Beth was Association of Colleges Inspirational Student of the Year for Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, finalist at the West Midlands Community Sports Awards and jointly won Energize’s Young Volunteer of the Year Award 2014 with Kim Carter.
How did you get into volunteering?
My Grandad was the one who got me into volunteering. He was part of the Telford Diabetes group as he has diabetes. They do street collections throughout the year at weekends. I have a fantastic relationship with my Grandad so I asked if I could help; I have been volunteering for Diabetes UK for 10 years now! When I was in school the Sport Development Officer recognised me and asked if I would like to become part of the Energize Volunteer Academy where I became a volunteer coach.
Why did you want to be involved?
I was first told it looks great on my CV if I wanted to apply to university. When I started it, it became so much more than that. I love experiencing new things and looking at new ways to improve myself and my coaching. Once I got the bug I could not get enough! I like meeting new people, I am a very sociable person whether that be coaching 5 year olds or doing street collections and speaking to all kinds of people. Everyone has a different story and with volunteering you learn about these different stories and it fascinates me.
The award was such a shock to me…. I had just got my feet on the ground at University and I was to come home and accept this award. It was very overwhelming. People say to me ‘Oh you deserve it Beth’ but in my mind I only do what I do because I enjoy it. I see my volunteering as a part of me I don’t see it as something I should be recognised for. I just want to make people smile but it was fantastic to know that my work has been recognised and I am thankful to everyone who supported me and congratulated me. I have fantastic friends and family and connections here in Telford which I am very grateful for.
Beth is a member of the Energize Volunteer Academy, find out how you could be too, contact Gemma Britton: Coaching and Volunteer Manager
Email: gemma.britton@energizestw.org.uk
Tel: 07852 871589
There is more information on Energize’s website: www.energizestw.org.uk You can also visit the link below and fill in the short survey to be immediately considered for our new volunteering programme.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/THFZH5X
Some of the benefits include: –
- Get rewarded
- Inspire and help other
- Free training
- Make new friends
The Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple ways to make small changes in your life that make you feel better about yourself. But sometimes we need a little more help so:
If you need support straight away….
If you are concerned about your state of mind and are feeling low or anxious, it’s a good idea to speak about your feelings with your local GP.
Also, below are contact details for organisations that can provide support, advice or a listening ear:
Telford Mind