Young Peoples Project

The Young People's Project began its work in September 2003 with funding from Connexions. It aims to involve and engage young people within Greenwich into volunteering in their local Community. Our focus is on young people (between the ages of 16 and 19 years old) who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and young people up to the age of 25 who have additional support needs.

The project aims to:

1. Increase young people's awareness of the benefits of volunteering
2. Engage young people in a positive volunteering experience
3. Increase young people's self-confidence through volunteering, training and ongoing support
4. Assist young people to access education, employment and training opportunities

We carry out the following activities:

1. Develop volunteer opportunities for young people
2. Signpost to volunteer opportunities
3. Conduct outreach across the borough
4. Provide ongoing support and advocacy
5. Identify potential training, education & employment opportunities
6. Develop challenges and volunteer taster events
7. Work in partnership with other organisations

The project regularly recruits new volunteers and also works closely with those already involved to develop their skills and provide them with a flexible, relevant and attractive programme of volunteering opportunities, which suits their abilities and level of commitment. This can include long-term programmes or one-day 'tasters' or challenges. More and more young people have begun to get involved in the different volunteering initiatives we have run. We have an ever-expanding range of opportunities available for young people; young volunteers can get involved in anything from dog walking to mentoring.

One of the overall objectives of the project is to spark a sea change in the attitudes of young people towards volunteering. This is happening to some extent, as young people are beginning to see that becoming a volunteer benefits both the individual and their local community. Young volunteers develop skills and gain experience that will improve their employability as well as their personal development.

Importantly, the Young People's Project prides itself on working with young people and not just for them. We regularly consult with young people to keep our work tuned into their needs.

All in all, this is a project that's moving fast. We will continue developing new opportunities and involving more and more young people - making volunteering in Greenwich a thoroughly fresh, exciting and worthwhile experience.

To find out more please contact Volunteer Centre Greenwich on 020 8853 1331 or email ypp@volunteersgreenwich.co.uk

Funders