On Monday (21/11/16) I attended an event in Church House Conference Centre and then the House of Commons to celebrate #iwillWeek. At this event they were celebrating the announcement of 50 new ambassadors and I was lucky enough to have been selected as one of those 50 volunteers. I thought I would explain a bit more about how I got to that point, the event itself, and what my plans are for going forward from here. I’m going to split these into three different blog posts!
How did I get to this point?
Here is my #iwill case study which explains a little abut why I was chosen as an ambassador and what social action I have been involved in – http://www.iwill.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Naomi-Lea.pdf
There has been a lot more that I’ve done than is mentioned in that very short case study and over the past year and a half I have accomplished way more than I would have thought possible. I’ve gone from being extremely anxious and even being unable to answer questions in a classroom to being able to talk on tv and radio and sharing my story anywhere I can. I’m far from cured and sometimes it still does take a lot out of me to be involved in some of the things that I am but I appreciate and have enjoyed every opportunity I have had. I ‘m incredibly grateful for the support that all the organisations I have volunteered with have provided for me to make sure I have been able to take part in these opportunities feeling as comfortable as possible. I can’t name all the organisations that I have worked with and thank them individually as it would take me forever but there are 2 that stand out as the opportunities that have helped me really grow in confidence.
Firstly Fixers UK who helped me create this film and then this broadcast that went out on ITV Wales. They really helped me kickstart my idea and make a difference. In fact I invited the broadcast researcher who worked on my project along with me to the #iwill event! On the tube on the way back we had a conversation about how it felt like a lot longer than just over a year since I started that project and it is crazy how much I have gone on to do since. We also discussed how I was that morning of the filming for the ITV broadcast shoot which I remember so clearly. That morning I had several panic attacks which really started to make me question whether or not I could do it.. but I carried on and pushed through it. I got to the location and was met by the crew that I would be spending the day with.. one of the first things they said was “you are so pale, are you alright?” and I said yes and just carried on. I was noticeably anxious but then when the camera was put on me for my interview I shocked them all.. turns out it actually comes pretty natural to me. I was just as shocked as them really as I had no idea that I would be able to do it. It just showed me how important it is for me to push through my anxiety (to a limit though!) instead of just giving in. By doing that I can achieve so much more than I would have expected. That day has stuck with me ever since and it wouldn’t have happened without the team at Fixers and their amazing support! I can’t thank them enough!
Secondly but definitely not any less important has been my time so far with the NSPCC’s young volunteers team, Participation Unit. I have been volunteering with them for around a year and a half now and I really wish I had found out about them sooner. From taking part in online weekly chats on topics, attending events at parliament to speaking out on TV/radio/newspapers, it has all been absolutely amazing and I have gained an incredible amount of skills that I can use in the future and every event I attend with them I learn something new or develop a new skill. Through volunteering with them I have created some amazing friendships and connections with people both younger and older than me that share the same passion for wanting to keep children safe. But the main people to thank here are the incredible team of staff that organise and run these events where we volunteer.They go way above and beyond what anyone would expect in terms of supporting us and are truly incredible. All the members of staff there both past and present are genuinely an inspiration to me and if I can do my job (whatever that may be in the future) as well as they do then I would be incredibly happy. Without the support and encouragement of them I may not have carried on going and my confidence wouldn’t have grown as much as it has. I think anyone that has known me for the span of the time I have been volunteering with them could testify that I have come a very long way from where I started. I remember my first event with them I was so so nervous. New people and it was a huge event at their central office.. terrifying. It has been organised so well though and the staff all made us feel so welcome and that we were supported at all times. That day I had such an amazing day and it was the start of many more events to come. I don’t really think I can’t fully put into words how much Participation means to me and I have no doubt that it is going to continue to be a huge part of my life. So thank you to all the staff at PU and all the friends and amazing people I have met so far through taking part, you are all incredible! I’m looking forward to continuing to be a part and sharing loads of new memories and inside jokes! #ToyCar 😉
They are just two of the organisations I have been involved with and there is a lot more to this journey. So many people have helped me with my social action. Family, friends, teachers and organisations have all played their part in getting me to this stage! To be chosen as an ambassador for a campaign promoting social action in young people is an absolute honour but I know I have plenty to say! Volunteering truly has turned my life around and given me a purpose keeping me afloat even when things have got extremely hard again at times. I hope that in my role as ambassador for the campaign that I can really show young people the benefits social action has on mental wellbeing and self-confidence, but more on that in a blog post coming soon!
Remember.. We Can Beat This!
We can beat this! 