Lisa Burns, 34
Senior Youth Development Officer

'I have worked for St John Ambulance for five and a half years and primarily work with the five to 10 year olds looking after their programme, competitions and awards.

I am also involved in the organising and running of our Buckingham Palace receptions of which we have two a year. Last year we joined forces with MENCAP and we are in the process of delivering an inclusion course for our leaders, which will enable a greater number of young people to access our organisation.

Although I have had no formal training in youth work I have always worked with young people. I have volunteered with both St John Ambulance and with The Sea Cadets. Learning my skills first hand with direct youth work has been invaluable.

I started working for St John Ambulance in an administration capacity, being given the opportunity as time progressed to take on more responsibilities within the team. Working closely with each Development Officer meant that I had a good understanding of everyone's job, and when the position of Senior Youth Development Officer came up I was lucky enough to get the job and I have not looked back since.

The best aspects of my job are working with young people and seeing them develop and achieve their dreams. Working with our volunteers can be very rewarding, it takes someone very special to give up their time for free. We try and make this process as smooth as possible.

We recently held a Young Achievers reception, we hold one every year and the young people who attend are inspirational. They may have saved a life, battled an illness or are a young carer. Watching a group of young people meet HRH The Princess Royal for the first time and have their very own picnic in Buckingham Palace is something you don't see everyday. It certainly makes the sore feet at the end of the day worthwhile.

St John Ambulance is so much more than just first aid; you get to make a difference in the lives of young people. Our strap line really sums it up well and was developed by our young people, why not join St John and help Inspire – Involve – Achieve .