News
Inspiring volunteers
Wednesday 23 July 2008
.jpg "Sally collects her Inspiring Volunteers Awards")
In June, the achievements of three of our volunteers were recognised at a ceremony in the Scottish Parliament, where they received Neighbourhood Volunteering Awards (South Edinburgh) for their commitment and hard work. The volunteers have been working with the Edinburgh Family Support Team.
Well done and thank you to Alex, Karen and Sally. Sally was invited to Edinburgh City Chambers where she was awarded for reaching the shortlist of the city's Inspiring Volunteers Award (pictured, right).
Alex McRitchie is the team photographer who has taken wonderful photos of the children and families who attend the centre in Gilmerton and who would otherwise have no photographic reminders of all of the precious childhood images most of us take for granted.
Alex has also become a valued support in the "Hooves" transition group. This is a horseriding group for children with challenging behaviour. The images Alex has produced in photo and DVD form are amazing, and mean each child will have a lasting memory of the group and of themselves accomplishing a new skill.
Karen, a local parent, completed our Incredible Years Parenting Programme in 2006, and was encouraged to become a volunteer peer mentor. She has been a wonderful support to parents attending two subsequent programmes.
Sally Penman responded to our advert for a volunteer gardener in 2005, and over the years has transformed our garden into something that is admired, played in and enjoyed by many. Sally quickly become a popular team member, and we asked her if she would be interested in extending her role to direct work with children. She was delighted, and began working with a little boy with special needs whose mum attended one of our parenting groups. She then underwent further training and became a bfriends volunteer in addition to continuing to volunteer with the Family Support Team.
Sally has helped lead a group of ten nursery children who were overly withdrawn, anxious and lacking in confidence. She also recently co-led a social skills group for children aged 8-10 with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, which culminated in a one week residential stay at Lagganlia Outdoor Centre.
In addition to her volunteering commitments, Sally cares for her disabled father. She has also inspired her daughter to become a volunteer AND her dad makes tablet for staff and families as a treat from time to time!
CHILDREN 1ST are very privileged to be supported by such dedicated volunteers.
Last updated: Thursday 24 September 2009
