Congratulations to Stacey and Hayley for achieving their 200hr Millennium Volunteer Awards.

Here they are pictured with Joan from Paraclete Church (far left) and Flik, the Youth Volunteer Advisor (middle right)

Can your organisation encourage more young people to volunteer? Funding is now available - Scroll down for more info on Gwirvol Grants...

Do you ever feel frustrated that your opinions aren't taken seriously? Are you unsure which direction you'd like to pursue for a career, or are you worried that when it comes to it, you won't have the experience you need?

Then now is the time to act!

Whether you need to gain experience, or you'd just like to try something new, volunteering could be just what you're looking for.

You could spend the summer in the sunshine of the Gower, dry stone walling, hedge laying or building wildlife habitats; or helping younger children in a local youth club – whatever it is that you're interested in, volunteering is a chance to get involved in a fun free activity that benefits you, your family and your friends.

To find out more about Youth Volunteering please visit www.GwirVol.org

To browse hundreds of volunteering opportunities in Swansea, visit the Volunteering Wales website by clicking here (www.volunteering-wales.net/index.html).

Are you aged between 16 and 25? As a volunteer you could gain formal recognition through the Millennium Volunteers Scheme. Find out more by clicking here (http://www.volunteeringandcitizenship/volunteering/youthvolunteering/16to25/millenniumvolunteers.html)

Would you like to include young volunteers in your organisation?

Involving young volunteers requires attention to safety, other practicalities and finding suitable enjoyable volunteer roles.

Contact us if your organisation wants

• to develop one off, occasional or regular volunteering options to young people either as individuals or in groups
• an informal chat about any of these issues
• one to one support from SCVS Youth Volunteering Development Officer
• details of the Swansea Volunteering Forum for you to access more best practice information

Do you need any support in attracting, supporting or retaining young volunteers?

Are you interested in accrediting young volunteers?

Are you interested in recognising young people's achievements?

Contact Flik Walls - felicitie_walls@scvs.org.uk / 01792 544030

working to support and develop volunteering opportunities for 16-25, providing administration support the Swansea Volunteering Forum

GwirVol grants 2011-2012

GwirVol is pleased to announce the launch of the 2011-2012 youth volunteering grants.

The aim of the GwirVol Youth Volunteering Grants scheme is to support the delivery of a wide range of new volunteering opportunities in Wales and overseas that will support the step change in access to volunteering for young people aged 16-25 and especially for disadvantaged young people. The GwirVol grant scheme offers five different strands of funding.

• Creating Opportunities: For organisations looking to create new youth volunteering projects, new youth volunteering roles or to recruit more young people into existing volunteering roles. Creating Opportunities grant applications can be for up to a maximum amount of £10,000.

• Promotions: For organisations looking to promote the benefits or challenge the perceptions of volunteering to young people or about young people to their local communities. Shout it out! grant applications can be for up to a maximum amount of £3,000.

• StreetGames: For organisations looking to develop volunteering opportunities in doorstep sports within deprived areas. StreetGames grant applications can be for up to a maximum amount of £2,000.

• International: For organisations looking to develop overseas volunteering opportunities that benefit young people and their communities in Wales as well. International grant applications can be for up to a maximum amount of £30,000.

• Millennium Volunteers: For organisations looking to recognise the commitment young people give to volunteering through offering the 200 hour award of excellence. Millennium Volunteers grant applications can be for up to a maximum amount of £10,000.

The deadline for this round of applications is 23rd November 2011.

If you require support in putting together an application and you have any questions in reagrds to youth volunteering please contact your local Youth Volunteer Advisor, Flik on 01792 544030 or felicitie_walls@scvs.org.uk.