Using my coaching skills to support good causes and individuals

I’ve always volunteered. Even when I was working. I’ve been on a number of boards, as a governor and a trustee. More recently I’ve been chair of governors at the College of North West London (CNWL).

Though I enjoyed making policy and it was rewarding to see action taken, I wanted more one-to-one contact, providing support to groups or individuals. I turned to Reach Volunteering. Our board had used Reach to recruit trustees for us and I had been very impressed with the process and the results.

Finding the perfect opportunity

Logging on, I checked the causes I am most passionate about – women and young people. For skills I listed management, but also face to face coaching and training. As a manager in the Home Office I had taken courses in coaching and training to increase my effectiveness as a manager. I have professional qualifications in these areas, as well as in counselling skills.

It didn’t take too long for the perfect opportunity to show up. Rosa, the UK Fund for Women and Girls, was looking for professionals who care about women’s rights and gender equality, with skills to share and a desire to give back to the community, to join its mentoring program. ‘Inspire Together’ pairs professionals from the corporate and not for profit sector with women running grassroots groups and campaigns, to nurture talent and equip leaders in communities across the UK to help them increase the impact of their work.

I was assigned to the CEO of a small charity in London, who needed coaching in leadership skills. We identified the areas to work on and in six one-to-one sessions succeeded in building up her confidence so she could go forward with renewed strength in furthering the objectives of the charity. And for me, I gained a new understanding into the challenges these groups face.

Doing more – another opportunity

Rosa didn’t match me with anyone else so then I had a look at Reach again and that’s when Making the Leap came up. That’s very local to where I live. I’ve done three sessions with them now and it’s very enjoyable. It’s a London based youth and social mobility charity that aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged school children and young people by raising their aspirations.

They were looking for a Future Skills Coach to help deliver their programme ‘Aspiration and Character Education’ in secondary schools across London. The aim is to equip young people with key life skills, developing character, and self-confidence, while giving them an understanding of the world of work.  

It’s with different groups. First of all I had five young women to coach. And then I sat on a panel where young people presented. We were asked to give them feedback on their communications skills.

This week I had six young men, helping them to fill in job applications, and preparing them for interviews by doing mock interviews. We’re waiting with bated breath to hear this week about the results of two of the interviews.

What are the benefits?

I enjoy volunteering and in my current role I’m learning a lot especially because within my friendship and family group I don’t have many people of that age group. I’ve got younger and older but not the young adults.

I am learning a lot about the life they have and the obstacles they have to face and that’s really good to keep me abreast of what is going on in the world. I am honing my skills, which means I am developing as I go along. How would I sum up the benefits? Enjoyment and learning and developing and honing my skills. And certainly making a contribution is rewarding.

I think it is important to think about volunteering before you do it. Decide where you enjoy working and what you are passionate about. And take the time to think about what you could offer. Take the time to think about it, don’t rush into it. And talk to other people.

I’ve found what I want with Making the Leap. I’m still learning. And they do need people.