I have been working in health-related exercise for 25 years. I love my job as no two days are the same and I really enjoy seeing people build in strength both mentally and physically. I want everyone, regardless of wealth or health, to be able to find an activity that they can enjoy for life.
I have often thought how useful it would be if all activity opportunities were in one ‘easy to access’ place. So, when I came across Everyday Active, I really wanted to be a part of it. Finding activities shouldn’t be harder work than the actual activity! I was looking on the Everyday Active website and wondered why there was no Champion in my local area. When I found out that it was just because no one had volunteered, I thought, well why not me? So, I applied and here I am!
My area is Sittingbourne and the surrounding villages. My job is to look out for local activity opportunities and add them to the Sittingbourne community page. I also promote the website whenever and wherever I can, so more people know where to look for activities. I also get to go along to local events and connect with the other Champions and the Active Kent & Medway team. I like that the role is so flexible, and I can spend anywhere from as little as one hour per week, to a whole day at an event. I can choose what I do and when I do it, which is great.
If you like meeting people and are passionate about your community, you will love being an Everyday Active Champion. I was a little nervous at first as I wasn’t sure I would be able to manage the volunteer role. But once I got started, I was able to relax and enjoy the work as I get to chat to lots of people, which I really enjoy.
I love helping people to get active and meeting lots of activity providers. It’s a bit like being a matchmaker. You also get a rather grand title (but no super-hero costume!). Being an Everyday Active Champion is a great opportunity to do something that really makes a difference. You get loads of help and support from a fantastic team at Active Kent & Medway. And doing something like this could look really great on your CV too, if you’re looking to get back into work or chasing a promotion.
Visit the Sittingbourne Community Page on Everyday Active
If you’d like to become an Everyday Active Champion and support your local community to become more active, get in touch with Yasmin Hosken, Everyday Active Officer at Active Kent & Medway, via email: yasmin.hosken@kent.gov.uk
