Volunteer Case Studies
Girls’ Brigade
Volunteer Police Cadets
Sea Cadets
Air Cadets
Opportunities most couldn’t even dream of
Carolyn Eyles tells us why she volunteers with the Girls’ Brigade
‘Girls’ Brigade has given me so much in the way of friends, an extended family and opportunities most couldn’t even dream of – and I want others to experience the same.
I’m a member of 2nd Uxbridge Girls’ Brigade. I started Girls’ Brigade (GB) just before my 5th birthday and am now a fully qualified leader.
The most rewarding thing for me about being involved in GB, which is a Christian organisation, is being able to watch small five and six year old girls grow into amazing young women that we’re proud of. I’d encourage others to get more involved with the section of the younger population that the media forgets – the ones that aren’t part of a gang culture or into knife crime – because they’re part of a uniformed youth organisation.
We have a sense of belonging being part of our GB family. Not all the girls stay with us until they’re 18 but those who don’t continue to have that connection with the girls and leaders, knowing that the door is always open should they wish to return.
GB also teaches life skills – although some may ask if all we do is cook and sew, GB does teach girls skills they need out there in the big wide world from car maintenance to money management.
I’ve completed my Grade 4 leadership training which involved not only working with the younger girls but also understanding how to plan sessions. The training covers everything from child protection to looking at what it means to be a Christian. GB has taught me leadership qualities which I now use on both a GB night and in my current role as a customer service supervisor. These include understanding the different needs of people and identifying qualities in your group/team and learning how to develop them.
It’s also attractive to employers. I recently was in conversation with the lady who interviewed me and she said the thing that stuck out on my CV was the fact I was involved in GB and did something constructive in my spare time.
Carolyn Eyles
If you’d like to find out more about volunteering with GB, and linking up with one of our groups, please contact us via gbco@girlsbrigadeew.org.uk
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Inspiring Future Generations
Dale Robinson a Volunteer Leader for the Volunteer Police Cadets tells us why he Volunteers…
I was brought up on the principle that “it is more rewarding and satisfying to give than it is to receive” and this ethos has determined and permeated my life.
My introduction to the VPC was while on duty as a Special Constable (Volunteer Policeman). I immediately saw it as an opportunity to be part of (crime) prevention not just intervention.
Working with the cadets allows me to inspire future generations by passing on some of the things I’ve learnt in my profession and life experience.
It is quite rewarding being an authority figure that is accessible to a diverse group of young people…being listened to and communicated with empowers and encourages them to realise their invaluable potential and make a positive contribution to society.
If you’d like to find out more about volunteering with the Volunteer Police Cadets, please email us at cadets@met.police.uk
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Keeping me young
Tina Stainer tells us about volunteering with the Sea Cadets
Tina Stainer’s works as a hospital training manager, but says her secret of eternal youth is being Lt Tina Stainer-Officer Commanding Marin Cadet Detachment, Warrington Sea Cadets. Lt Stainer is currently the only female officer serving in the Marine Cadets; she says it is perfect release from her day job. “Being involved with the Marine Cadets keeps me young.” She says, “It’s also very rewarding especially seeing youngsters develop and grow in such a stimulating environment.”
Lt Stainer has also formed a junior section at her base in Warrington before becoming a Area Staff Officer for Juniors. She now teaches everything, but her specialist responsibilities include range conductor for weapons training.
If you’d like to volunteer with the Sea Cadets find out more on our website seacadets.ms-sc.org/volunteers.aspx
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Sense of Achievement
We find out about volunteering with the Air Cadets
Sac Luke Jenkins has had experience in the RAF in places such as Morocco and Afghanistan but has also said that working with the cadets gives you an amazing opportunity to pass your knowledge on and the training you have received. He says- “as an instructor there is nothing more satisfying that than seeing your cadets execute and a drill seamlessly, or perhaps seeing them on an exercise carrying out the drills you have taught them. You really do get a sense of achievement.”
Not only do the cadets benefit, so does Sac Luke. After a few years you can apply to become an Air Cadet Liaison Officer, which has obvious benefits to your career and the management skills
Sac Luke Jenkins says- “The time given is greatly appreciated and whatever time you can commit is greatly received. The ATC is the best possible outlet for your spare time during the week.”
To volunteer with the Air Cadets read more on our website www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/wanttojoin/adultvolunteers.cfm