Date: 29/3/2012
Region: National
Young benefit from volunteering
Record numbers of unemployed people are taking the plunge into
the world of charity work and community projects in exchange for
valuable skills. A large percentage of these are under
thirty.
Abbeyfield welcomes this news as it is very keen to forge
relationships with younger people and is currently in the process
of trying to attract them to volunteer for Abbeyfield. They
have developed a menu of roles and new volunteering
initiatives which has increased enquiries from this group..
Kate Edwards, Young Volunteer Coordinator for Abbeyfield says: "
The experience that people gain through volunteering, can definitely stand
them in good stead when applying for paid positions or even highly
sought after university places."
We find that this demographic, generally tend to overlook our
charity when they consider volunteering , which is a real shame as
our residents really do benefit from the exposure to different age
groups and enjoy their company. We have also found that the
younger people that do choose to volunteer for us find the
exchange they share with older people really rewarding too.
Abbeyfield Week, held betweeen 9th -
16th June is an opportunity for our houses and homes to open their
doors to the local community. Once again the theme will be an
inter-generational Skills Swap - a chance for local schools,
colleges asnd youbng volunteers to interact with our residents and
swap skills from modern technology knoweldge to knitting, baking
cakes to playing traditional games. Last year, residents
enjoyed the experience hugely and the young people who came
in to participate also found it incredibly rewarding.
The proof is in the pudding
Kate said "Volunteering for a charity is a win win for all
parties, most importantly, it helps charities such as Abbeyfield,
who don't have access to the big budgets or mass
support enjoyed by other larger charities.
- it's a brilliant way to upskill
- It conveys a lot of positive qualities that employers and
universities look for in candidates
- It is a great way for young volunteers to obtain a
reference
She continued: "Whether the free time is due to unemployment or
a gap year is irrelevant, young people should seek any
opportunity that helps to put them ahead and if a
charity such as Abbeyfield can benefit in the process then that's
even better.
Abbeyfield has had three people that
volunteered with them at national office for six months
or less, that have since found employment; one of which
secured a position with the charity. By giving time freely,
it means you're first in line when a position does become available
and the cherry on top is, that in the process you might well
find it rewarding to give something back to society like many
others who volunteer."