This week is #VolunteersWeek, and to celebrate, we’ve been posting a variety of things across our social media channels, but this is a special thank you message from our tutors to our current volunteers. You’ve all been stars and we couldn’t manage without you!

Thank you to all of our volunteers from everyone at Media Savvy!

Here are some special individual thank yous from our tutors to volunteers…

Ray has volunteered with me since he completed the Level 1 in May 2014 in South Tyneside. He is consistent, loyal and contributes so much to each session; supporting learners both technically and socially. He has a unique sense of humour that although sometimes close to the bone, makes sessions fly and everyone leave with a smile on their faces. Often going above and beyond Ray has agreed to speak for us on a number of occasions, and even had a spot on the radio singing our praises! How’s that for being an important member of our team!”
– Lisa

Anthony was a volunteer on our last Level 1 Health and Well-being course held at Bilton Hall. Anthony really made a positive contribution to the group, interacted well will all learners and assisted with their learning as and when needed. Anthony is well liked by everyone in the group and he has a natural ability to make learners feel as ease. Thank you for your help Anthony!!”
– Mel 
Pete has been with us for a number of years volunteering in Sunderland since completing the Level 1 in December 2014. He has great IT skills and not only supports leaners but me too when the techy stuff gets a bit much! Pete has also been a Digital Champion for Sunderland Local Authority as well as furthering his education in qualifications including a Certificate in Education and Training among others.”
– Lisa
Lesley provided me with a massive amount of assistance as I was finding my feet as a tutor. She has such an enthusiastic approach to helping others and has been instrumental in engaging service users from all backgrounds in an inclusive, welcoming way. Lesley will always have my gratitude and as a former learner is a shining example of what we hope to achieve on every course.”
– Haythem
Lesley, after being on a short course with us Lesley began volunteering with us in South Tyneside with massive enthusiasm, kindness, ferocity and loyalty for the sometimes vulnerable learners she has supported. She has completed the Level 1 and Level 2 Digital Arts and Media IT User Skills courses she has used her skills in creative writing to enhance her pieces.”
– Lisa
Paula has great patience with learners and always works to help them settle into their environment, which can at times be daunting. From her first course with us at the Barnes Community Cafe to completing both digital and fitness provisions she’s grown so much and is valued as a loyal member of the team. Paula is the queen of the cigarette break! She even embeds this into the group rules! (Shhh!)”
– Lisa
Suvad is one of the most technically gifted learners I have ever had the pleasure of working with and he has used these skills effectively to provide wonderful peer support on a variety of topics and across several courses. Suvad is currently completing his Level 4 in Education and Training and is already a massive asset to Media Savvy.”
– Haythem
“What a great guy Suvad is! So thoughtful and considerate and selfless with his time and the learners. He has incredible patience and will work to support individuals to overcome technical difficulties – well, to be honest, not just them, me too when it gets too technical. He’s also an agent for his cat @Moogles on Instagram, who has more followers than me! Haha!”
– Lisa
Mark has been with Media Savvy since September 2014 when he began the Level 1. He has engaged with Media Savvy on social media and kept in contact with the staff and continued with the other courses we provide. Most recently he has supported a friend on a 1-2-1 basis on a course helping him get there and with paperwork and some IT skills. Mark has great loyalty to Media Savvy, a great guy to have our back!”
– Lisa
And a message to volunteers overall from Lisa…
Over the years we have had quite a few volunteers come and go. I always find it incredibly selfless what they do for the learners in the sessions, donating their days to help people increase skills, confidence – whether in IT or by being in a group, as well as gain a qualification. We all, staff and learners alike, owe a massive debt of gratitude to each and everyone who has supported our groups, without them they’d be stuck with just me! So, a massive thank you to each everyone who has ever donated time to us here at Media Savvy.