Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood
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Fundraiser & social media champion - Gemma
"Just keep trying! If an event doesn't work - a rainy day meaning a summer fayre is a wash-out), at least you've tried and the next thing you do will be amazing."
What’s your favourite thing about being an NSPCC volunteer?
Meeting people and knowing I’m helping the children and parents who need support.
How would you describe your volunteer role to somebody who knew nothing about it?
I’m an independent fundraiser (not part of a branch) who does high altitude charity treks, sponsored physical challenges, craft stalls, tombolas, fund days, music nights and raffles. I’m also a social media champion who communicates key NSPCC message to my followers on Instagram and Facebook.
Have there been any personal benefits to you as a person from volunteering?
I’ve learnt how to organise big events such as Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenges. I’ve discovered tenacity when I’ve not had big turn outs to events. My daughter and I have worked together on stalls which has been lovely.
What impact do you think you have in your volunteer role?
I think it has an impact in that I am able to explain to the public what the NSPCC does as not many people seem to know. I’ve raised over £15,000 which must have made a difference to services and call centres.
What’s your most memorable moment as a volunteer?
Completing a sponsored 1000 burpee challenge and getting 60 people safely round the Yorkshire Three Peaks.
Is there anything else you think people considering becoming a volunteer should know?
It’s as flexible as you need it to be. I simply think of a project, set up a Just Giving page and off I go. There is still plenty of support to be had. I work closely with the North West team plus chat regularly to the fundraising managers in Yorkshire.
Just keep trying! If an event doesn’t work (a rainy day meaning a summer fair is a wash-out) at least you’ve tried and the next thing you do will be amazing.
Childline counsellor - Lester
"On every shift, I see and hear the impact the Childline counsellor role has. We listen, support, empower and help to protect young people."
How long have you been in this role?
Two and a half years
Where in the UK are you based?
Manchester
What made you become a volunteer?
I wanted to support children and young people, learn new skills and work as part of a team who share the same values.
What’s your favourite thing about being an NSPCC volunteer?
Fantastic training and having the opportunity to listen to and support young people who deserve to be heard.
How would you describe your volunteer role to somebody who knew nothing about it?
The role of a volunteer counsellor puts you in direct contact with children and young people by phone, our chat platform and by email. Our callers want to tell their story and tell us what life is like for them. We take a huge variety of calls, with different levels of risk and our training enables us to provide the level of support our callers deserve.
Have there been any personal benefits to you as a person from volunteering?
I’ve learnt new skills and met some amazing people. The main benefit is knowing that I’m part of a team, that is willing and able to be there when a young person calls.
What impact do you think you have in your volunteer role?
On every shift I see and hear the impact the Childline Counsellor role has. We listen, support, empower and help to protect young people.
What’s your most memorable moment as a volunteer?
Completing the training and receiving your first call. After that, the memorable moments just keep coming.
Is there anything else you think people considering becoming a volunteer should know?
The volunteer counsellor Childline role can be challenging and requires commitment. For those who have the time and desire to directly impact the wellbeing of children and young people, it is a vital and rewarding role. You get lots of support and training and you learn new skills that can be used in your everyday life, helping yourself and others.
Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood
