Tom Paterson reaches 100 hours of volunteering
Tom Paterson, 26 years-old, has lived in Wilmslow all his life and is now giving his time to enable people of all ages to get active and stay active! Tom started volunteering with Everybody Sport and Recreation as he wanted to gain some much needed experience in the health & leisure industry and to boost his confidence as he wanted to pursue a career within the sector.
Tom Paterson at Wilmslow Leisure Centre
Tom went to Macclesfield College in 2014 where he achieved his Level 2 in Fitness Instruction, with this qualification Tom then went on to Trafford college to achieve his Level 3 in Personal Training and Pre & Post Natal Exercise Programming in 2016.
Having achieved those qualifications Tom set up his own personal training business, getting business cards and flyers printed, but struggled to get it off the ground due to a lack in confidence and not having any experience of working within the fitness industry.
Tom applied to the Princess Trust 12-Week personal development programme, where he was found a 2-week work experience placement with Everybody Sport & Recreation at Wilmslow Leisure Centre.
Tom Said: “Volunteering with Everybody has been life-changing for me as not only has it given me the confidence and experience to go out and get a job, but it is also great fun and I have made new friends in the process.”
Tom enjoyed his time at the site so much that when he finished he applied to be a volunteer with Everybody in February 2017 and has continued to support a variety of programmes, including Walking Football, Holiday Programmes & the Swim Scheme.
Wilmslow Walking Football Team
Also in February Tom applied for a job as a Wellness & Fitness Advisor with a local leisure provider and was successful in gaining part-time work, and his first gym job. Tom said that this was greatly helped by the confidence & experience he gained through volunteering with Everybody.
Tom added, “I’m always learning and growing in confidence which I had greatly lacked in the past. I didn’t have the opportunity to learn to swim until I was a teenager so to support the Everybody Swim Scheme and help give young children the chance to learn this life saving skill is incredibly rewarding. I would highly recommend volunteering with Everybody Leisure if you want a career in the fitness industry, improve self-confidence, have fun and meet new people you otherwise wouldn’t have.”
Tom is now looking to do his Level 1 Swim Teaching Award with the support of the Everybody Academy & Volunteer Programme and has achieved a fantastic 100 hours!
If you are interested in volunteering with Everybody Sport & Recreation then please visit everybody.org.uk/volunteering or email [email protected]
Volunteering opportunities are also advertised on our Jobs and Opportunities website
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Notes to Editor
Everybody Sport & Recreation – Everybody is a charitable trust established to run public leisure services in the Cheshire East area. The trust aims to provide ‘leisure for life’ by changing lives through healthy recreation. The charity operates 15 leisure facilities as well as leisure development and outreach programmes and the new Everybody Academy, providing local training and career opportunities. For more information please visit: www.everybody.org.uk or follow on Twitter @ebleisure