Youth Led Volunteering Conference // 02/04/17

Today I attended the Welsh Youth Led Volunteering Conference in Cardiff as an #iwill ambassador. I became in ambassador in November 2016 and really enjoy being able to spread the message of the campaign as well as tell others about my social action journey. Today I was helping out by leading a workshop on the campaign to attendees with another ambassador, Roxanne.

I really enjoyed today and it allowed me to reflect really on how far I have come and how much volunteering and social action really did change things for me. I’m a long way from the me that was struggling so badly with anxiety that I couldn’t even stay in a classroom. Today I was able to co-lead a workshop to small groups – something that I would never ever have imagined doing. The reason I’m able to do these things now is because of the benefits thats social action had on my wellbeing. It gave me confidence and allowed me to have a purpose so that I no longer felt worthless. It gave me a platform to meet likeminded people and be inspired by others to do bigger and better things. Social action for me is not just something I do, it’s a way of life. I enjoy it so much and helping out at events like today’s always remind me of that.

I met some truly amazing young people at the conference today who are doing some seriously incredible work in the their communities and are also really dedicated to getting others involved. I came away feeling so energised instead of tired and that is always a good sign!

Today as part of the workshop both Roxanne and I shared our social action journeys in storyboard form before then getting everyone else to do theirs to help make the link between the #iwill campaign and the work they are already doing. I thought I would share on here today my brief social action journey (a longer version may come at some point!) which I shared today;

In theory my social action journey started aged 7ish, not that I recognised it as that at that age! My Mum was really heavily involved in PTA (Parent Teacher Association) at my primary school and was aways helping out with their events and fundraising. I was always really excited about this and always wanted to help with whatever they would let me. But things really got serious (in a good way!) in high school. We were required in our later years of high school to complete voluntary hours as part of our Welsh Baccalaureate qualification. I found that these hours came so easily to me as I was already involved with quite a lot and I actually had to make decision as which hours I wanted to count towards it. From here I was involved with a number of different organisation from small school projects like being a peer mentor to being involved with big national charities like the NSPCC. I then also got involved with Fixers where I created my mental health campaign and video which had huge success. In November 2016 I was selected as an #iwill ambassador as I was so passionate about social action. After that I got even more passionate about it and decided to really establish my project so applied for some funding, created a logo and also created some volunteering opportunities for other young people! My #iwill pledge was that I would show the positive impact that social action can have on mental health and self-confidence! Through my project as well as on social media and when talking to other young people I am always trying to show that. Social action has given me friendships, improved mental health, fun, a better CV, confidence, new skills and amazing opportunities! I don’t know what’s coming next, I can’t predict the future but what I do know is that I’ll continue to share my passion for youth social action and also hopefully carry on the work I’m doing! I don’t imagine social action not being part of my life anytime soon.

That’s just some of my story and there is so much more I could say but I’ll save that for another time. I’m truly grateful for the opputunities I’ve had and the ones I continue to get. Today reminded me of that and I’m really glad I got the chance to attend today and to lead on the workshop.

My question for you today is;

What social action have you been involved in and what impact has it had on you?

We can beat this!

#iwill ambassador // Monday

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. You can see how I got to this point in this blog post. Now I want to talk a bit about the event on Monday now that I can finally announce the other thing that happened that day. Soon, I will also put up a post about my plans from here for developing my own social action and promoting social action for young people.

What happened on Monday?

I woke up early to travel down to London for the event. A fairly stress free journey down to London with only tiny delay and so the day started off well. When I arrived into London. At the station I met my plus one for the event, Julie from Fixers UK. Julie was the broadcast researcher when my project was broadcast on ITV Wales and she was one of my only contact left in Fixers. Because it Fixers were one of the organisations that really kick-started my social action I had decided I wanted them to be there with me on the day. I also knew of a few other people going who I volunteer with at the NSPCC so we met up wth them on the way and we were all very excited for the day ahead. We headed to Church House Conference Centre to start the day.

The room we were in was amazing and the picture above is one of the roof in the room we were in and this is one of my favourite photos I took. We got to sit and chat for a while getting to know people and catching up with the other people I knew! Then it was time for our buffet lunch. My fussy eating did not play in my favour but I found some nice things to eat in the end. The rocky road they had was absolutely amazing and so so rich.. it’s making me hungry just thinking about it!

