Guardian Spotlight: Renee and youth charity Envision

February 27, 2015

envision2 (1) This Month, Dot Dot Dot Guardian Renee shares her experience volunteering with Envision, a national charity working with over 1600 young people every year…

speech-marks-copy 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.

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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.

Envision

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.

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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
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“I was drawn to property guardianship because I wanted to live affordably in London which is pretty hard to do – and the volunteering aspect of guardianship with Dot Dot Dot really appealed to me as a way of giving back to the community.”
Carl, High Barnet
“Being a guardian gives me the freedom to do good, invest time in work I believe in and be part of a fascinating community. It’s a no-brainer.”
Sam, Thamesmead
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Tom, Croydon
“It’s a really cool place – I can use it to work in like an office, and there’s already a great community.”
Pete, Whitechapel
“Being a property guardian with Dot Dot Dot means you do more than simply live somewhere. Instead, because you volunteer you really become part of the community. The best bit is knowing you’ve made a difference and have had a positive impact on those around you.”
Tim, High Wycombe
“I saw the advert for Dot Dot Dot and was intrigued to find out more. Initially it was the low cost that attracted me but I also thought the social enterprise side of the business was really cool. I liked the fact that being a guardian with Dot Dot Dot encouraged me to give back and make me do something good with my free time.”
Heba, High Barnet
“If I wasn’t a property guardian I would either be paying a ridiculous amount of money on renting in London or unable to move out of my grandmother’s house at all. I certainly wouldn’t be able to afford to spend time volunteering.”
Bella, Bow
Local people have been very positive. They like the fact an empty building in their neighbourhood is being used again and is being maintained.
Conor, Shoreham-by-Sea
“It’s great because I often work from home. Because it’s a huge building you have you’re own space, but if you want to hang out with other guardians you can.”
Sarah, Whitechapel
“Once I knew that everyone was up for 16 hours of volunteering a month, I felt pretty confident they’d be great, considerate housemates, and they are.”
Kit, Croydon