Benson, Buddy Network and Independent Visitor Coordinator (Stef pictured above with her colleague Lisa Welford at a volunteer recruitment event)