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New project to boost youth volunteering
The new vinvolved team for Wigan and Leigh
is here!
The team, part of Wigan and Leigh CVS, will provide local people aged
16-25 with exciting volunteering opportunities which can improve their
personal development and give them the chance to give something back to
their local community.
Catherine Akehurst the Youth Volunteering Development Manager for the
new Wigan and Leigh vinvolved team has worked in the voluntary sector
for a number of years, beginning as a volunteer herself for Barnardo’s.
Catherine said: “Young people have lots to offer as volunteers and I am
looking forward to finding out what young people want from volunteering
and helping to develop good quality volunteering opportunities for them
to get involved in.”
Francesca Slattery, 22, the new Wigan and Leigh vinvolved Youth
Volunteer Advisor, has come into the post fresh out of university and is
ready to get stuck into her role working directly with young people. She
was herself involved in the Millennium Volunteers Award scheme during
sixth form that has now been replaced by v.
Francesca said: “My voluntary experience was highly beneficial as it
gave me good organisational skills and confidence. It was my first
taster working with young people which significantly influenced my
career-path choices and led ultimately to me becoming the Youth
Volunteer Advisor for this project. I also know that it greatly enhanced
my university application.”
Francesca added: “Even though my studies were not focused on youth work,
I’ve always had an interest in working with young people. I feel
passionately about giving them a voice and have always been amazed at
the huge contribution they can make to their communities. I’m convinced
that volunteering is the best way to give young people the greatest
opportunities, not only to develop personally but to contribute to and
benefit the wider community.”
The vinvolved team will establish a local network of innovative and high
quality voluntary opportunities across all sectors. The team will
recruit young volunteers and make sure they are given opportunities that
suit their passions, interests and attributes.
Catherine added: “We want more organisations to open their doors to
young volunteers and to help young people find the volunteering
opportunities they want. We want anyone who’s interested in any way to
contact us and we will help you in every way we can.”
The vinvolved team is part of the v, ‘national youth volunteering
charity.’
Terry Ryall, v’s Chief Executive, says: “v is delighted to be able to
fund this innovative and youth-led project, which will enable young
people to get positively involved in Wigan and Leigh. Young people are
at the heart of this new programme which aims to put them at the centre
of our communities. Instead of seeing them as a problem to be fixed, we
are giving them the chance to become a positive force for change.”
-ends-
For more information contact Angela Kirk, Young People’s Press
Officer for the Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust,
on 01942 828923 or e-mail
A.Kirk@wlct.org
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