Liah volunteers as a Mentor with Aberlour Youthpoint – Moray, a service designed to support children and young people facing challenges and struggles in life.

My volunteering Story

“I found out about the mentoring role through Skills Development Scotland. I was looking to get some experience in supporting young people for my future career prospects, and Aberlour was recommended to me.”

Liah began volunteering as a mentor in January 2018, when she was matched with a young person in need of support and guidance. Volunteer mentors give children and young people someone to talk to about their worries, and to practise social skills with:

“I support a young person on a fortnightly basis. We visit different places locally, or we get crafty, or even just go for a chat and some food. We have visited Bow Fiddle Rock, a famous local landmark. She had heard of it, and had drawn it, but had never been to visit.”

Liah has noticed positive changes in the young person she mentors:

“The young person I mentor has gained her confidence back, and her school attendance has improved massively. I believe that her mental health has improved and she is more socially included in the community. I think that it has helped her Dad too, as he knows she can confide in me about things that she may be keeping to herself.”

“I enjoy seeing how far my young person has come, and what she is achieving now. I enjoy the feel-good factor I get from helping someone, and it helps to develop my confidence. It also gets me out of the house and enjoying social time too.”

Volunteering has helped Liah to work towards her own goals too, and has progress in her own career:

“As I initially joined Aberlour to help with my career prospects, it did massively play a part in me gaining a role as a Support Worker. I have my foot in the door of the Health and Social Care sector, but I continue to enjoy volunteering and helping this young person with her confidence and enjoying life.”

“I would highly recommend volunteering to others. It not only helps these young people in many aspects, but it has so many benefits for us as volunteers too.”

Could you become an Aberlour volunteer? Find out more.