YEAR OF WELLBEING BLOG: JAYNE'S STORY
15 August 2019
Everyone has their own story to share about ways they have found to care for their own wellbeing, and the wellbeing of other people.
A team of bloggers have agreed to describe their personal journey. We hope their stories help and inspire others during our Year of Wellbeing.
Jayne's story...
I have been involved in Girlguiding since the age of seven, as a Brownie in Leamington Spa. My parents moved to Birmingham when I was 10 and I joined Guides as it was a chance to meet other girls and have fun and challenges.
I am now County Commissioner for Girlguiding in Birmingham as I retained links despite living in Warwickshire. This means I have responsibility for about 1,000 volunteer leaders and almost 4,000 girls. Birmingham also has properties which girls and leaders use for camping or residential events, so there is a lot to oversee. I have two paid members of staff and a great team of volunteers in various roles. I love doing outdoor activities with the girls and seeing them have fun and develop. Girlguiding gives us all so many opportunities and fun.
Birmingham has some areas of deprivation so providing activities for the girls is so important. It is open to all girls regardless of health conditions or religion. Seeing a girl learn to swim and overcome her fears is wonderful. And for some girls just a chance to be outdoors and have fun in the mud is wonderful, too!
Volunteering uses much of my spare time but I feel I am making a difference, contributing to the wider community, giving girls a chance to grow or perhaps travel across the world and make lifelong friendships.
This photo is me abseiling at Beaudesert campsite in Cannock. The girls were nervous so decided the leaders should go first so they knew the equipment was safe!
I gained my Duke of Edinburgh gold award as a Ranger Guide in my teens. I taught an Asian lady English and saw a culture very different to my own. I was a shy teenager but Girlguiding gave me leadership skills and confidence.
I have a huge circle of friends made through volunteering and being with the girls keeps me young at heart. I can’t show fear zipwiring if I’m encouraging a seven year old to have a go!
I feel privileged to be part of a worldwide network, and doing something that keeps my brain and body active.
I ought to mention as well that as well as Girlguiding volunteering I have collected for Marie Curie over the last couple of years. It is a charity close to my heart as they gave care and support to my cousin who sadly died of cancer in 2015.
About the authour
Blogger Jayne is one of the thousands of volunteers who give their time in all kinds of ways to help others, supporting activities and providing support to people across our area. Her day job is senior deputy superintendent registrar of births, deaths and marriages in Nuneaton, working for Warwickshire County Council. But Jayne is also County Commissioner for Girlguiding in Birmingham.
Click here to find out more about Coventry and Warwickshire's Year of Wellbeing 2019.
