Staffordshire Children's Rights Service

"At first, I was nervous but now I look forward to seeing my young person as it gives me something to focus on and improves my quality of life."

"I think my volunteering makes a huge difference to the life of my young person but also to Change Grow Live. Without people applying to volunteer, they wouldn't be able to support all of the young people they currently do."

"I think it makes a big difference to the young people but also the volunteers. I think I get as much as out it as she does, and we both look forward to doing new things together."

"I learned about Change Grow Live from my eldest daughter and felt the need to spend time with a teenager having retired from teaching long ago. Not entirely altruistically, but being with young people helps keep you young in spirit I believe."

"In a society where we are often separated by our difference, volunteering allows us to come together in our similarities and have the privilege of supporting young people. I feel lucky to be able to be a volunteer, it adds so much to my life."

"I feel very lucky to be able to volunteer with young people through Change Grow Live and I am really enjoying all of it. When I first volunteered, I just knew I wanted to offer my support in an area that I feel very strongly about but I genuinely didn’t expect to get so much of it."

"Change Grow Live and similar organisations enable people like me to give something back to their local communities and have a positive impact on people's lives, which is hugely rewarding."

"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."

"My young person knows I’m there because I want to be. Sometimes their whole world can change, and they look forward to seeing a familiar face."