Tell us a bit about your volunteer/coaching role?

I have recently taken on a role for Fitmums and Friends as a Club Liason for two clubs different from my usual club that I go to, The purpose behind this role is basically down to the success of Fitmums and how it has grown, basically the job of keeping up with the work involved with 11 groups and over 1000 members could not possibly be done by just a few people and to ensure that the Fitmums ethos and support is been spread to the groups meant I was lucky enough to be given a role as Club Liaison. It is our job to now help the central team with the valuable work they do and ensuring the highest standards that have already been set are maintained but at the same time we are there to help the club and ensure they get a swift response to any issues they have.

Why do you volunteer/coach? What have you gained from doing this?

The main reason for me volunteering is for the chance to give something back, Fitmums have been so welcoming and encouraging to me and have taken me from a non runner to now completing a couple of 10Ks and also being part of a Fitmums marathon relay team.

As I am not a strong runner and still developing, being able to do this role has let me give something back without feeling I couldn’t help out as I wasn’t fit enough, the feeling of self worth is fantastic for your mental well being and to be able help and encourage people give you an enormous sense of satisfaction.

What would you say to someone who's thinking of getting into volunteering/coaching?

Do it, you won’t regret it, make sure the role and the people you are volunteering for are right, you want to be with likeminded people who have the same ethos as you do. Not only are you helping other people but you are helping yourself.

Were there any barriers you had to overcome to become a volunteer/coach?

Fortunately I was lucky enough to already be volunteering for Fitmums as a Mental Health Champion which had already given me an understanding of the Fitmums community and an insight into the hard work that goes into Fitmums The main thing I can say is that having the right people and support around you will be the greatest thing you need in your role volunteering, I am lucky that Fitmums is such a great group of people it makes volunteering a joy.