Leah, Youth Initiatives Banbridge

My name is Leah Myers and I’m 19 years old and I’m a Youth work intern for Youth Initiatives in Banbridge.

I have been volunteering for Youth Initiatives Banbridge since 2021 and i decided to begin volunteering after completing an Exodus mission team in Banbridge and wanting to get more involved in youth work on a regular basis so i spoke to the youth worker in charge and she introduced me to Youth Initiatives and ever since then i have been volunteering with them.

I have enjoyed residentials the most when it comes to volunteering while i know they can be tiring, I also think it’s a key moment in a young person’s life where they are away from the busyness of life and school and they are able to just grow and develop relationships with peers, volunteers and staff. In my experience that is when my relationships with young people have gotten stronger and it’s also a great opportunity to have fun and grow together.

Personally, I think my ability to lead and do public speaking has massively improved that is something i never thought i would ever be able to do but especially in the last year i have had several opportunities to do so in programmes and residentials but as always there is plenty of room for growth.

Recently in the last year I have had the privilege of praying for and with fellow volunteers and young people as well as worshiping with them and there has been some really special moments and conversations around it as well.

I would say my biggest challenge has been my confidence in myself. There have been many times I have found myself questioning whether I’m not good enough to volunteer because I’m not the loudest or funniest or extroverted. But it’s important to remember that we all have different gifts and abilities that will be needed when it comes to volunteering so everyone will find their place somewhere.

I would definitely recommend volunteering to other people as its a chance for you to give back to people who have poured so much into you so now you can pour into the younger generation as they will look up to you. You also have opportunity to gain from it too you will learn and grow and develop as a person too. For example i am in the process of finishing my OCN Level 3 in youth work which has equipped me to be a better volunteer as I have learned how to lead sessions and be able to give back. You will make a difference. You might not make a difference to all of them but you will make a difference.