My motivation to become a volunteer in youth work with Stirling Council was because I wanted to change career and do something I felt made a real difference. I started volunteering 8 years ago in Cornton Youth Group, where I quickly found that I really enjoyed the role. I enjoyed getting to know the young people and the opportunity to build trusting relationships with them, this allowed me to discuss and support them with any issues they had, which I found to be really rewarding. Volunteering also helped me understand the positive impact youth work can have on communities.
Volunteering gave me the time to grow into the role and build my confidence, which then led me to apply for a role as a YSA a year after starting. As a YSA, I have worked in various community-based youth groups across Stirling. This has allowed me to develop my skills in youth work, leading me to other roles within the Senior Phase and Youth Participation Team, such as a Development Worker in community-based groups and as part of the Mental Health and Wellbeing project.
Being a volunteer led me to realise I have a passion for youth work. It has led me into a career that I find really rewarding and which is also great fun!