Volunteering at YMCA – Jackie’s Journey
Volunteering at YMCA is a meaningful way to give back to the community, and for nearly a year, Jackie has been making a difference at YMCA Isle of Wight. She began volunteering at The Lodge, housing for young mothers and their babies, in early 2024 and has since developed a deep appreciation for the service, the young families, and the staff.
Before volunteering, Jackie ran the beauty department at the local college. After retiring, she found joy in spending more time helping to raise her grandchildren. After years of wanting to give back to her community, she took her first step by volunteering at an on-site food bank. It was there that she discovered the incredible work being done by YMCA Isle of Wight to support young mothers, which inspired her to get more involved and use her passion for children to make a difference.
Weekly Sessions: More Than Just Activities
Jackie offers weekly sessions to our young women, focusing on cooking and baking skills. For our young women, Jackie’s session teaches them essential skills for when they move out into their own accommodation. As well as this, she volunteers at the baby and me groups, where her main role is to simply talk with our members, and spend time with their little ones.
Although her previous teaching experience is beneficial, Jackie reiterated the fact that you do not need to have a high level of skills to volunteer – as quality time with the members alone makes all the difference. In the summer months, she teaches them gardening and painting. Jackie even found herself learning alongside the young ladies she was holding the sessions for, highlighting the mutual benefit.
The Most Rewarding Part of Volunteering at YMCA
For Jackie, one of the most fulfilling aspects of volunteering is the opportunity to engage with toddlers and their families. She shared openly that she had preconceived ideas about supported housing for young people, but immediately was shown through conversation and connection, that the stereotypes are far from the truth. Every session is different, and the relaxed nature of YMCA Isle of Wight is what makes Jackie favour her time here.
Encouraging Others to Volunteer
For those unsure about volunteering, it is an incredibly fulfilling experience that does not require specific skills—just an open mind and a willingness to connect with others. The people involved are welcoming, and the experience itself is invaluable.
After spending years working, and then raising her children and grandchildren, Jackie has found a volunteering a great experience, and a positive way to engage with the community in a meaningful way. She finds her volunteering to be a rewarding part of her week, and loves her time with our staff and members. Whether offering a lot of time or just a little, giving back is always worthwhile. Jackie has certainly become a crucial part of the Isle of Wight team, and her support for the young women is invaluable.
If you think, like Jackie, you could volunteer a few hours a week, please get in touch here.
