"It’s nice having something to focus on that feels productive and worthwhile"

Youth volunteering plays a vital role in building stronger communities, offering young people the chance to develop skills, experience, confidence and a sense of purpose while giving their time to something meaningful.

At Growing Resilience in Teens (GRIT), volunteers are included as part of their community, helping to create stable foundations within their structure, raise funds and support the mission of enabling young people to thrive.

GRIT is a charity based in North Hertfordshire that supports the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 11 to 24. Through group programmes, workshops and one-to-one coaching, GRIT helps young people build confidence, resilience and learn practical tools to cope with life’s challenges, empowering them to feel stronger and more in control of their futures.

We spoke to one of GRIT's volunteers, Albert, who manages their Vinted account, not only raising vital funds needed for the charity, but also creating awareness of what the charity do, collecting donations, listing them and posting them.

What first inspired you to start volunteering at GRIT and what motivates you to continue?

I was actually one of GRIT’s young people back in 2019, so I already knew what a great charity they are.

Years later, I was encouraged by the Jobcentre to look into volunteering. They recommended to check out GoVolHerts so I did and I saw GRIT were looking for someone to run their Vinted account and it immediately stood out to me. I’d already been selling on my own Vinted account, so it felt like a perfect match. Volunteering now feels like a full-circle moment and a way to give back.

Can you share a moment or experience in your role that was especially rewarding or meaningful?

There isn’t one big standout moment. Aside from photographing, packaging and sending items most of the work I do is from my laptop in bed but seeing sales come through and knowing they’re helping fund GRIT’s work is always a good feeling.

What is the best part of your volunteering role and why does it stand out to you?

The flexibility really stands out to me. Being able to volunteer in a way that fits around my routine while still making a meaningful contribution makes the role enjoyable.

How has volunteering changed you or made a difference to your life?

Volunteering has given me a sense of purpose. It’s nice having something to focus on that feels productive and worthwhile, rather than just filling time, and knowing it’s actually making a difference.

Is there anything you’d like to say to other young people considering volunteering?

You don’t have to be perfect or have it all figured out to volunteer. If you’re good at something already, there’s probably a way to use it and still keep it enjoyable.

Albert is a great example of how volunteering doesn’t always look the same — and how small, consistent actions can make a big difference. By organising and running GRIT’s Vinted account, Albert helps turn donated items into vital funds that directly support GRIT’s work with young people. His role shows how creativity, organisation and commitment can be just as powerful as being front-and-centre, and how youth volunteering can fit around individual strengths while still making a real impact.

See more of GRIT's volunteer opportunities here.