A “Wee Powerhouse”: Mollie’s Summit Award Story

Mollie Rowles, 25, was recently presented with the Saltire Summit Award, the highest level of Scotland's national awards for young volunteers, recognising her contribution to Compassionate Inverclyde. Over the years, Mollie has given more than 1,000 hours of her time to volunteering, building, friendships, and supporting people across her community with a ready smile.

Where it all started

Mollie began volunteering just after the pandemic, after having spent much of the time shielding which had limited the opportunities she had to get out and get involved. After the pandemic, Mollie and her family began attending Compassionate Inverclyde’s Tuesday Friendship Hub, where one of the volunteers encouraged her to get involved.

"So I just started doing it weekly, and I've been here ever since," says Mollie.

That was about five years ago. Since then, Mollie has also helped with Compassionate Inverclyde's Back Home Bags at Inverclyde Royal Hospital. This isn’t all Mollie does either. She also volunteers two days a week at St Patrick's Primary School, where her mum works and she used to volunteer at Barnardo’s.

Mollie’s experience with Barnardo’s also shows how volunteering has opened up new opportunities for her. She first became involved with Barnardo’s through a group she attended as a teenager. When the group came to an end when she was 19, she was invited to stay involved as a volunteer. Later, when a relief position became available, staff encouraged her to apply. With support from her family, Mollie applied and got the job. She now works there every Tuesday afternoon, supporting children with additional support needs.

The range of activities Mollie has been involved is just another example of her willingness to help – you can even catch her dressed as an elf at Compassionate Inverclyde’s Christmas events!

The value of volunteering

Ask Mollie what she enjoys most about volunteering and she doesn’t hesitate:

“The people that I work with that make it!”

Her mum, Tricia, and aunt, Sharon, have seen the difference volunteering has made too. They say Mollie has “built great friendships”, developed her communication skills and found volunteering “good for her mental health as well”.

For Mollie, volunteering has also helped build her confidence. Asked whether she feels more confident now, her answer is simple:

“Yeah, definitely.”

Recognition for Mollie’s contribution

Mollie was nominated for her Summit Award by Compassionate Inverclyde, who had great things to say:

“Mollie's dedication and commitment to Compassionate Inverclyde is reflected in the response she gets from the attendees at the Hub on a Tuesday and from the Back Home Bag team. Her personality and ready smile are often commented upon!”

Mollie’s family are just as proud which was made clear by her Mum and Aunt:

“She's done absolutely amazing. She's just a wee powerhouse."

We’d like to congratulate Mollie on receiving her Summit Award and, importantly, on the contribution she continues to make through volunteering.

Get involved

Asked if she would recommend volunteering, Mollie replied that she would “definitely!” recommend it.

And her advice to anyone thinking about giving it a go?

“They should try it.”

If Mollie’s story has encouraged you to think about volunteering, visit Volunteer Inverclyde to explore current opportunities and find out how you can make a difference in your local community.

If you’re under 25, you can also register for the Saltire Awards and have your volunteering recognised.