Celebrating the power of volunteering with ArthEsy

As we celebrate Volunteers Week, it feels like the perfect time to reflect on one of the most rewarding experiences I've had - mentoring the Junior Achievement team ArthEsy, who were crowned Company of the Year at the Junior Achievement Isle of Man Company Programme back in March. 

When I first volunteered last year, I had no idea it would lead me here and that they would achieve so much! Alongside the top prize, the team also won the Innovation in Business Award, recognising their unique approach to arthritis solutions, plus one of the team was individually recognised with the Team Player award for his outstanding contribution. These awards were a testament not only to their creativity and determination but also to the power of guidance, teamwork and a shared purpose - and isn't that what volunteering is all about?

From idea to impact 

The journey began last September with a simple yet powerful concept of developing assistive products that make life easier for people with arthritis. Inspired by a team member Oli's grandmother who struggles with everyday tasks due to her arthritis, the team set out to create affordable, accessible tools that could offer real-world support. 

They came to our first meeting with a hand-drawn diagram and a mission to help people like Oli's grandma. Fast forward to today and their two products - the EsyCutter and the EsyFueler - are doing exactly that. The EsyCutter is an implement that sits on top of kitchen knives and is designed to help people with limited hand mobility to cut their good more easily, while the EsyFueler aims to reduce the prolonged hand strain required while refuelling the car.

Through months of development, prototyping and research, the team brought their concept to life with remarkable commitment and dedication. Of course there were challenges, from manufacturing refinements and market positioning to balancing their time with other commitments, but they never gave up on their goal. Each time, they kept their mission in mind and demonstrated resilience and ingenuity to ensure their products continued to meet the needs of the target audience.

Seeing them evolve from a group of individuals with a rough idea sketched on a piece of paper to a polished, professional business team - pitching with confidence, engaging with the public and judges, and producing real products - has been really inspiring. And I'm not ashamed to admit I shed a tear when they went up on stage to collect their Student Company of the Year award, knowing the journey they went on to achieve it.

The value of volunteering 

As a first-time mentor, stepping into this role was both exciting and slightly daunting. Coming from a background of marketing and languages, what did I know about product development? But from the very beginning, the experience has been very rewarding. Volunteering with Junior Achievement gave me the opportunity to support a team of bright, motivated students and play a small part in their growth - not just as young entrepreneurs, but as confident, capable individuals. 

Mentoring isn't about having all the answers. If anything, it's better that you don't so that they can learn for themselves. Instead, it's about creating an environment for young people to discover their strengths, navigate challenges, and build something they believe in. All you have to do is listen, guide, and do your best to empower them to lead - and watch with pride as they rise to every occasion. Of course there will be times when things don't go to plan, but that's all part of the journey!

Personally, I've gained so much through this process. It's developed my coaching, leadership and communication skills in ways I hadn't anticipated. It reinforced the importance of patience, adaptability and encouragement, and I found great satisfaction in seeing the team take ownership of their ideas and flourish in their roles. Most importantly, it reminded me of the impact that a little time and support can have on someone's confidence and direction. 

Looking back - and forward

Two months on from their win, the momentum hasn't slowed. ArthEsy is now preparing to represent the Isle of Man at the Junior Achievement Gen-E Festival in Athens, where they will compete on an international stage among the brightest young minds in business. This will be a fantastic opportunity for them to showcase their company and products in front of over 40 other companies from around Europe, network with other young entrepreneurs, and gain further insights into the world of business and innovation.

Arthritis is a global health challenge, affecting millions of people across Europe and beyond. With no known cure, those living with the condition must rely on lifestyle adaptations and assistive tools like ArthEsy's to manage daily tasks and maintain independence. That’s why it’s so important that the ArthEsy team is now preparing to present their solutions on a European stage.

Representing the Isle of Man at Gen-E gives them the opportunity to not only showcase their innovative products, but to raise awareness of the daily realities of arthritis and the need for accessible, affordable support tools. Their mission of enabling easy living has relevance far beyond our local community, and this next step is about starting conversations, sharing ideas, and creating impact across borders.

With just under a month to go, the excitement is palpable. They continue to plan, refine and adapt - all while managing their schoolwork, mock exams and university applications. Their resilience and commitment is inspiring, and I have every confidence that they will do the Isle of Man proud. 

Why volunteer?

Volunteering as a mentor is so much more than giving up your time. It's an opportunity to learn, connect, and make a genuine difference in the lives of young people. It's incredibly rewarding to watch them grow and to grow alongside them. 

To Guy, Isaac, Oli, Jacob and Shenton: thank you for letting me be part of your journey! You've already achieved something remarkable and I'm certain this is just the beginning. 

For anyone considering volunteering with Junior Achievement, I cannot recommend it enough. You don't need to be an expert - just be willing to listen, support, and encourage. Because the impact, as I've seen first-hand, can be extraordinary. 

Here's to ArthEsy's continued success and to the power of volunteering. Athens, here we come!

To find out more about the value of mentoring for both the mentor and the mentee, check out our blog on Empowering the Future through Mentoring