Volunteers’ Week 2024: Steven’s Story

by Tom Pinks (he/him)

Senior Content and Communications Manager

Tuesday 4th June 2024

It’s National Volunteers’ Week (Wooo!) and the only way to celebrate it at The Mix is by celebrating all of our unique volunteers that enhance and support thousands of young people each and every day.

Together, 171 volunteers dedicated over 9,832 hours of their time to help young people.

That’s 410 days.

Or if you watched The Lord of the Rings extended trilogy over 800 TIMES.

From the community to counselling to writing content – the world is a volunteer’s oyster here at The Mix. It’s a two-way relationship too – almost all of our volunteers said they felt a sense of fulfilment and learnt new skills by getting involved with us.

Nevertheless, it’s fair to say that we’d be nothing without the incredible work each and every one of them contribute to making The Mix the UK’s leading digital support service for young people.

Here’s the story of one of them…

Steven’s Story

Steven Kelly is an award-winning public relations (PR) expert and former senior journalist for national newspapers such as The Daily Mirror. His work has led to over 1,000 top-tier articles in national news outlets and his eye for a great story is second to none. Steven believes in doing good, and using the media as a platform to spread positivity across the world by highlighting the amazing things humans are doing. When The Mix was on the lookout for someone to help us with our press relations, getting Steven on board was a no-brainer.

Here’s what he had to say about his experience volunteering for The Mix…

How long have you volunteered at The Mix for?

Since September 2023.

What is your role at The Mix?

I began as a volunteer PR manager, but now my agency Finnoah PR offers a range of media-focused support.

What initially drew you to the role and The Mix?

Having previously worked with charities during my media career, I always enjoyed helping third sector organisations, such as The Mix, raise their profile. I find it incredibly rewarding and humbling to be able to do my bit.

Both my young children are SEND so I was looking to provide support to a young people’s charity. When I discovered The Mix was looking for volunteers, it felt like the perfect fit.

I haven’t looked back since.

What is your favourite part of volunteering with The Mix?

Aside from the lovely people, I enjoy making a difference to the lives of young people. By highlighting the issues they face, we can help to inspire change. It’s a truly privileged position to be in.

What skills do you think you’ve brought to the role and how have you used them?

I’ve worked in media for 23 years, including as a senior national journalist, head of media, and now run my own boutique agency. During that time, I have developed a thorough understanding of the media landscape and, most importantly, how journalists write and think.

I’ve been fortunate to have had success in my career, including my work winning a national award. I hope my skillset is helping the charity to enhance its already fantastic communications team.

How do you feel your work is making a difference to young people?

I aim to give young people a voice to be able to discuss what really matters to them on a national public platform. The media has great power and influence. By harnessing that, I strongly believe we can help to improve young people’s lives.

What skills/values have you gained or built on since volunteering with The Mix?

Working at The Mix has given me a much deeper understanding of the key issues young people face and the valued work the charity is doing.

What advice would you give to someone interested in volunteering for The Mix?

If you want to make a real difference to the lives of young people in the UK, I say go for it. You get the chance to learn new skills, work with a wonderful team and play a significant role in improving lives.

What advice would you give to someone interested in donating their professional skills to a charity?

Don’t hesitate. It will be the most rewarding thing you ever do.

Want to know more about volunteering for The Mix, have a look at these articles below:

How volunteering for The Mix has helped me cope with loneliness – The Mix

Volunteering @ The Mix – The Mix

A Volunteer’s Story | The Mix

Volunteering Gave Me The Courage To Speak Up | The Mix

Volunteering – The Mix

Can short-term volunteering have an impact? – The Mix

Volunteers’ Week: Sharing our stories – The Mix

Where Can I Volunteer? | Why Do You Want To Volunteer?| The Mix