Steve’s Story

Volunteering at Space Youth Services

I have worked as a volunteer most of my adult life in various organisations but most recently with Space.

Previous to this I was involved as a helper and mentor with the Mid Devon Young Carers project which sadly folded due to funding and felt the need to continue within youth work somehow.

Space welcomed me with open arms and I shortly realised that the team I work alongside consist of very dedicated people who go the extra mile to make the session I am involved in a safe and inviting place to be.

I have a different viewpoint as a volunteer and feel privileged that the young people can share their thoughts , ideas , difficulties and their stories with me without judgement from me.

It has taken a while for me to be accepted as part of the furniture so to speak and many of the young people were really surprised that I give up my time for free and not a ‘proper’ youth worker.

The benefits of being a volunteer are hard to quantify for me but on the whole it brings a completely different viewpoint working within Space , opening my eyes to how it is to be young , living in a non wealthy town , with little opportunity to do things out of school and to listen as to how it really is.

To be able to listen , keeping quiet , being non judgemental and above all else being able to be give a smiling face when times are really tough , for me is what being involved with Space is all about.

People ask me why I do so much as a volunteer and my reaction is to come and do it to discover the secret for yourself.

If you are thinking about getting involved just do it !!