WARRINGTON has been chosen as one of 33 councils to pilot a new Government volunteering scheme, aimed at young people not currently in education of training.
The multi million £ scheme aims to help tackle youth unemployment and will target the 16-25 age group.
Run by v, the youth volunteering organisation – www.vinspired.com – it has the backing of Minister for the Third Sector Kevin Brennan.
The scheme is part of the Government’s New Opportunities White Paper which sets out a strategy to improve social mobility.
The £10.5 million volunteering programme, called vTalent Year, starts in March and will be piloted with 33 local authorities, including Warrington, offering 44 week long placements in the children’s services team.
It should give 1,000 young people the opportunity to directly influence and enhance public sector services and gain skills to improve their employability. At least 40 per cent of the places have been pledged to be given to young people who are not in employment, education or training.
Kevin Brennan, said: “Volunteers are the lifeblood of the third sector and this innovative new scheme will get more young people out into communities, playing a vital role in important public service areas and building cohesion.
“By giving their time and their skills, these young volunteers are investing in their futures, gaining workplace experience, networking, building confidence and developing new skills. In the challenging times ahead I hope to see more innovative schemes like this one.” The high quality, structured placements in areas such as nursery education, play and youth work will last 44 weeks, lead to a minimum of a level 2 qualification and offer personal development grants of up to £1,500 for young volunteers upon completion of the programme.
Terry Ryall, v’s chief executive, said: “This unique full time volunteering scheme will draw out the hidden talents of more than 1,000 of our young people that might otherwise go undiscovered. It will give them the chance to develop skills, confidence and experience to gain access to work while also bringing their energy and enthusiasm to the public sector.”
WARRINGTON has been chosen as one of 33 councils to pilot a new
Government volunteering scheme, aimed at young people not currently in
education of training.
A chance for young volunteers
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
