Simon Lisner, who works for Société Générale, has been working with ELBA on the Young Influencers Programme (YIP). The Young Influencers Programme is an employability programme designed to increase employment opportunities for under-represented groups in the Financial Services sector. Aimed at 16–18-year-olds, it has consisted of 5 sessions in which students have been exploring how the banking sector makes a positive impact on society alongside a host of enthusiastic Société Générale volunteers. Read on to find out why he decided to volunteer, and what the experience has been like for him.

Why did you decided to volunteer on this specific programme?
I felt that I could really relate to the Young Influencers Programme on a personal level. I came from a disadvantaged background and wanted to be able to inspire the next generation on what is possible in life if you have self-belief and work hard.

How have you found the programme so far? What have you enjoyed?
The programme has been eye opening to be able to listen to, and understand the challenges being faced first-hand by the youth in disadvantaged areas of society today.

What do you hope to have achieved by the end of it?
I hope to have made a positive impact on even just one person. For them to feel inspired to achieve goals that seemed out of reach.

What advice would you give to your colleagues who are thinking about volunteering?
Be brave and be willing to take yourself out of your comfort zone from time to time. Furthermore, although we are all busy it is always possible to find some time to give back …no matter how small.