Free time & Volunteering

The Isle of Wight Council was successful in an application for a £1,000 research grant from the Young Research Network.

What was the focus of the research?

The programme was designed essentially to explore young people’s involvement in developing council services for children and young people and involved research led by young people, supported by professionals to explore the following research question;

‘What social activities are available on the Isle of Wight for teenagers with a learning disability or difficulty?’

The young people and their research will hopefully inform the proposals to reorganise the youth service so that it is more accessible and supports more social activities that are available on the Isle of Wight for teenagers with a learning disability or difficulty.

Who carried out this research?

The core groups of students working on this project were based at St Georges School and all 16yrs and over. It was managed as part of the curriculum and will hopefully contribute to work carried out as part of the ASDAN Award in Personal and Social Development. The lead teacher at St Georges, Shirley Brown worked alongside Katy Edmunds, project coordinator (Youth Connexions) to ensure that the views of other young people on the Isle of Wight are shared.

Barnardo’s has launched a volunteering DVD to encourage more young people to volunteer.

The National Trust has many opportunities for volunteering. Search their database for local volunteering opportunities including Young Heritage Leaders (YHL) - a leadership training programme run by the National Trust in partnership with the Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC). Through planning, managing and leading outdoor conservation projects it offers participants the opportunity to develop team leadership skills.

The Jubilee Sailing Trust is offering the opportunity for 16-25 year olds under the Leadership @ Sea initiative to develop leadership and integration skills. Read their information sheet to learn more.

VSO is a leading International Development Charity that works through volunteers to tackle poverty. They have two exciting youth programmes for people aged 18-25. For more information visit the VSO website.

Fancy volunteering abroad? There’s so many exciting opportunities – check out World Wide Volunteering for your options.

Other sources of info are volunteer bureaus. These are volunteer ‘job shops’. Call Volunteering England on 0845 305 6979 for details of your local bureau.

Councils for Voluntary Service can offer help and advice on finding volunteering opportunities. Visit the National Association of Councils for Voluntary Service for details of your nearest centre.

London's successful Olympic bid includes a Young Ambassadors' programme to train young people from some of the country's most deprived areas, providing them with the skills and confidence to serve as volunteers at the games. Over 70,000 volunteers will be required to help run the games. Visit Timebank for more information.

It’s up to you. You could help at a one-off event, or for a few hours a week, a month or for a longer project. It’s your choice!

The skills you will need will depend on the volunteering opportunity.

Your time and commitment for the cause will be greatly appreciated. You may receive payment for your expenses and you may also be offered training.

Yes, there are a variety of organisations which have placements abroad. Careful planning is needed as it can take a few months to arrange a placement abroad and you may have to raise the money to go.

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