Fiona Maycock was announced as the St John Millennium Volunteer of the Year at this year’s Annual Awards held in Cardiff’s City Hall on Sunday 7th October 2007. This prestigious event was attended by Edwina Hart, Minister of Health and Social Services and Roy Noble, TV and Radio broadcaster for the BBC. Fiona received her award in recognition of her time and commitment in setting up the Bangor LINKS branch of St. John Ambulance. The links project is aimed at involving students in the Order of St. John, promoting First Aid and assisting at events in the community.

Millennium Volunteers spoke to Fiona after the ceremony to find out more about her volunteering and achievements.

Fiona, how does it feel to receive this award?

1) I am very proud to have received this award. It is fantastic to be recognised for the effort I have put into the formation of the unit but also my general commitment to St. John Cymru Wales. I am very honoured to be the first person to receive this award.

Tell us about your project?

2) I am trying to set up a student division of St. John Cymru Wales. The name given to all the university units of the brigade is LINKS with the aim of linking young people with the adult division as well as giving a link for those new to the organisation to experience and become a part of the UK's leading first aid voluntary organisation. When I arrived in Bangor, I was very disappointed to find that there was no student division, coming from St. John at home, I was keen to continue my membership with the organisation. Working with the youth sections a lot at home, I know how important it is to encourage personal development in many areas, not just first aid. I believe that St. John is able to offer many programs which allow young people to build on past experience and continue to develop, however few adult divisions within the organisation are aware of these and so fail to give their younger members the proper support they require. This explains why the 16-25 year group is the hardest to recruit into the organisation. With the establishment of LINKS units, these young people (as well as any other student) can meet with others and enjoy the benefits of being a part of a group whilst at university, as well as learn essential life skills that St. John offer.

How long have you been involved with St. John?

3) I have been a member of St. John Cymru Wales for almost a year. However, with both my parents being members of St. John in the Priory of England and the Islands since before I was born, I have really grown up with the organisation. I became a member of the local Badger Sett at the age of 6(Badgers now range from 5-10 years), and progressed to the Cadet Division on my 10th birthday (Cadets range from 10-18 years), when my official membership started.

What does being a volunteer mean to you?

4) Being a volunteer is incredibly important to me, I feel that I am able to give something back to the communities that I live in. But also, volunteering gives skills and experiences which have helped me through school, university and my social life.

How have you been able to use what you have learnt in your every day life?

5) I think the most important thing I have learnt from St. John is the ability to be self-confident. Working with the Cadets and Badgers gives me the ability to interact better with people my own age. I love being able to help them experience the things I have enjoyed during my St. John career and find that they really benefit from residential weekends. These are the places where personal development is almost instant and most rewarding for the adult helpers. However, my ability to cope in situations and knowing that I can help a person who needs first aid is really important to me and I owe that to my time in St. John.