Volunteering for the RISE initiative in Bradford was an experience that left me feeling inspired and fulfilled. With the support of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), I worked with TONG Leadership Academy to mentor and support students from all backgrounds as they worked towards their career goals.

I even had the pleasure of working with freelance actor and drama teacher Lee Otway who lead the session.

The RISE initiative focuses on creating opportunities for students who may not otherwise have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. Through a series of mentoring sessions and workshops, we were able to offer guidance and advice to help students in their career paths.

One of the most satisfying parts of my experience was seeing the enthusiasm and passion of the students at TONG Leadership Academy. They were eager to learn and engage in the activities we had planned for them, and it was clear that they were excited about their futures.

This was my second experience volunteering with RISE, during which, I have had the opportunity to work with students from a variety of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. This has helped me to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges that students face as they strive to achieve their goals. It has also taught me the importance of providing supportive and inclusive environments where everyone has the chance to succeed.

Overall, volunteering with RISE is an enriching and rewarding experience. It is a privilege to be able to make a positive impact on the lives of these students by offering them the guidance and support they need to pursue their dreams. I would highly recommend volunteering with RISE to anyone who is passionate about helping young people achieve their full potential.