COLIN RENSHAW

When did you first volunteer for Manchester Pride?
2005

What type of volunteering have you done previously?
I worked on the opening & closing ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in 2002 as a props assistant and volunteer liaison to the stage management company. This year I’ve been involved in the Visa Paralympic World Cup as a marshal and assistant to the VIP guests; stewarding at the BUPA Great Manchester Run and in July I will be working at the Norwich Union European Athletics Trails.

Your best experience whilst volunteering for Manchester Pride?
This would have to be walking along with the Parade as a steward and soaking up the atmosphere of the crowds along the route cheering, blowing whistles, throwing streamers etc as the floats passed them by…great fun to be involved with.

How did you hear about Manchester Pride?
It isn’t really as case of ‘hearing’ about Manchester Pride its more that I look forward to the Pride Festival each year and know that Manchester Pride Ltd is responsible for organising it.

How has volunteering benefited your personal development?
By volunteering I get to meet people who I wouldn’t normally come across whilst socialising with family, friends and work colleagues, and given that they ‘outside’ of these usual circles I get to learn about their jobs and experiences of life. I also find that by volunteering at different events not only am I making new friends but I am satisfying my personal curiosity of how these events work behind the scenes.

How has volunteering benefited your professional development?
Like so many people who got involved with the Commonwealth Games back in 2002 I am now a member of the Manchester Events Volunteers organisation and as such every so often we are given the opportunity to attend professionally run training courses. I have attended various courses, including ones on Risk Assessment, Health & Safety and Communication Skills, which I have found to be useful in both my full time job and the various volunteering roles I’ve had. I am also currently working towards a Lantra recognised qualification in Volunteer Management which was again offered to me via MEV.

Would you recommend volunteering for Manchester Pride?
Quite simply – yes! Like I said above volunteering at any event gives you the chance to meet new people, make new friends and work on self improvement.

Best Pride moment?
Sorry to repeat myself but I would have to say the same as above…stewarding on The Parade last year, this gave me such a rush on so many levels.