This Volunteers’ Week, we would like to say a huge thank you to all of our incredible volunteers.
From coaches and team managers to committee members, officials, poolside helpers, and everyone who works tirelessly behind the scenes, your dedication makes everything we do possible. Your commitment, enthusiasm, and support create opportunities for swimmers of all ages and abilities to enjoy, develop, and succeed in our sport.
Volunteers are at the heart of our sport. We are truly grateful for the countless hours you give to support our athletes, members, and families. Your efforts make a lasting difference, and we simply couldn’t do it without you.
Throughout the week, we’ll be shining a spotlight on some of our fantastic volunteers, giving them the opportunity to share their volunteering journeys, experiences, and what inspires them to give their time. We hope their stories will celebrate the impact volunteers have within our club and encourage others to get involved and discover the rewards of volunteering.
If you feel inspired to get involved and make a difference, please contact your club. They will be extremely grateful for your support, and there are many rewarding opportunities to help, whatever time or experience you can offer
Thank you for everything you do. Happy Volunteers’ Week!
Our first volunteer is Mena Reddington the Hertfordshire County Welfare Officer.
Harpenden Swimming Club is a small, friendly Hertfordshire-based club that my daughter joined a couple of years ago. At the time, we didn’t know anyone at the club and had very little understanding of competitive swimming. Swimming was simply something she loved to do. Through the club, that enjoyment quickly developed into a real passion for the sport and a love of competition.
When the Welfare Officer role became available, I chose to volunteer for two main reasons. Firstly, I wanted to get to know the other parents and swimmers within the club community. Secondly, safeguarding is something I feel very strongly about, particularly in today’s world where social media plays such a significant role in young people’s lives.
Being a Welfare Officer has been both challenging and rewarding. Dealing with safeguarding concerns is never easy, but it does make you think differently about situations and responsibilities. The role has also helped me approach situations with my own child in a more informed way and has given me valuable knowledge that I can use to help educate her about safeguarding — recognising warning signs, understanding boundaries, and knowing how to respond if something makes her uncomfortable.
I find the role incredibly rewarding because it allows me to give something back to the club and community that has given so much to my daughter. I hope that by being approachable to both parents and swimmers, I have earned their trust and confidence to come to me when they need support. At the same time, I have never felt alone in the role, as both our Regional Welfare Officer and the Swim England safeguarding team have consistently provided guidance and support whenever needed.