Guardian Spotlight: Renee and youth charity Envision

This Month, Dot Dot Dot Guardian Renee shares her experience volunteering with Envision, a national charity working with over 1600 young people every year…

Envision is an amazing charity that engages young people in social action. I love the organisation so much that this my third time volunteering with them!

As a team mentor, I meet sixth formers on a weekly basis at a school in Stratford. Throughout the school year we explore what issues the young people feel strongly about and look at what they can do to influence change. It’s great for them to experience from a young age what it’s like to have an impact.

For me it has been a wonderful opportunity to practice my facilitation skills, enabling others to reach their full potential. Over the last three years, every project has been completely different with teams running campaigns, volunteering and fundraising.

Last year the team I supported developed a weekly youth club called ‘Movie Munchies’ to engage young people in Camden. Movie Munchies was a welcoming space for young people to watch films, unwind and even take part in cookery lessons for a lucky few.

This year, my current team’s project is examining the influence of the media on young people.

It is always lovely to see students grow in confidence  in things like public speaking. They also get to showcase their projects in front of over 300 students at their annual celebration event.  It was an honour to see my team win an award last year, and also be awarded for best team mentor!

Envision is a fab organisation to volunteer for as you get to attend great events, and access really useful training on working with students.

More importantly, it helps students realise their creativity and talent, and allows them to use a wider set of skills than they usually do in the classroom which give them fantastic practical experience for adult life and work.

Get involved

• Inspired by Renee’s story? Find out how you can support and volunteer with Envision
• Love volunteering? Subscribe to Dot Dot Dot’s newsletter for updates from the team