Kate Martin volunteered as a coach for the Stand Up Southwark youth programme. She wanted to help others achieve more than she believed was possible for herself growing up. The training helped her shift her perspective and take control of limiting beliefs. As a volunteer coach, she was dedicated to supporting the young people through the intensive programme, though felt nervous about her abilities. Working with the team and seeing the progress of her coachee increased her confidence. The experience affirmed her belief in people's goodness and that she is good enough, while always striving to improve.

1. My Experience as a Volunteer Coach on the Stand Up Southwark Programme, Kate Martin
Well, we made it! There may have been times over the last six months when we wondered
whether we would. I was asked to say a few words today about what my experience as a
volunteer coach with Youth at Risk on the Stand Up Southwark project has meant to me.
Where to start?
My motives for applying to become a coach were mixed. I grew up in Penge in a loving, but
erratic home, where money was always in short supply. Although teachers and family
encouraged me to go to University, I had very modest ambitions for my life and even more
modest belief in my capability. My life has been a great adventure so far, better than I
could have ever imagined. I wanted to convey to someone like I was back then that
however modest your start, great achievements and happiness can be yours. I’ve enjoyed a
marriage with someone who has encouraged me to explore my talents and interests and
supported me through the difficulties and sadness that life inevitably brings.
The training alone changed my life. Not only have I found I can be on time, but I can
actually be early, much to my husband’s amazement. But seriously, the training enabled me
to shift my perspective and take control of the conversation I am about myself. It’s a
conversation that has not always been kind or friendly! The trainers, Cara, Steve, Tommy
and Kaljit were skilful and compassionate. They were able to unlock barriers inside me like
very few people could. The most powerful thing I have learned is to recognise the
‘journalist’s voice, which placed limits on what was possible in my relationships and
achievements before. Relationships which have been difficult in the past have now become
much more peaceful and there is no longer resentment, anger or guilt in them. Whilst I’ve
always been a very committed person, I have practised hard since the training, at being my
word and it isn’t easy. As Heron said – commitment is doing the thing you said you would,
even after the mood in which you said it has long passed. When enrolment began, I was
grateful for this advice.
Enrolment – enrolment was a baptism of fire! It was relentless, exhausting, exciting and
terrifying. I didn’t know Southwark very well, I was finding my way about and learning on
the job; I was excited by the terrific young people we were meeting, I was heartbroken by

2. some of the sad things that had happened in their lives; I was terrified I might not do the job
well enough to keep them on the programme. I was committed to doing everything
possible to support their willingness to seize this great opportunity.
Our enrolment leader, Kaljit, was inspiring. I was in awe of his refusal to accept limits to
what could be done to enrol the young adults and the support he gave the team; each time I
accepted that a young person had drifted away, he spurred me on. ‘Give yourself
permission Kate!’ I think it is a testament to his tenacity that we ended up with some
fantastic Young Adults on the project. This is what has become known by the young people
as ‘the Kaljit Effect’. My fellow enrolment team volunteers were so full of commitment and
love, not only for the Young People, but each other too. We supported each other and were
supported.
It was good preparation for the five day intensive!!
Each day we were on tenterhooks waiting to see if each young person would arrive. Endless
calls to switched off phones, diving out to meet people who were lost, stifled cheers of
excitement and hushed ‘high fives’ from the enrolment team as another young person lived
up to their commitment to the project and made it to their seat. The courage and trust
shown by our young people that week was very moving to watch. The shift between
Monday and Friday seemed seismic. I remember the excitement and terror of being
matched with my one to one coachee – up popped the ‘journalist’ – are you the best person
for her? Will you be good enough (she certainly deserves the best), can you support her to
make the changes she wants? At times I have listened to that voice and questioned my
ability or suitability, but the support of my team leader, fellow coaches and trainers has
been good, so thank you for that. Furthermore, she has made great progress of which I am
very proud. The ongoing training has also enabled me to keep the ‘conversation’ volume
turned down and bring my focus back, always, to the role of the coach. Dionne’s follow-up
training sessions have enabled me to continue to look at my relationships and what I choose
for myself in life. Her clarity, passion, humanity and sense of fun have meant I relished our
monthly sessions.

3. It has been a privilege to work on this project with our young people (note my
possessiveness), who have been willing to take risks, pushed themselves out of their
comfort zones and who have made great strides to put changes in place for their future.
Thank you to them for seeing the opportunity and showing the commitment to follow new
possibilities. We have laughed and cried. A LOT! I am full of hope for you all.
It has been amazing to work alongside the volunteers and staff on the project; in all my
working life, I have never worked somewhere where people are so willing to offer care, love
and appreciation of one's efforts. Thank you for sharing your time, talents and passion so
readily.
So, to go back to the question, what has my experience volunteering for Youth at Risk
meant to me? It has attested to my confidence in the goodness of 99% of people. To be
surrounded by so many people who will not accept less than their best effort has been life-
changing and I thank you all for that. My experience has meant I can accept that I AM
GOOD ENOUGH…..But I can always be better.
I would like to leave you with a poem;
I wish you enough.
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.
I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final goodbye.
But of course you know - I wish you much more than enough…
©C.L.Martin 16.5.14