Your stories
4th June 2022
“Awareness is like the sun. When it shines on things, they are transformed.”
- Thich Nhat Hanh
Awareness-raising
Being a Shine Ambassador is being the friendly face of Shine in your local community. It’s an exciting and varied role that can include; representing Shine at community events and presentations, organising fundraising events in aid of the Shine, raising awareness of the work we do and the campaigns we run and sharing Shine information in your local community.
Paul, Liz and their family have been dedicated supporters of Shine for many years – helping to run and support our Ser Bach, Shall Wee Talk? and Walk and Wheel Events to sharing and spreading the work of Shine via social media raising awareness of Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus. They are also keen fundraisers seeking and turning any opportunities into donations.
Paul & Liz say “Ever since we were put in contact with Shine 6 years ago following a late diagnosis of our daughter Sara, we have had nothing but great support.
Through Shine and our own research, we have become a lot more aware of Neural Tube Defects and how they affect people with the conditions and their families. We have met many other families through social days out with Ser Bach. We have also had the opportunity to speak with other parents to share experiences.
At every opportunity, we "bang the drum" for Folic Acid awareness and we have since been contacted by people who took on board our Folic Acid advice as part of their pregnancy planning. We also have a good relationship with our local MP Jessica Morden who has campaigned regularly to lobby the Government to fortify flour which has been a great success.
Many of the Shine Team have become not just a helping hand and an avenue for advice but they have also become friends.
Volunteering and helping Shine is very fulfilling and is our way of saying "Thank You" for the support Shine provides. Shine as a charity isn't possibly as well known as some other national charities so we take every opportunity to raise awareness.”
If you would like to find out if there are any volunteering opportunities in your area for Shine please call 01733 555988 or email firstcontact@shinecharity.org.uk