Stuart Thomas volunteered on a residential break at Go Beyond’s Daleside Centre in Derbyshire before COVID. This Volunteer’s Week he reflects on memories of the happiest days.
What type of volunteering did you do with Go Beyond?
I volunteered to support one of the week-long residential breaks that Go Beyond runs
What inspired you to volunteer with Go Beyond?
I believe that all children deserve opportunities and breaks. Go Beyond is an amazing charity that does that, so I wanted to play a small part in supporting what they do. From the first minute you engage with Go Beyond, you feel part of a great organisation, doing something that is really needed.
What was your favourite part about volunteering with Go Beyond?
Everything. From being given brilliant training, to the other volunteers and the leaders on the week. Of course, meeting and supporting the kids was brilliant. From seven in the morning to nine at night, we laughed a lot (like a lot), cried a little and had a week full of amazing activities. Just the most amazing week. I still have such good memories from it.
The goodness in Kids is amazing. I remember one of the group, who had a challenged upbringing, we were speaking about what they wanted to do when they were older. He replied, “anything where I can help other people, as I think that’s a good thing to do”.
On the last day, one of the kids said to me “thank you for making me feel safe this week”. I thought to myself, if I can make one kid, feel safe for a week, then hopefully I have helped in a small way
Also, I got to play sport, every day, in the sports barn!!!!
What did you feel you gained most from your experience?
The country walks reminded me how much I love them, and it has got me really back in to walking! The kids totally inspired me, as did the Go Beyond leaders.
Why should people volunteer with Go Beyond?
You will laugh so, so much. Try new activities. Not see your phone for a week. Whilst feeling part of an amazing team. The kids, I promise, will inspire you too. Oh, you will also get seriously good at some classic games such as Guess Who and Uno!
