I am a 60-year-old father of two, with five grandchildren. I work full time and enjoy hobbies such as football (supporting and playing), dancing, family time and walking.
I have been a volunteer with Change Grow Live for well over 10 years, and specifically as an Independent Visitor in Staffordshire and Stoke for 18 months. I have taken on various roles over the years, but the enjoyment and self-satisfaction has remained constant throughout.
Support comes in various guises but being there for the young person is so important to them. A small example of my support is over my time I have been a mentor, role model, trainer, coach but always a consistent factor in the young person's life. I have spent time in libraries helping with maths, English and science; taking the young person to clubs or events that interest them; being a friend; building up self-belief and confidence; introducing them to and supporting them with new activities or experiences; supported families with training in cooking or arts/crafts and giving them life skills that benefit the whole family and showing them they can do all this on a limited budget.
With the great support from Change Grow Live you can make a difference to someone. Being an Independent Visitor means you are supporting someone who has not had the best start in life. Firstly, you are there for them, being a consistent presence, building trust and relationships. Providing them with focused attention and reassurance with individual support and offering a different perspective on life. Giving them new opportunities to build confidence within themselves. I do not think you can ever underestimate how a small act of kindness can have a dramatic effect on young people and how that might change their future for the good.
I get a lot of satisfaction from volunteering, only giving up some of my spare time. I enjoy offering a young person a new outlook, introducing them to new opportunities and being someone they can trust, which might allow them to talk to you about things they cannot talk about in the home environment, or things that they are worried about. I also look at supporting a young person helps the family unit and gives them an outlet away from the norm.
I have helped a young person with learning difficulties prepare for and exceed expectation in their exams. I have introduced a young person to a local boxing club to help with discipline and to help with his anger and frustration – this actually worked very well.