After a few welcoming speeches the new ambassadors and our plus ones were separated. Our plus ones went up to the balcony and quite honestly I have no idea what they did so I can’t tell you that part of it. We were split into small groups and has some little workshops so I will take you through what I learnt/did in them. On a side note my group (as was the entire room actually)was full of some really inspirational young people involved in such a variety of social action projects.

Our first workshop was with Step Up To Serve’s Young Trustee, Chloe Donovan who told us a bit about how she got to being where she is before we moved onto the activity. Our challenge was to think of some of the root causes as to why only 4/10 young people aged 10-20 take part in social action and what could be done to overcome these barriers. We realised that there was quite a few reasons why young people may not take part including a lack of opportunities that would suit them in their area, lack of family support and not seeing the benefits. We decided that there were many ways this could be overcome including wing sure that schools advocated social action, parents are made aware abut the benefits and how we as ambassadors can show the reality of the positive effects social action can have on the community and also the individual.

Then it was time to move on – Our second workshop was with Alice from The Nicest Job In Britain who was showing is the many benefits of blogging. We did a little quiz on blogging/vlogging and learnt some surprising facts about it. She gave us her top tips for blogging and how to get started. I had the opportunity to tell her about my blog and the content I make and others in our group also talked about their blogs or blog ideas. I really loved one of her top tips which was to keep it positive as we already have enough negativity in the world. I stand by this and really do try to make my posts as positive as they possibly can be showing hope even with the most challenging topics. It also made me want to make sure that that continues on this blog and that it can offer some positivity to others and to me in the darkest of times. Her story was incredible and I now really want The Nicest Job In Britain!!

Next workshop was one with a man from the Eden Project who told us about their ‘Big Lunch” project where they gather communities to feed the community spirit. I am now really interested in holding a Big Lunch so we’ll have to see if I can manage to organise one as it is right in the middle of my exam period this year! It seems like such an awesome event to have thought and great to really boost community spirit. During this workshop we also discussed how often people who help others don’t always get any recognition for doing so which is completely fine but to some can be frustrating. We talked about making sure to recognise those who inspired us in the hope they would recognise those who inspired them to keep the chain going. Hearing the difference you have made can make you want to carry on even more!

Our final workshop was with Saeed Atcha, another of the Young Trustees of Step Up To Serve. He didn’t tell us much about how he got being where he is as he was doing a speech later in the day. We jumped straight in and were discussing our roles as #iwill ambassadors and what we could do to inspire and create change in our communities. This was a really motivating discussion and it got me thinking about where I got from here and how I can keep creating change. We each pledged a thing we could do and I will discuss that in my next blog post.

After these workshops drew to a close we rejoined our plus ones and had an opportunity to chat and network again before it was time to get our #iwill ambassador certificates. These certificates were presented to us by Professor James Arthur (Director of Jubilee Centre for Character and Virtues) and Adele Roberts (Radio 1 DJ) who we had our pictures taken with! We then had some group photos and did my first ever proper Mannequin Challenge. (I still don’t understand where that trend started!)

Then it was time to move over to the House of Commons for the reception. After waiting in a queue for what felt like forever but while having a lovely chat with everyone we finally got in! While in the queue though I was talking to Julie about the start of my Fixers project and we were saying that was only just over a year ago which is crazy as it honestly feels like so much longer when I consider how much has happened in the past year! This past year really has been crazy but looking back I really am proud of how far I have come during that time and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings!

At the House of Commons we again had lots of time to network with the other ambassadors and the professionals in the room before a few speeches were made about the #iwill campaign which were great to listen to (there was also cake involved!)

After a few of the speeches, 4 of the other ambassadors and me met with some people from the Office For Civil Service. We were to be given the Prime Minister’s Points of Light awards at the event ready for the announcements during the week. I felt so honoured to have received the award which you can read more about it on my page here and to have the privilege of sharing the occasion with some other truly inspiring young people! We were presented our certificates by Rob Wilson MP and pictures were taken ready for our awards to be announced during the week. I was so speechless when I was told about this award as I honestly never expect any recognition for anything I do and just do it because I’m so passionate about helping others and making a difference. Plus helping others really has helped me in terms of my mental wellbeing which is an amazing added bonus!

