Volunteer story: Hiraeth Yn Y Môr
Hiraeth Yn Y Môr (HYYM) is a community-led project in North-East Wales, working to connect local people with the sea. We hear from Natalie, who volunteered with the project, about what inspired her to join, and how the experience helped her to grow personally and professionally.
I first heard about HYYM from my job coach, who advised me to get involved due to my background in conservation. Initially, I was reluctant; I had low confidence, low self-esteem, and was coping with mental health issues. After some persuasion, I arranged to attend the One Ocean Forum: a meeting where members of the community are invited to shape the project.
I was so nervous before attending, but the Marine Conservation Society staff soon put me at ease, making me feel welcomed and even excited to take part and become a One Ocean Forum member. This boosted my confidence and made me want to increase my involvement with the HYYM project.
I began attending more One Ocean Forums and HYYM events, and volunteered to help at the HYYM stall at Prestatyn Carnival in July 2023 alongside Ffion, the HYYM Project Lead at the time, and another forum member. As a local community member, I felt it was important to highlight a local conservation project with community at its heart so more local people could benefit from it. It also enabled me to use my background in Zoology and Conservation to share knowledge about marine conservation with others.
As a result of the confidence I’d gained during my time with HYYM, I secured a summer job at Chester Zoo as a Zoo Ranger. I continued attending HYYM events and One Ocean Forums and when I saw a HYYM Project Support placement advertised, I leapt at the opportunity. I felt privileged to be given the opportunity work on a local conservation community project and was excited to help make a difference in my own community.
An Amgueddfa Cymru Event at Rhyl Library
During my placement, I got involved in a range of events and made plenty of great memories. Some of my favourite moments were taking part in ocean yoga, creating environmental art with local artist Tim Pugh, sand sculpting, learning about and presenting on marine conservation careers, and attending the Ocean Film Festival. I also had the opportunity to lead on the planning and delivery of an eco-Christmas crafts public event, which was a fun challenge that pushed me out of my comfort zone. I learned the logistics of public event planning, working independently on promotional design of event, asking for support when needed, and seizing opportunities to network with local organisations.
Being part of the HYYM project as a volunteer and then as staff member has been invaluable.
Being part of the Marine Conservation Society felt amazing. I really enjoyed working with passionate, like-minded people who are dedicated to helping the community and environment. The experience has built my confidence, knowledge, and skills, as well as stirring up my enthusiasm for community projects (I now volunteer in a local community garden).
I hope everyone gets a chance to get involved with a local community project they’re passionate about. It’s a fantastic opportunity to gain skills, knowledge and awareness, along with helping the community and the environment.
