Michele : We hear all the time about ‘lazy’ teenagers, being given everything on a silver platter by their parents. How can this perception be changed? I know it’s simply not true.
I’m going to tell you a story. There was an old, elderly lady called Doris , living on her own. She was visited once a month by her child who was living far away. She had really no opportunities to meet anyone. She was so frail that sometimes the only opportunity she had to see someone was receiving her daily shop from the local delivery man. She was so lonely. She often waited for the phone to ring just to have some conversation.
Her life was changed by a local charity supporting those with loneliness. After being made aware of her situation, they were able to send volunteers twice a week to be a friendly face. One of these was a 16-year-old girl called Amy. She said she started to give her time as a way of just doing something nice for someone.
However, she also became just as inspired by Doris’s positivity and warmth. She said Doris had changed her life, as she realised what it truly meant to really contribute and help someone.
What can you do to help? You’re at a stage in life when you have all the potential and knowledge to make a difference. Supporting those in need is a crucial way of creating a strong local community. Why don’t you get involved? You never know, you could change your life too.