Hope receives recognition for outstanding volunteering

Bridges Project client Hope Wilson was one of only two young people who were shortlisted for East Lothian’s Inspiring Volunteering Awards 2022.

The 16-year-old from East Saltoun was nominated for the Young Volunteer of the Year category for her outstanding commitment to her volunteering with the North Berwick based charity Can-Do.

Hope started volunteering with Can-Do during the school holidays in June last year. Even though she has now started an Early Learning and Childcare course at Edinburgh College as well as a part-time job with Home Bargains, she is still finding time to volunteer twice a week.

The teenager has been helping out with the charity’s play scheme as well as its youth club. In her volunteering role, Hope provides one-to-one support to young people with additional support needs. She acts as a “buddy” for the young people and helps them understand how to engage with Can-Do’s activities and do various practical tasks.

“I like being able to be there for the children and talk to them,” said Hope about her motivation for giving up her time to help these young people.

Kirsty Milne, Co-ordinator at Can-Do, has been extremely impressed by Hope’s contributions as a volunteer.

“Hope is a relatively new addition to our team but it feels like she has been part of us forever. She always has a smile on her face and it is an absolute pleasure to have her with us,” she said.

Mrs Milne also thinks Hope has made a big difference to the lives of the young people who use Can-Do’s services.

“Many young people would not have been able to attend without her help. Hope has helped widening their social interaction, boosted their wellbeing and morale and helped them feel part of the community.”

Furthermore, Mrs Milne says that the East Saltoun teenager contributes to providing a respite opportunity for carers and parents of Can-Do’s clients.

“Having Hope there makes them feel that their children are at a place where they are able to meet peers. The fact that Hope is so young helps young people meet their social and emotional needs as they are able to be with someone their own age with similar interests. She is therefore integral to creating friendships for the young people.”

Hope ended up not going all the way at the Inspiring Volunteering Awards Ceremony that took place at the Fraser Centre in Tranent on Thursday 2 June, finishing runner-up to Josh Nisbet. Nevertheless, she is a winner in both the eyes of Bridges Project and Can-Do!

 “Hope is so enthusiastic and giving and fantastic at making the young people feel included. She is always up for giving her time without expecting to be given anything in return,” said Mrs Milne.

Hope’s volunteering has not only helped other young people. It has also brought some benefits for the 16-year-old.

“Volunteering has made me a more confident person. For instance, it has helped me become less nervous in job interviews and in my job at Home Bargains. I have also made a few great friends. I have met like-minded people who I have stayed in touch with,” said Hope.

The East Saltoun youngster’s confidence boost from volunteering has been coupled with the renewed faith she has in herself as a result from support from Bridges Project. The former Ross High student has been working with Natasha McInninie on preparing for college, self-travel and building her CV.

“The support from Natasha and Bridges Project has helped both my confidence and wellbeing. I am now able to understand that I am better at things that I think and that I am capable of doing things I did not think I could do before,” said Hope.