Angie's Story a life time of service

Angie's Story

I started in 1985 at Jersey Sea Cadets -my then boyfriend was a member of staff and introduced me to the unit. At the time they did not have female cadets so I helped in the tuck shop. I was given the opportunity to train up and became a uniformed member of staff to the first 6 female cadets (then the GNTC - Girls Nautical Training Corps) I remained with the Unit until 1990, when I left to have a baby. 

In 1993 I joined the Jersey Youth Service as a volunteer sessional youth worker. I initially worked at Le Squez Youth Club and was given the opportunity to complete some training. In 1996 I gained an NVQ 3 in Part-Time Youth and Community Studies. I was then offered part time work and am still doing this today. My training has been on-going and is still something the service offers to all volunteers and part-time paid staff. I have worked at a lot of different projects across the Island, met some amazing people and had the privilege of working with young people. 

In 2012 a chance meeting with PC Simon Cross (now retired, but at the time the Schools Liaison Officer) lead to me joining Child Accident Prevention Jersey (CAPJ)  on the Operational group. This is where I met Alan! During my 10 years on CAPJ I delivered lots of school talks, helped with the annual Safety In Action Week and became good friends with Safety Sam (I was 'Sam' but we can't let that out) 

Work commitments meant I had to step down....but not for long. 

My boyfriend from Sea Cadet days had now become my husband and he was volunteering for Wet wheels Jersey. He was having  a great time taking people out on the boat and they needed crew members. With a love of the sea and some experience of boating I joined the Wet wheels team in 2016 and remain with them today.  I have met some amazing people with fantastic tales to tell and come back from the trips tired...but buzzing!

Two things spring to mind when I think of my volunteering - opportunity and privilege

I have had lots of amazing opportunities including access to training and to take part in activities I  might never have had the chance to do   (abseiling, staying at Crabbe and St Aubins Fort) 

What a privilege it has been to meet so many wonderful people. From inspirational and fun loving people, to hard working and dedicated volunteers. Some that will stay with me forever .