I’ve been volunteering in one way or another since I was about twelve — though technically it goes back even earlier. When I was seven, after my First Holy Communion, I started helping at my local Catholic church as a reader and mass server. At the time, it didn’t always feel like a choice — more something I was told to do — and honestly, when Covid came along, I was a little relieved to stop. But those early experiences planted the seed that giving up your time for others is part of life.
My first official volunteering role was through Aylesbury Youth Action. I helped with their “Positive Boxes” project, making self-care boxes for people struggling with poor mental health. Each box was filled with things like toiletries, fidget toys, and treats — small items that could make a difference to someone’s day. After that, I got involved in their web design volunteering, creating websites for charities. I went into it knowing nothing about coding or design, but they taught us everything. It was a real lesson in how volunteering doesn’t just benefit others — it also gives you skills you might never have picked up otherwise.
Another memorable experience was helping Florence Nightingale Hospice when they put on a production of The Wiz at the Waterside Theatre. I worked with the children during rehearsals, keeping them focused and helping them learn their lines. On the day of the performance, I was backstage, making sure they got to the stage at the right time. Kids that young are easily distracted, so it was a bit like herding cats — but such a rewarding experience when it all came together.
More recently, I’ve been volunteering with the Aylesbury Youth Town Council since November 2022. Through AYTC, I’ve taken on roles like setting up stalls, greeting members of the public, helping run activities, and representing young people alongside the town council. We’ve been part of big events like Parklife Weekend and Christmas on the Cobbles, and it’s been a great way to feel connected to the community. At first, my motivation was just responsibility — I’d signed up, so I had to do my part. But over time, it’s become something more selfless. I now do it because I genuinely want to give back.
One of my favourite moments with AYTC was when we were out volunteering in our uniforms, and local businesses gave us free items as a thank you. Even when I tried to pay, they refused. They said they valued what we were doing. That made me feel really appreciated, and it showed me how much the community notices our efforts.
Outside AYTC, I’m also part of Bucks Youth Voice, which is linked to Buckinghamshire Council. It’s similar to AYTC but on a county-wide level, giving young people a say in bigger issues. We run consultations with groups trying to shape new initiatives, and we help coordinate the annual Bucks Youth Summit at the Waterside Theatre. The summit brings together secondary school students from across the county to talk about themes like mental health, politics, the environment, and life after school. I helped facilitate the politics space last year, guiding conversations and making sure everyone’s voice was heard. It’s inspiring to see so many young people debating and sharing ideas.
Through Youth Voice, I also sit on the Young People’s Wellbeing Fund panel, which I joined at 14. At first, it was intimidating — sitting alongside adults who were often double or triple my age, reviewing grant applications from charities and organisations. But being in that space taught me the value of youth perspective. Older members sometimes suggested ideas they thought young people would engage with, but we knew from experience they wouldn’t. Speaking up and being taken seriously built my confidence. Now, three years in, I feel comfortable contributing and know my input is valued.
Volunteering has also taken me beyond Buckinghamshire. I’m part of the Youth Advisory Board for Sculpt, a London-based charity. We meet virtually and advise on initiatives designed to create opportunities for young people. They bring us their ideas, and we give honest feedback about what will or won’t work. It’s been another way to build skills in communication and critical thinking, as well as learning how charities develop and adapt projects.
Alongside all this, I’ve learned practical digital skills too. I once produced a video for the Purple for Peace project, writing the script, filming, editing, and even captioning it myself. It was a trial by fire because I’d never edited a video before, but it taught me a huge amount about planning and organisation.
Of course, there are challenges. Giving up weekends can be tough — it impacts my free time, and sometimes it feels like a big commitment. I’ve also had to deal with people who don’t take young volunteers seriously, or who can be rude. In those moments, I remind myself that I’m representing young people in a positive way, and I try to stay polite and professional.
But the rewards always outweigh the difficulties. Those small gestures of recognition — whether it’s a thank you, a smile, or being treated with respect by older council members — make it worthwhile. Volunteering has given me leadership experience, improved my confidence and communication skills, and shown me how local government works. It’s also given me a sense of pride. I can see the difference young people can make, not just to events but to how our community feels about itself.
When I look back, I can see how my motivations have changed. As a child, it often felt like volunteering was something I had to do. At first, even with AYTC, it felt like a commitment I was obliged to keep. But over time, I began to enjoy it, and now I volunteer because I want to. I do it for the enjoyment, for the skills, and for the selflessness of giving my time so that others can enjoy events that might not otherwise be possible. Without volunteers, many of these events would have to be paid for — and that would make them inaccessible.
Volunteering has become a way for me to grow as a person. It gives me opportunities outside of school to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills in a way that classrooms often can’t. It helps me connect across generations, bridging the gap between older adults who run organisations and young people who experience life differently. It’s taught me how to translate ideas between those groups — a skill I think is valuable in any walk of life.
Looking to the future, I definitely see myself continuing. Whether it’s through university projects, charities, or community events, I know volunteering will always play a role in my life. It gives me purpose, it builds skills, and it makes a positive impact.
If I were giving advice to someone considering volunteering, I’d say: just get started. At first, it might feel like you’re giving more than you’re getting. You might even feel like it’s not worth it. But stick with it. Over time, you’ll see the personal growth and change in yourself — the confidence, the connections, the skills. That’s priceless.
