Niamh's Story

I started volunteering from a very young age in primary school, and since then I have been able to experience so many opportunities through both school and various youth organisations such as the #iwillmovement! I have loved being able to meet so many inspiring people through volunteering, creating friends and memories that will last for a lifetime. I have enjoyed being able to share my story with others to raise awareness about the issues I am so passionate about within my society, encouraging change to best support young people. I have been able to do this through the variety of opportunities given to me by UK Youth, allowing me to continue to develop crucial skills such as public speaking and networking. For example, I recently had the opportunity to take part in My Maiden Speech along with The Speaker’s Trust. This opportunity taught me how to correctly structure a speech in an effective manner and deliver it confidently and clearly. Not only through this opportunity did I meet an incredible group of young people, I overcame my fears of public speaking and was privileged to be able to deliver my speech to an audience in the House of Lords.

In general, volunteering has allowed me to develop my confidence and communication skills, as well as my time management, organisation and networking abilities. This is important to me as these skills are crucial in later life, and their development has led to so exciting opportunities ahead, such as studying my dream degree at my dream university, something I never thought I would be able to achieve. Volunteering has driven me throughout difficult times of my life such as exams and school stress, reminding me that I am so fortunate to have so many opportunities to be able to take part in and experience. I honestly do not know where I would be today without volunteering in my life, as it truly has shaped so much of who I am today.

I would definitely recommend volunteering to any young person. It does not need to be on a national level, it can be volunteering in a local charity shop or at a community hub. It is still volunteering, something that can make a person’s life that little bit better. There are so many opportunities that you can receive through volunteering with organisations such as the #iwillmovement which can be very specific to your hobbies and interests. To any young person thinking of volunteering, know that you will develop so many incredible skills fr your experiences. You are making a significant impact in your communities and on a national scale and if you are able to inspire even just one other person by your story, then you have made a difference. Enjoy the memories, experiences and the moments which you will cherish forever!

Happy Volunteering Week everyone!