At Southend YMCA, we believe in the power of young people to make a difference in their communities. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on one of our outstanding young leaders, Sean Blyth, whose remarkable transformation and unwavering dedication have earned him the Bronze Award at the Citizen of Southend Awards. Sean is not just a key figure in Southend's vibrant volunteer scene; he embodies the spirit of community service.
A Helping Hand in Music
Sean has gone above and beyond in his role, working alongside our All In Music managers, Tom and Davey. He plays a crucial part in their quarterly music events, "Teenage Kicks," and the annual festival, "The Huge Hangout," which promotes good mental health and well-being through music.
Always eager to lend a hand, Sean is typically the first to volunteer for any task. Whether it's packing down musical equipment, loading cars, setting up stages, or assisting with sound checks, Sean does it all with enthusiasm and commitment. After performing or supporting others at these events, he stays to help pack everything up again, ensuring that all equipment returns safely to the studio.
Due to his frequent and dedicated volunteering, Sean was recognised as an official Young Music Leader in 2023. This title reflects not just his contributions, but his commitment to supporting every event.
Beyond Music: A Shout Out for Community Service
We would also like to take this opportunity to give Sean an extra “Shout Out!” for his extensive volunteer work across our community and the City of Southend. His passion for helping others truly inspires us.
Sean is an integral part of the Just Ride team at Garon Park, where he assists participants of all ages and abilities in their cycling sessions, providing a safe and fun environment. His commitment to making activities inclusive and enjoyable is commendable.
For over two years, Sean has also volunteered at two Shared Space charity shops located in Southchurch and Westcliff. He helps with everything a charity needs, from sales to organisation, and has even gone the extra mile by setting up their eBay account to boost online sales.
Sean’s generosity doesn’t stop there. He volunteers at a food bank in the heart of Southend, where he helps with food donations, loading lorries, organising shelves, and transporting donations from schools to the food bank. Excitingly, Sean is also exploring opportunities to help at a new food bank set to open soon in Southend.
Making Connections and Creating Joy
Recently, Sean has been assisting at Indi Rock in Southend Victoria, where he helps with general maintenance, cleaning, and the cafeteria. Given our close relationship with Sean and his brother, Ciaran, we can only imagine the fun they have rock climbing once their work is done!
In addition to all these activities, Sean reaches out to the homeless and vulnerable individuals on the streets of Southend alongside his good friend Dave. Their efforts to provide food and companionship to those in need highlight Sean's compassionate nature.
As you can see, Sean goes out of his way to connect with people from all walks of life in our community. His dedication, kindness, and passion for making a difference truly set him apart.
At Southend YMCA, we are incredibly proud of Sean and the positive impact he has on our community. Thank you, Sean, for your outstanding contributions and for inspiring us all!
Keep shining and transforming lives, one act of kindness at a time. 💙
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