Volunteer’s Week 2025 - Dylan’s story

We’re celebrating this week by sharing a couple of our fantastic volunteers’ stories about their journey with Space! Hear from Alison, a volunteer in North Devon, on why they chose to become a volunteer, and all the things they enjoy about their volunteering…

“Hi, I’m Dylan and I’m a volunteer for the Online Youth Centre. I first learned of the online Space Youth club through a tutor that gives me sessions from home since I have difficulties travelling outside the house. After a brief interview with the admin of the online Youth club, Matt, I was added to the server and given a warm welcome by all the youth workers and other members. For the next year, I enjoyed every session on the server and I did feel sad leaving the server when I got too old for the age limit. However, the youth workers did mention the ability for me to apply for an adult volunteer role. 9 months later, I was given my new account and re-added to the server as a Volunteer.

As an Adult Volunteer, my role gives me the responsibility to monitor the text chats to make sure that everyone is not only following the rules but also to make sure they’re enjoying their time in the session. This also applies to voice chats. In addition, I share some responsibility to provide entertainment for the young people in the session whether it be games, conversations or quizzes. At the end of the session, all the staff, including volunteers report on anything that may be noted down from any young people that may be falling out with another person to young people struggling with personal problems.

There are many benefits to the role that make it worthwhile to dedicate my work to my position. One of these is the ability to communicate and help younger people who may be struggling in life and act as a responsible role model to them. Moreover, the role gives me the opportunity to contribute my effort to the local community so they can recognise my positive qualities. Additionally, I have been able to learn and demonstrate new skills around communication, ICT and teambuilding while in this role; these skills will also prove useful in a workspace and help when finding a job.

I was delighted to discover Space Youth Services as a young person and my time in the server as a young person boosted my confidence and ability to find friendships. Additionally, when I rejoined as a volunteer, I was able to develop these skills as well as develop further skills that would prove useful in a career and the staff has been very kind and considerate in my journey.”