Making a difference for children: Volunteer highlights in Essex and Suffolk
In 2024, over 7,000 hours were gifted by more than 500 volunteers at Kids Inspire. This incredible generosity made a tangible difference in the lives of thousands of children, young people and families across Essex and beyond.
Last year, we also expanded into Suffolk, marking a significant new chapter for our organisation. We’re so grateful to our volunteers who made it all possible. To celebrate our volunteers, we’re highlighting just a few of the many impactful moments from the past year.
Our volunteer highlights for 2024
1. Change of trustees
In 2024, we welcomed Nick Tesseyman as our new chair of the Kids Inspire trustee board, following Simon’s departure after many years of dedicated service. We also said goodbye to other long-standing trustees who have been instrumental in our growth. However, with these goodbyes came new beginnings, as we welcomed Danielle and Louise to the board.
Trustees play a vital role in shaping our organisation’s direction and ensuring we remain focused on supporting children’s mental health. By volunteering their expertise and guidance, they help keep Kids Inspire moving forward. This year brought significant changes to our board, marking an exciting new chapter for our organisation.
2. Mentor training
In 2024, our team ran two mentor training sessions, preparing 41 amazing individuals to support children and young people. Our volunteer mentoring programme is a key part of what we do, with many mentors offering guidance across Essex. Last year, we also began recruiting mentors in Suffolk.
Volunteer mentors provide support outside of our therapy services, spending an hour each week with a child or young person. They act as positive role models during challenging times, offering stability and encouragement.
3. Christmas Appeal support
Each year, our Christmas Appeal grows bigger than ever. In 2024, we couldn’t have done it without the dedication of 251 volunteers, who gifted an incredible 1,251.5 hours - the equivalent of 167 days!
Every volunteer played an important role, from picking and wrapping gifts to packing and delivering them to children and young people across Essex. Together, we brought Christmas magic to 3,374 children and supported around 120 schools.
A special shout out goes to Shelley, who was in almost every day during the campaign. Her hard work and enthusiasm truly embody the spirit of our volunteers. The joy we spread during the festive season wouldn’t have been possible without her committed time. Read more about our Christmas Appeal and hear from our COO, Vicky Haylock.
4. Holiday Clubs
We hosted eight Holiday Clubs last year, creating a safe and engaging space for children during the school holidays. These free clubs prioritise children from low-income families, offering fun activities, lunch, and a supportive environment. From LEGO workshops to forest school sessions, there was something for everyone!
Alongside our regular volunteers and mentors, we were also joined by volunteers from our corporate supporters. Holiday Clubs give businesses the chance to see firsthand the impact of their donations, and it’s their funding that makes these clubs possible.
5. Fundraising volunteers
Our fundraising volunteers had an incredible year, supporting events like the Street, Eats ‘n’ Beats festival in Chelmsford’s Central Park. They ran the silent disco tent, collecting donations throughout the day while local young DJs took to the decks.
Behind the scenes, others worked tirelessly sorting donations, managing our Vinted account, and preparing for our popular preloved stalls at Kids Inspire events. Their dedication was even recognised with an award from the High Sheriff of Essex, celebrating their impact.
Our Vinted account alone raised over £9000 last year! They are invaluable support for our Fundraising Team.
Reflecting on a year powered by volunteers
Reflecting on 2024, it’s clear that our volunteers are at the heart of Kids Inspire (much like every year!). Their dedication - from mentoring and fundraising to supporting major events - makes everything we do possible. But at the core of our mission are the children and young people who need our support. They are the reason we do what we do. Last year our volunteers supported our growth into Suffolk, reaching even more children and families.
Looking ahead for 2025
As we move forward in 2025, we’re excited about the opportunities ahead. Our expansion into Suffolk will continue, with plans to grow our team and recruit more mentors to support the community. Volunteers will also play a key role in assisting our community engagement team with school assemblies and workshops.
More mentor training sessions are planned for this year (dates TBC), creating new opportunities for people to get involved. We’ve also nominated some of our incredible volunteers for exciting awards to recognise their unforgettable contributions - fingers crossed! Thank you to every single volunteer, we are so thankful to have them by our side.
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