Hello! My name is Sian and I’ve been volunteering with the #iDare magazine project since August. Day to day, I work as a journalist and web editor. Although I’ve worked in comms and marketing, I’m especially drawn to the charity sector, youth groups, and mental health work because they tangibly have an effect on people’s lives.

Earlier this year, I thought I’d took a look online at local volunteer opportunities and found #iDare. It jumped out at me right away because I realised I combine my youth group and writing experience to help young people publish personal, meaningful stories with a focus on mental health and wellbeing. I couldn’t wait to get started!

It’s hard to do justice to how much I’ve enjoyed working with #iDare. Everyone I’ve met, participants and volunteers alike, have amazing stories to tell. I feel lucky to be involved in creating such unique, dynamic, and thoughtful content: the group’s stories often show maturity and thoughtfulness far beyond their years. The individual creativity — whether we’re making artwork, videos, or articles — is a delight. We also have a lot of fun getting competitive over Mario Kart showdowns and doing impromptu karaoke!

Some of the group have experienced the struggle of finding a first job — and as a recent graduate, I’ve been through the frustrating process. But, after joining in with the project, many have secured part-time jobs and are thinking about expanding their skillsets. It’s inspiring to see and I hope it gives others hope for what they can achieve. Over the coming year, I hope to see each of the wonderful, talented individuals here go on to take a next step, whether that’s having more confidence to leave the house or even to find their own job. And I’d encourage anyone interested in the project to sign up and get involved — it’s been the most worthwhile part of my year.