In February 2025, we welcomed Ava as a new Big Hearts volunteer. Every Friday she volunteers her time at our Neuro Stars project, which offers support to young people who have a neurodivergent diagnosis or are in the process of diagnosis, and their parents or carers.
Read Ava’s story and find out more about why she became a Big Hearts Volunteer:
“My name is Ava and I am a second-year student at Edinburgh Napier, studying Psychology and Sociology. I enjoy going to the gym, hanging out with friends and rugby. I want to eventually become a Child Psychologist, as my younger brother is neurodivergent, and I have previously worked in nurseries and a school. Becoming a Child Psychologist was further solidified through my volunteering at Neuro Stars and working with the staff and children.
I had the opportunity to volunteer at Neuro Stars through my volunteering and employability module at university. This experience has given me a deeper understanding of neurodivergent children, as I got to watch Big Hearts staff interact with each of the children who attend the group.
At Neuro Stars, I offered advice, when needed, and a listening ear to any children who may have been a little upset. Through this, I learned more about patience and dealing with different situations – all good experiences which I will take forward into my chosen career path.
From my volunteering, I have gained skills through watching the staff team and I learned key communication skills, behaviour management and good teamwork.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at Neuro Stars, as everyone was so lovely and welcoming and I feel that I fitted in well, I have learned a lot and thankful I got this opportunity.”
– June 2025
