Our volunteer Theresa supported young person Miley to find confidence and develop new skills through arts and crafts.
Theresa joined us as a volunteer befriender in January, hoping to use her passion for fibre and paper crafts to give back to her local community. She was matched with a young person, Miley, through our Positive Transitions service, and the pair bonded over their shared interest in sewing.
Miley had an interest in crafts, in particular the art of embroidery, so Theresa began to teach her individual basic embroidery stitches. At first, Miley felt frustrated trying to learn the stitches, finding the experience too slow and lacking in immediate results, but had a breakthrough when Theresa brought a kit for sewing animal toys to a session. Together they sewed several owls and this proved to be the spark Miley had been waiting for.
“Thank you for all your help and support! Miley loves coming to these sessions.”
A two-way street
It’s not only Miley who has gained something from her experience with Positive Transitions. Theresa initially began volunteering after her daughter’s departure to university gave her more free time. She describes the experience as both rewarding and invigorating.
"I leave the sessions with renewed energy for my own work...I love seeing how Miley’s confidence increases every time I spend time with her and she comes out of her shell a bit more.”
Transitions to secondary school
The transition from primary to secondary school can be a challenge in the life of a young person. Many young people find themselves having to make new friends in new surroundings, in tandem with an increased amount of stress and pressure from schoolwork. Our Positive Transitions service provides support through that transition, tailoring sessions to young people’s interests.
As Miley’s story has shown, listening to a young person’s interests can have a big impact. By engaging Miley, Theresa was able to both impart artistic skills and give Miley a safe space to relax and open up. Sewing helped Miley improve her confidence while having fun, outside of any day-to-day worries.
We’re currently looking for Youth Work Volunteers to support our Positive Transitions service. Find out how you can apply by clicking below.