A COVENTRY volunteer has received a regional award in recognition of his outstanding support for vulnerable young people.
Nimesh ‘Nim’ Chauhan has been named the Midlands and South West recipient of the Marsh Trust Award for Volunteering for the countless hours he has given as an independent visitor for children’s charity Barnado’s.
The 28-year-old has been volunteering for the charity since November 2013, acting as a positive role model for children in care and supporting youngsters.
One young man Nimesh visits – playing football and tennis with him – described the volunteer as a ‘best friend’ who listens and makes him feel special.
Another said: “The visits have been awesome.”
Nimesh was nominated by Barnardo’s Project Worker Leanne Hughes of the Coventry and Warwickshire Children’s Rights Service.
Leanne said Nim uses sport to help give the young people he visits the confidence to play with their school teams.
She added: “Nim not only visits each month, he also takes the time and effort to ring them both, especially if they are having tricky times or have something special going on.
“He’s had a huge positive impact on both of these young men. He is so caring, conscientious and reliable and is a joy to have as one of our volunteers.”
Speaking about his award, Nim said he just wanted to give something back to his community and help young people fulfill their potentials.
He said: “I thoroughly enjoy my visits, watching them grow up and develop into young adults.
“Winning the award was a real shock but I hope that it helps to attract more volunteers as the service really does change a young person’s life for the better.”
Visit www.barnardos.org.uk/volunteering to find out more about volunteering opportunities at Barnardo’s.
Alternatively email [email protected] or call 02476 372596 for information on becoming an independent visitor for the charity.
