Meet Chris
“Volunteering at COVEY has made me a better listener, and a better person.”
Meet Chris, one of our amazing COVEY Group Volunteers, who’s been bringing laughter, compassion, and encouragement to young people for the past 18 months.
Since joining as a Group Befriender/Mentor, Chris has been part of both the Abington and Douglas groups within the COVEY Connect project, creating a welcoming, supportive environment where every young person feels included.
“Being a group member means you interact with all the young people within it. Some have been with the group since the beginning, while others have moved on after turning 18. In that time, I’ve seen them grow so much, gaining confidence, maturity, and a real sense of belonging.”
One of Chris’ fondest memories captures both the humour and heart of the role.
“We were at the Science Centre with a young person who was a bit unsteady on their feet, so I held their hand at the top of an escalator and said, ‘On three, we’ll step on.’ When I stepped forward, I realised no one was beside me! I turned to see them standing at the top, grinning like a Cheshire cat. I ran down and back up the other escalator - and the look of joy on their face will stay with me forever.”
Moments like that remind Chris why befriending matters so much to him and why he finds his role so rewarding. However, he admits that it can come with its challenges at times.
“I had a fairly privileged childhood with loving parents. To now be alongside young people who’ve faced so many disadvantages, and not being able to help materially, is difficult at times. Volunteering at COVEY has made me a better listener, and a better person.”
Chris has seen first-hand how much the group means to the young people.
“The young people come because they want to, not because they have to. Without COVEY, many might lose confidence or hope. But together, we help each other grow.”
On a personal level, volunteering has brought a deep sense of purpose to Chris.
“I remember asking my wife years ago, ‘What are we here for? What’s our purpose in life?’ She said, ‘To help other people who are asking the same question, but for different reasons.’ That really stayed with me. I don’t have to volunteer - I want to. Just being there for someone, even in a small way, makes me feel good and hopefully makes them a bit happier, too.”