Then some more networking before the final speeches! There were some really great speeches but one in particular stuck with which was Young Trustee Luke Rees’s speech! He spoke of how sporting volunteering really helped his mental health and his journey was just incredible! I felt so inspired and his message of the benefits on mental health is similar to my message too. Seeing how much he had accomplished made me even more determined to carry on doing what I’m doing.

And that was it an incredible, inspiring but very tiring day was over.. well not quite I had a train journey to go which was a lot easier said than done. That day the weather had been horrendous with tracks and stations flooded and so trains were cancelled and delayed. Finally I managed to get on a train back to university thinking I would be back in a few hours. Over 5 hours at 1:30am, I finally got back after what should have been a two hour journey. I got into bed and was asleep almost instantly! That just goes to show how exhausted I was but it was honestly a very inspiring day and I met lots of people who I really do hope I stay in contact with. Most importantly it motivated me to carry on with everything I do and always strive for bigger things! Anything you set your mind t can be accomplished and age is no barrier!

We can beat this!

 

 

 

 

#iwill ambassador // How did I get here?

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!

Collecting my Diana Award! – 22/4/16

Today has been incredible but also very exhausting! I had a very early start getting up at 4:30am to catch a train at 5:52am.. I’ve now been awake for around 18 hours on around 5 hours sleep the before that.. safe to say I’m tired! But I wanted to make a record of today, for myself and to also show others how empowering campaigning and volunteering can be!

Having been nominated by Fixers UK for a Diana Award, today was the day to go and attend the awards ceremony and also take part in workshops to further my campaign. This morning I was actually quite nervous as I had no idea what to expect, but I actually really enjoyed today. There were parts that were challenging, talking to new people and standing up to collect my award, because of my anxiety. However, it didn’t stop me and I’ve met and spoken to some really inspiring young people today. I met another awesome Fixer called Alex and lots of other people.

Hearing all of the stories of the individual young people, and the school groups that had won Diana Awards today, was really inspiring! Some from the school groups were as young as 10 and making massive changes in their schools to prevent bullying etc! It made me want to keep working harder on my campaign, and also made me want to show young people how important it is to take action on the things that matter to you!

There were two special guests from BBC Midlands, Elizabeth Glinka and Beccy Wood! I was presented mine by Elizabeth who was so lovely and also complimented my dress which was nice! I did sit back down shaking though, but was mostly in control of my anxiety. Here’s a picture of when I was presented my award ( She was very tall and so I look even shorter than I am) ;

We also received a booklet with all award holders from today’s projects in it, with a short biography which was read out before we collected our awards! This was mine;

We also had some live music from the incredibly talented Larissa Eddie, which I really enjoyed! I had never heard any of her music before, but I loved it, and will definitely be listening to more!

Overall I still feel very undeserving of the award, as this is just part of me! But today really has been incredible and an opportunity I could never have imagined! The biggest things I’ve got out of today, alongside wanting to carry on developing my campaign and carry on doing all the volunteering I do, is that social action projects really can be started by anyone! I think people always see it as something that is almost impossible to do, but change always starts with one person, and you can be that person to start the movement! I really want to start emphasising the importance of social action to other young people, who really underestimate what a rewarding experience it is!

Campaigning has not only allowed me to have some incredible opportunities while doing what feels right to me, which is helping others and talking about things I am passionate about, but it has also developed my own skill set and helped me overcome challenges in my own mental health. I would never have managed to spend the day in workshops with people I’ve never met before, but campaigning has allowed me to become a lot more confident and equipped to deal with these situations. It proves that even those that seem like the shyest of people, can really make a difference if they stand up for what they believe in! If there’s something you want to change, be that globally, nationally, locally or even personally, then go out and be that change! Find people to support your movement, and go for it!

I really feel that social action, volunteering and campaigning can be extremely in recovery! It certainly has been for me and many I know, if there’s something you think you’d like to try to change, then you have nothing to lose by trying!

Once again, today has been really great, and has left me feeling even more motivated to carry on doing what I’m doing and put as much as I can into it. Oh.. and I have also got through today with a total number of 0 panic attacks -Yay! It’s also left we with quite a few ideas of where I can take the project next, and also get other young people involved. Volunteering is a route to helping achieve good mental health, and I would strongly encourage anyone to get involved with something in their communities!

What would you like to change most withing our society?

We can beat this!