We are delighted to introduce Sophie Palmer, our first AIA Youth Leader. Sophie is a familiar face to many AIA supporters as she has been volunteering with us for the last 12 years. In this new role Sophie is keen to develop a youth section to support young people with volunteering and their wellbeing in the community:

‘I have been helping out at the AIA since I was in P1 (12 years ago!). I really enjoy helping people and having things to do. I value the opportunities that the AIA have given me and the connections that I’ve
made while volunteering. Volunteering for the AIA has given me a reason to get off my phone and out of the house while also making new friends, improving both my mental and physical wellbeing.
Alongside helping with the AIA I have volunteered as a prefect and a wellbeing ambassador at Waid Academy which allows me to support the teachers and students around the school. I have also become better at public speaking as my work with the AIA has involved me giving talks to members of the public at events like Doors Open Day. Through volunteering with the AIA I have become more connected with the whole community as I’ve had the opportunity to be educated by them while helping out at Anster Nichts and educate them through Doors Open Day, as well as getting to talk to them at events and learn about their lives and interests. I am currently developing a youth section for the AIA to support young people with volunteering and their wellbeing in the community.’

You can find out more about AIA volunteering for young people aged 12 – 25yrs here. If you have would like to get in touch, please email our community development worker, Julia Priestley on julia@anstrutherimprovements.org.