Aimee Fitzpatrick

Where do you volunteer?
Enniskillen Lipreading class, Erne Paddlers, Enniskillen Lakelanders, Enniskillen Parkrun.
What inspired you to get involved?
I enjoy swimming, kayaking and helping others to learn these sports, I meeting and talking to new
people. I also enjoy the craic that is had at the Lipreading class and Parkrun.
What does your volunteering involve?
In the Lakeladers I helped the coach to train the beginners group, and I helped them to learn
swimming strokes and technique. I helped at galas by organising groups and with the time-keeping. At
the Parkrun I help with time keeping and the giving out of chips. At the Lipreading class I male the tea,
chat to people during the tea break and clear away when finished. With Erne Paddlers I assist the
coaches with the inductions courses as well as on the rolling course, I demonstrate strokes and
rescues for the coaches and help people of different ages to learn strokes and techniques in the
swimming pool as well as on Lough Erne and white water in various areas.
What skills or qualities are required for your volunteering role?
I have to be able to communicate different instructions clearly and correctly and insure people
understand what they need to do an the instructions given. For kayaking I share the skills I have
gained through my 2 star kayaking and canoeing, 3 star canoeing and white water kayaking and
rolling course. I also have to be patient and friendly when teaching these skills as the all take time and
everyone learn differently. In Lipreading I have to be able to make a good pot of tea or I will be given
so stick by the class. LOL
What do you enjoy most about volunteering and what has been your highlight?
I enjoy being able to talk and help other people accomplish new skills. I enjoy being with lots of new
people and the craic is great in all the places I volunteer. I really enjoy it when someone learns a new
skill in kayaking and I have helped them achieve this.
Why would you encourage others to become a Millennium Volunteer and what advice would
you give them?
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people of all ages. I have also learned many new skills
through volunteering, I love volunteering and would encourage anyone to do it specially if it is in
something you enjoy doing yourself.