Today, YMCA Cheshire shines a spotlight on the incredible individuals who dedicate their time, skills, and passion to making a real difference in the lives of others. As part of Volunteer Recognition Day, we’re thrilled to share the inspiring stories of two of our dedicated volunteers, Esther and Christina, whose contributions embody the very spirit of our mission.
Esther: Growing Through Giving in STEM
Esther, a valued volunteer within our STEM programs, embarked on her volunteering journey with a heartfelt desire to “give back to the community and make a difference.” Little did she know the profound personal growth that would follow.
“Volunteering has helped me become more empathetic and patient,” Esther shares. “It has opened my eyes to different life experiences and helped me to appreciate what I have, which shows significant growth and self-awareness for me.”
Beyond personal development, Esther’s involvement has also fostered invaluable practical skills. “It has improved my communication and leadership skills and taught me the value of teamwork and resilience,” she explains.
The impact of her interactions with both children and adults has been particularly significant. “Because of the experience of working with them, it has inspired me to pursue a career in this field, and I am now looking into doing a diploma in adult care.” Esther’s story beautifully illustrates how volunteering can not only benefit the community but also provide clarity and direction for personal and professional aspirations.
Christina: Championing EDI and Supporting Asylum Seekers
Christina’s journey with YMCA Cheshire began through a university open day, leading her to an opportunity to volunteer at the GLO Café while pursuing her degree. This initial experience proved to be foundational in shaping her understanding of the workplace.
“Working alongside my colleagues at GLO Café allowed me to gain experience operating with colleagues from varying backgrounds, providing support in employment. This particular volunteer network showed me the importance of embracing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the work place,” Christina reflects.
Building on this, Christina extended her support to our Starting Point initiative, working directly with a group of unaccompanied asylum seekers. As an International Relations student, this role provided invaluable practical experience that directly complemented her academic studies. “This supplemented my degree; allowing me to understand the practical and emotional needs of those seeking asylum in the UK. From this, I hope to use my experience working at Starting Point to influence my final dissertations.”
The impact of her volunteering experience has been deeply personal. “Volunteering at the YMCA has had a substantial personal impact on me; witnessing first hand how the opportunities, services and support that the YMCA Cheshire offers to our most vulnerable in society, makes me proud to have been a small part of the above.“
Inspired by the dedicated staff at YMCA Cheshire, Christina is now actively championing EDI in her university projects and aspires to pursue research to further understand the global impact of displacement and seeking asylum. “I firmly believe that my volunteer experience majorly influenced the direction of my degree, allowing me to grow and nurturing the talent of all those that give their time to support the incredible team at YMCA Cheshire.“
Esther and Christina’s stories are just two examples of the incredible dedication and impact of our volunteers. On this Volunteer Recognition Day, we extend our deepest gratitude to each and every individual who contributes their time and talents to YMCA Cheshire. Your commitment is the heart of our organisation, enabling us to continue providing vital support and opportunities to those who need it most within our community.
Interested in becoming a part of the YMCA Cheshire volunteer team? Click Here to learn more about current opportunities.
