The final nominee in the 2019 Volunteer of the Year category is Kirsty Bryson from Link Up Whitfield.

Kirsty approached a member of staff in 2018 with the idea of starting a group for families with children with additional support needs. Being a single mother of six, she highlighted the gap in services in the North East, and the difficulties of inclusivity of existing groups. This prompted her suggestion that a group be made for whole families, encouraging mums like herself to take ownership of the sessions, enhance their children’s lives and provide a support network.

The group was piloted almost immediately, and since starting up Kirsty has attended parent’s evenings, spoken to school family development workers, talked to parents in the street and even contacted outside organisations to provide workshops to support the families.

Since the beginning of the group, Kirsty has inspired many mums to volunteer and altogether fifteen families have joined the network!

Well done on all of your efforts Kirsty, and good luck at the Volunteer Awards!