In honour of Student Volunteering Week 2019, we chatted to Ruth, who is volunteering with us at The Yard right now. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please check out our current volunteering opportunities here. Ruth said:

"I started volunteering at The Yard four months ago as part of my final year at university. I am very passionate about play work and so The Yard seemed like the perfect place to learn and explore this interest further. My sibling had attended The Yard through the school sessions several years ago and so I was always aware of the positive work of the service. 

I have loved every day at The Yard, mostly because every day is so different. As I am volunteering at the school sessions, girls club and Sunday Funday, no two days are the same. 

I have met so many wonderful children, young people and families who have made me feel so welcome and it is clear that The Yard is a great place for everyone who attends.

I would definitely recommend volunteering at The Yard to others. The Yard is extremely flexible and great at acknowledging other commitments. As a student, I have a busy schedule and this has not been an issue in my volunteering.  The Yard is a great place to connect with others and many of the staff and volunteers have taught me so much. 

I am currently studying in my final year of my Community Education degree and I hope to be a youth worker after I graduate. The Yard has given me a lot of confidence in working with children and young people, and has reminded me of why I began studying to become a youth worker in the first place.

Throughout my time at The Yard I have learned how to have fun. I have also learned a lot from watching the children and young people try new things and overcome challenges. This has encouraged me to step out of my own comfort zone and try new things too. 

I have found The Yard to be a really inclusive service, which brings the whole family together. It has a real sense of community and I haven’t found this ethos anywhere else."

Thank you, Ruth! Find out more about volunteering with us.