On Air: Volunteering at Harbour Radio has improved my life

harbour Radio logo (Image: Archant)

As someone who has suffered with anxiety for the majority of their teenage life, becoming part of a new team was an extremely nerve-wracking experience. However, with the encouragement of Harbour’s director of development and training, Stacey Nash, I decided to try my best to put my anxieties aside in order to offer the skills I had to volunteer.

I was terrified at the thought of going into a social situation where I only knew one person, and I nearly let my nerves get the better of me to the extent where I had a panic attack.

Despite this, I still went in and I instantly felt welcome and knew I would be valued as a member of the growing family of volunteers we have here. Within the first few weeks, I had met so many wonderful people and I continue to do so every time I set foot in the door.

A huge part of being a member of Harbour Radio is purely just being yourself! Everyone’s interests, skills and talents are taken into account and can contribute in some way, no matter how big or small.

I compose a fortnightly newsletter, which keeps volunteers informed as to what has been going on across the entire Harbour team. By doing this, the level of communication within our volunteers has improved.

Since joining, issues surrounding anxiety has vastly improved, and although I still have a way to go before it has completely gone, I genuinely don’t think I would have the level of confidence I have today if it wasn’t for Harbour Radio.

By volunteering, I have improved my communication skills by interacting with the diverse group of people we have here, which in turn has helped me in other aspects of life. I can’t thank everyone at Harbour enough for helping me get to the place where I am now, only 10 months after I first volunteered.