Help others and yourself says ESCC

The County Council has been awarded a 280,000 grant by the youth volunteering organisation 'v' to launch a new volunteering programme.

The scheme will lead to a professionally recognised qualification and offers a wide range of training opportunities and support.

So, if you are 16 to 25 years old you could be using your skills to volunteer within the County Council's Children's Services department in the areas of youth work, nursery and play work, supporting looked after children, and children with special educational needs in classrooms.

Older volunteers could also help in youth offending services, substance misuse work and education welfare services.

The nationwide programme will share out 10.5m to 33 successful local authorities across the country, including East Sussex.

The County Council will recruit 30 volunteers over the next two years. In the first year 30 per cent the volunteers will be young people who are not employed or in any form of education. In the second year this will rise to 50 per cent.

Cllr Keith Glazier, East Sussex County Council's Lead Member for Children's and Adults' Services, said: "With so much negative press surrounding young people it is a delight and a pleasure to support dedicated young people willing to give up their time to help the community they live in.

"I would urge as many young people as possible to take up this opportunity and help make a difference to other young people and families."

Under the programme volunteers will be eligible for expenses of up to 100 a week to cover things like travel and food. There will be an in-depth residential induction run by 'v' to make sure volunteers are fully prepared for their placement.

On top of this all volunteers will have access to a personal development grant of up to 1,500 to support them in the progression of their chosen career and would pay for further training, workshops or even interview clothes.

The initiative is full time, at least 30 hours a week over 44 weeks, and includes a level two National Vocational Qualification, which will be fully funded by the project. With this experience and an accredited qualification under their belt, the young volunteers will be well-placed to progress into paid employment and a career working with children and young people.

If you are interested in taking up this opportunity to have fun, earn a qualification and help others then contact Caroline Bragg, Apprenticeships and Youth Opportunities Officer for the County Council, on 01323 463533.