Volunteers play an essential role in helping us to deliver the Hummingbird Project, our six-week Positive Psychology course for North West Schools. They work alongside our project staff to assist pupils with completing the course materials and activities, and answering any questions they have. Many volunteers use the confidence they acquire during the six weeks to lead one of the sessions themselves.
Our volunteers report that delivering the course is personally rewarding and gives them valuable skills and experience of working with young people, which can be beneficial to their further education or careers. One of our previous volunteers, Sonia Ebenezer-Bamigbayan (pictured below, top centre) is now employed as a co-ordinator for the Hummingbird Project.
Charlie Middleton (pictured above left), a final year psychology undergraduate at the University of Liverpool, joined our team as a volunteer this term. Charlie has completed a full six-week course and has signed up to volunteer on another one. He has been a fantastic support to our Project Manager, Ian Platt (pictured above right) in the classroom.
Charlie said: “I recently had the pleasure of volunteering for the Hummingbird Project at The Heys School in Prestwich. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that allowed me to connect with a diverse group of children. I helped them fill out their workbooks and, more importantly, build relationships, which I believe improved engagement. Initially, I was unsure how well the children would engage with the programme. However, they quickly became involved, not only answering questions but asking their own as well. It was great to see their happiness grow as the programme progressed. I’m confident that the upcoming questionnaire data will reflect these positive changes.
“The Hummingbird Project addresses the critical issue of mental health among children in the UK, fostering happiness, and I’m grateful to be a part of it. I would like to give a special thanks to Ian for his mentorship and encouragement, which helped me to present the programme, boosting my confidence and involvement. I can’t wait to start working with another school and continue delivering this fantastic project.”
To volunteer for the Hummingbird Project, we ask that you have an interest in mental health and wellbeing, and ideally some experience of working with children or young people, although full training is provided. All our volunteers undergo an enhanced DBS check and are trained in safeguarding best practices.
To find out more about the Hummingbird Project, please register your interest using the button below or email info@medequip4kids.org.uk.
