The benefits of volunteering – Carrie’s story
CYCA – Connecting Youth, Children and Adults is an independent charity providing different support services to children, young people, and families.
They offer mentoring, therapy, and family support to help build resilience providing tools to help all cope with life’s challenges. They also deliver accreditated training to families to help improve their well-being, and gain skills and qualifications alongside training other professionals to work with children and families.
Carrie, 36, mum of 4, and full-time carer to her husband has been involved with CYCA for about 5 years and she shares her experience of volunteering with the charity.
‘Since being involved with CYCA I have learned many new skills and completed multiple educational courses. Over the last year or so I have also been volunteering my spare time by delivering workshops and helping out where I can. Before I came to CYCA I was an extremely quiet and anxious person, and would very rarely leave the comfort of my own home, but all that has changed through the support of the CYCA team. They have been such a big part of my life for 5 years and have given me the confidence to change my life, not only for me but for my family too.’
Giving back to the community
‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a CYCA volunteer, giving back to the community is the most amazing feeling and a huge accomplishment. I have met some amazing people and made new friends along the way, which at one point in my life I would have thought impossible to do but CYCA really helped with every aspect of my life. I have delivered many different workshops over the last year which include baking skills, cupcake decorating, and arts and crafts-based sessions. Having the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and skills to others is extremely rewarding, especially when we receive such lovely feedback from the families involved.’
Partnering with Tempo Time Credits
CYCA have recently joined Tempo Time Credits.
‘We have received new funding from National Lottery Community Fund and we are supporting individuals to become Volunteers and Volunteer Community Ambassadors too. Both Volunteer roles are new to CYCA. The Time Credits are used to incentivise volunteering and to reward those who give up their time for free.’ Lianna Davies Senior Strategic Business Manager
The partnership with Tempo gives volunteers like Carrie, the opportunity to earn Time Credits for this practical help they give to the charity. Credits can be redeemed at a wide range of recognition partners where volunteers can enjoy days out with family and friends or opportunities to learn new skills through online resources.
Carrie explains the benefits to her family of earning Tempo Time Credits through her volunteering:
‘Being a large family it can be quite expensive to do family activities and go on days out but time credits really help with that. I have recently used my credits for tickets to a Scarlets’ rugby match. My children were so excited as this is something we wouldn’t normally be able to afford. I am truly grateful to CYCA for such wonderful opportunities, they are inspirational and have always made me believe that I can achieve anything. I’m really excited for what’s to come!’
Volunteering and earning Tempo Time Credits
Carrie’s story is very heart warming and typical of the stories we hear from people who volunteer for our charities and organisations. Volunteer work is very rewarding in itself, but having the option to recognise and reward those who give their time with experiences from a range of recognition partners is what makes Tempo Time Credits so unique. Emily Evans – Tempo Community Relationship and Partnership Manager
You can learn more about joining the Tempo Network either as a volunteer, a charity or a recognition partner on our dedicated webpages.
