Sally Hayward Social Reporter in Dursley

“I’ve always loved writing. I’ve written poetry since being quite young.

I even had some published by the United Press and my work was read out on Stroud FM. So as soon as I saw a poster in Dursley library about community reporting I was interested. I really liked the idea of sharing stories about what’s happening in the local area.

Mind you, it did take me a while to build the confidence to give it a go. I ummed and arrghed for a while. I had a long chat with Katie who helps the Social Reporting team and that made up my mind that I should give it a try. I haven’t looked back since.

Now I carry a reporter’s notebook wherever I go. There are stories everywhere just waiting to be told. Amongst other things, I have written about a family fun day in the library; the G11 Fete Day; and about number 15, a drop-in centre for people over 50.

I tend to write about two stories a week. At first I write them in long hand and then I add them to the You’re Welcome website. It’s great to see the comments they get back. I like showing people places they can go and brightening their day with some news.

One of the best things about being a Social Reporter is getting out and meeting people. It has helped my confidence grow. Now when I’m talking to people I look them in the eye rather than staring downwards, and my voice is clearer than it was. People know me because of the reporting and I love that.”