VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT ?
During Diabetes Awareness Week, the fantastic Callum tells us about his highlights from the Youth Service and living with Type 1 Diabetes:
I have lived with Diabetes for 11 years and can remember the day I was diagnosed like it was yesterday.
Diabetes can be frustrating, unpredictable and tiresome if I’m being honest; however having Diabetes has enabled me to be part of this incredible Youth Service and have opportunities which I wouldn’t change for the world!
I wouldn’t be doing my hobby (running) if it wasnt for having Diabetes. Running in the morning helps me control my blood sugars throughout the day. I am currently training for the Robin Hood Half Marathon which I also did last year and I am aiming for a sub 2 hour time.
My advice is to anyone who has recently been diagnosed with Diabetes is that it does get easier to live with the longer you have it because you get used to it and having Diabetes doesn’t stop you from doing whatever you want to do in life!
My highlights of NUH Youth Service include:
1. Youth Club: I remember leaving my first youth club that I went to a Wednesday night, as a young person, 6 years ago thinking YES! finally a group of people that get me!
2. Visiting Harry Potter studios:
One of the perks of volunteering for this brilliant service is that we get to go on great day trips! Anyone who knows me knows I have a slight obsession with Harry Potter so this has to be a highlight!
3.Passing my Level 2 Youth Work Course:
This was a great course to do as it really gives you an insight into what working with young people is all about. I found this course challenging at times in a good way and it was definitely worth doing!
I volunteer for the youth service because I wouldn’t be where I am without the service! I feel like I am giving something back to something that has greatly impacted my life and I am still getting so much out of it now. It’s a great feeling to know that I am part of a brilliant team that are changing young people’s lives for the better!
