Worcestershire's young volunteers collect
awards
12 young people from across Worcestershire,
who have given up their free time to help others, have been
rewarded for their outstanding volunteering contributions at a
special graduation ceremony this week.
The volunteers, aged between 16-25 took part in the
vtalent Worcestershire scheme, which is run by
v, the national volunteers service, were among the
first ever to receive the prestigious Prime Minister's Award for
National Civic Service. The innovative new programme involves young
people contributing approximately 30 hours per week for 44 weeks.
The volunteers undertook a range of placements from nurseries,
children and youth centres to youth crime prevention and substance
misuse teams.
Isabel Vanderheeren, Worcestershire
County Council's Youth Support Operational Manager, said:
"We're really proud of our volunteers. There's often bad
stereotyping of young people but this is a fantastic example of
young people making a real difference to young people."
Many of the volunteers were not in education,
employment or training prior to starting the programme alongside
others from all walks of life, including young parents, care
leavers and graduates. The volunteering experienced and the gaining
of an accredited qualification has provided a significant milestone
for the volunteers and allowed many to progress to further training
or employment.
For more information about the local
volunteers and the scheme, contact Isabel Vanderheeren on 01905
765980 or ivanderheeren@worcestershire.gov.uk.
And for more information about
v, contact Jane Eggleton, PR Manager at jane.eggleton@vinspired or
0207 960 710.