Emma Blaney is Global HR and CSR Director at Euromonitor International. Emma has taken part in multiple volunteering programmes and projects with BIG Alliance (Leaders in Partnership, Mentoring Works – Samuel Rhodes, Team Challenges and Time to Talk Mental Health Awareness Day) using different skills to help local community organisations. Below, she shares her experience on some of these programmes:

Why do you volunteer?
Emma took part in multiple volunteering programmes and projects with BIG Alliance using different skills to help local community organisations. Below, she shares her experience on some of these programmes.

For the Leaders in partnership programme I was attracted to the opportunity to support a local charity and provide access to support not only from myself but also through my network. It was exciting to learn from my mentee who, himself, was so inspirational and also walk through any support I could give with his thinking.

The Body & Soul and Caledonian Park activities were very much team bonding activities. An opportunity for the team I work with to get out of the office and spend time having fun together, whilst supporting the local community.

The school visit was linked to my passion for Mental Health Awareness in children.

Finally – Samuel Rhodes is very much a partnership. The enjoyment had by the young people is at least equalled by that of our volunteers. It is wonderful to introduce these amazing young people to the world of work in a way they would never have access to normally.

What have you gained from your volunteering experience?
It is different reasons for different activities. It is important to me to have a balance as well.

For activities such as Caledonian park that’s easy – you can see the difference you have made just by being there. Seeing how people from the local community look so delighted at the change in how the park looks is amazing.

Samuel Rhodes is particularly impactful. Seeing how the confidence of the young people improves over the program. From week one when a number of them are too nervous to talk through to the final presentations when they are so confident and simply glowing with happiness.

Would you recommend volunteering to a colleague and, if so, why?
You have to do it. The reward for you is at least equal to the benefit you bring. Making a difference really engages you and makes you want to be involved more.