V for victory for award winner Jo!
Jo Mayes
AN inspirational volunteer worker has won an award for her hard work and contribution to community life.
Volunteer football coach and youth worker Jo Mayes, of Biggleswade has been given a VInspired regional award.
Jo, 20, has also been put forward to the national finals of the awards, which recognise the time committed, skills developed and help given by young volunteers.
She was chosen from hundreds of youngsters aged from 16 to 25 who were considered for the accolade.
Aragon Housing Association tenant Jo, who has fought back after a deep trauma left her with depression and self-harming issues, now uses her experiences to help other young people battle their demons.
She has dedicated the last four years and almost 5,000 hours to volunteering.
Her work has included coaching several football teams and helping to counsel other young people about depression.
She also works with Aragon’s Friday night sessions, Girlzone, part of the organisation’s youth programme.
Jo said: “I love what I do. I have recently set up my own project Mind the Gap in which I want to help young people who experience mental health issues and set up a support group.
“There’s a huge gap in knowledge about depression.
“I really would like to encourage young people to get involved in volunteering.”
Jo will attend the national finals of VInspired in March where she has been picked from a final shortlist of just three young people.
V, the national young volunteers service is an independent charity dedicated to helping young people volunteer in ways that matter to them.
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Weather for Biggleswade
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
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Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
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