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Volunteer Spotlight: David

Stories of Change Conference

David used to see posters for COVEY in his local shop windows and always thought to himself that it would be a great opportunity for him. Eventually, he decided to make the call and so began his journey as a COVEY volunteer.

An incredible twenty years on and David is still kindly offering his time to make a difference to the lives of our young people. Recently, he reflected on his amazing journey, sharing some of his fondest memories and the reasons he’s chosen to stay with COVEY.

Beginning as a one-to-one befriender, David helped seven children before moving on to work with groups. Most recently, he began working with the ANGELS group in Lanark, where he supports young people with Additional Support Needs to access opportunities. Reflecting on his various roles within COVEY, David remembers his time as a one-to-one befriender and the sense of reward this has brought him.

“I was once a befriender for a young boy when he was around 8 or 9 years old. We would do activities with COVEY, like building drystone dykes, and he started saying he wanted to do it as a career. The things I was doing with him were making him think about his future. I met him ten years later. He was married with children. This wee boy who once needed my help has now grown into this man, with a family. I like to think I played a part in that.”

Making such a positive impact on the young people he supports clearly means a lot to David. His dedication and commitment to improving their lives is reflected in how clearly he remembers those he’s helped over the years.

“I remember another girl who I used to support within a group. She was fostered and sometimes found things difficult. I was always so patient and just wanted to help her. I met her foster Mum a few months ago and I asked how she was getting on. She’s now 17 and has her own flat, making a good life for herself. Hearing these things is just great to me.”

David notes that engaging young people in activities has not always been easy, but over the years he has developed valuable skills, recognising the best approaches to help young people take part in activities and build friendships.

“There was a young boy who didn’t want to speak to anyone or get involved. He sat away from everyone and didn’t interact. I knew it was best not to force it, to let him make up his own mind about getting involved. We were playing a memory game and he started watching. Soon, he started asking to play, started making jokes and being funny and became part of the group.”

This commitment to involving young people in activities has seen David push himself out of his comfort zone many times, in hopes of encouraging young people to follow his lead.

“We once had a weekend away in West Linton with the young people. I did a flying fox there and I am terrified of heights! The kids were watching me and I just went for it and thoroughly enjoyed it. As well as giving the young people new opportunities, volunteering has encouraged me to do things that I wouldn’t normally do too.”

And it’s not only new experiences that COVEY has given David, he’s collected many mementos over the years from different activities. These have come to represent fond memories of his time as a volunteer.

“I like getting involved in all the activities we do. I’ve painted plant pots, made clay ornaments, made jewellery. I’ve kept them all. Volunteers need to have fun as well. It’s important for the young people to see us enjoying it to help them get involved.”

David’s selfless commitment and dedication has truly made a difference to the daily lives of so many young people and COVEY are incredibly grateful to him. On speaking with David, it is so clear that he truly invests in those he supports. He cares deeply, which is reflected in all he has done and continues to do for the young people at COVEY.

“For some of the young people, our groups are the only thing they do and I am just happy to play a part in making it happen for them.”

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2024 COVEY Befriending
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2024 COVEY Befriending