New Youth Volunteer Development Manager joins the team

Hello everybody, well a new year and a new face here at Solent Youth Action.

My name is Rob Whittington and I have just taken on the role of Youth Volunteer Development Manager for the Hampshire team based at our super smart new offices here in Eastleigh.

I will be looking after the Vinvolved team in Hampshire outside the Portsmouth and Southampton centres, I will also be looking after our Vinvolved Projects and the many projects running out of The Hilt in Chandlers Ford.

Well who am I, aged 32 married and living in North Baddesley, I've spent most of my 15 year professional career in the Motor Industry working with the likes of Mercedes Benz, Jaguar and Land Rover, so why am I now working in the voluntary sector?

Well, alongside this career I have spent over ten years working as a volunteer with the Scout Movement, working both as a Leader and in other roles such as skills instructor and PR manager. Both the above have given me invaluable skills in team management and leadership which I am looking forward to bring to the role.

I have a love for the outdoors and kicked things off this week with a trip to the Staunton Country Park to see our youth led project there and my first taster Day with a team of young volunteers cutting clearing and burning at Winnal Moor in Winchester, working alongside the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. I have scratches and aches everywhere but had a fantastic day and you can read more about the day here.

I am looking forward to signing up more and more opportunities for the young volunteers of Hampshire to get involved in so if you think of anything you want to do or just want to get in touch then drop me a line.