Connecting with Youths from Shared Struggles

The start of my journey

Before I came to C3, I studied psychology for my bachelor’s degree and worked in an accounting firm. Not as an accountant, but in a team delivering CSR activities and looking after the wellbeing of fellow employees.

When I was pursuing my Master of Counselling studies, I kept thinking about the social service sector. My heart was with the youths and I wanted to volunteer my time to make an impact in their lives. I found C3 while googling for youth volunteering opportunities.

This was back in 2021 and although COVID-19 restrictions eased, youth activities were not active yet. However, there was a vacancy as a GROW (Gain Reading Oral and Writing skills) volunteer teacher in C3. I accepted it instantly as I wanted to care for the community.

A typical session of GROW during Covid-19 period

Entering the Counselling world

Thanks to Eunice, the children’s programme manager, she introduced me to the counselling department when she found out I was studying for my Masters. It was then that I joined C3 as a counselling intern.

Tiernan with a fellow volunteers at a C3 event, where he was introduced to the Counselling team!

After that, a window of opportunity opened for me to work as a full-time staff. To me, that was the best option. Being able to help the youths in need through counselling was always an area I was passionate about, because of what I went through growing up.

I wanted to help and empower youths who experienced similar situations as I know how difficult it can be. Being a counsellor was a way to enable me to do what was in my heart for youths in need: to help youths cope better emotionally and care for their mental wellbeing.

To all who are thinking of joining C3 as volunteers or exploring full time work in the social service sector “What’s stopping you?”.

Even if now might not be the right time, as long as you have the heart to volunteer, there will be opportunities!