Young People

Do you want to volunteer but don't know what you can get involved with? Have a look at the stories of other young volunteers 14-19 for some ideas. If you are interested in Youth Volunteering, then contact Flik Walls on 01792 544030 and get more information about what opportunities are available.

Have you got a really good idea for a community volunteering project? Swansea Youth Action Network and Swansea Youth Bank could help. Follow the links!

Swansea Youth Bank Grant Givers (volunteeringandcitizenship/volunteering/youthvolunteering/swanseayouthbank/grantgivers.html)

Swansea Youth Action Network (volunteeringandcitizenship/volunteering/youthvolunteering/swanseayouthactionnetwork.html)

(The image above is of Young People undertaking volunteering within the curriculum visiting the Liberty Stadium and meeting some of the Swans to celebrate Volunteers Week 2009)

Organisations

Can you extend volunteering opportunities to those under 16?

Young people under 16 years of age can and do make a responsible and active contribution to society through volunteering and community involvement. They already participate in the organisation and development of voluntary and community activity, sometimes in partnership with adults, sometimes not. Many schools and youth groups are looking for opportunities for young volunteers. The participation and involvement of young people under 16 in volunteer-involving organisations and in shared decision making, can bring benefits to them and to community life. Voluntary organisations can make a huge impact on building the skills of young people.

Some things to think about - does your organisation

• have insurance for volunteers under 16? Check with your insurers and if necessary, request the age is lowered.
• have a robust child protection policy? Young people under 16 require protection during their volunteering.
• CRB check staff / volunteers working with young volunteers?Staff or volunteers with unsupervised contact with young volunteers under 18 will require enhanced criminal records bureau checks. Young volunteers under 16 should not require CRB checks as they should not be unsupervised in roles with vulnerable groups
• Assess risk, health & safety and suitability of task for young volunteers? By having the correct policies and consideration, young people will be safe and happy

A Guide for Involving Young people in Voluntary Activity can be downloaded from the right hand side. This guide was funded by the Swansea 14 – 19 Network and provides more information about developing the capacity of your organisation to safely attract, involve and retain young volunteers.

If you have any queries regarding Youth Volunteering, please contact Flik Walls at SCVS on 01792 544030, or email her on felicitie_walls@scvs.org.uk