Young Persons Volunteer Programme

A team from Age UK Plymouth visited Plymstock School last week to officially launch their Young Persons Volunteering Programme at an assembly for the school’s sixth formers.

Students were talked through the services and activities that Age UK Plymouth provides over 50s in the city of Plymouth and enjoyed finding out more about the unique 80 year history of the charity. For a young person looking at entering the workplace or applying for a university place adding volunteering experience to a CV or personal statement is invaluable; demonstrating proactivity, empathy and an ability to work as part of a team. Volunteering also provides an opportunity to learn, develop and showcase skills, improve confidence and equip young people with knowledge and experience.

A trail of the programme has been a huge success with a 100% retention rate of volunteers choosing to stay with the charity after their 6 weeks of volunteering. 18 year old Caitlin began volunteering with Age UK Plymouth whilst still studying at Plymstock and after completing her A-Levels was recruited by the charity as a Support Worker at the Dementia Day Centre. “During my time as a volunteer I was able to improve my confidence as I was an extremely shy person,” said Caitlin. “I developed a new sense of responsibility because I wanted to ensure that clients were able to enjoy their day. The Day Centre contains an incredible group of staff members and volunteers who are all kind-hearted individuals. We all share the same morals and passion surrounding dementia awareness and advocating for vulnerable people, which means that we all work together amazingly and are able to better support clients.”

Tara Dale, Head of Fundraising has spear-headed the campaign, citing it as a great opportunity for young people, “The value of volunteering shouldn’t be underestimated! Volunteering is fun and so rewarding, to be helping others and see the benefit of your support is an invaluable experience for anyone. Young people will develop and gain practical and transferable skills such as, working as part of a team, communication, self-motivation, organisation, time management and initiative; to enter the workplace or apply for further education with these skills already under your belt is a huge advantage for a 16 or 17 year old.”

Like many charities Age UK Plymouth relies on volunteers to help offer vital services in the local community. There are a wide range of volunteering opportunities available with the organisation as CEO David Wood explains; “Age UK Plymouth are committed to making our city a community where people Love Later Life. As the need for our services grow, so does the need for volunteers. People may be surprised by how many different ways there are to give their time and skills. In our day centres our clients enjoy listening to live music, we hold events throughout the year that need to be marshalled or photographed, volunteers support our catering and admin teams, the list is as varied as it is long!”

The majority of opportunities within the 6 week placement will be at Age UK Plymouth’ Dementia Day Centre, just a few hundred yards from Plymstock School, but as volunteers come forward their hobbies, skills and interests are all taken into account and it is hoped that volunteers from the programme will be introduced throughout the organisation from supporting Walking Football to helping in the Fundraising Team.

“We are delighted to be working with Age UK Plymouth to give some of our students the opportunity to volunteer within the local community and for such a good cause,” said Miss Monelle, Head of Sixth Form at Plymstock School. “It is another way that our students can show the compassion and goodwill that so many of them have, their willingness to help others always astonishes us during such a busy time in their studies. We are looking forward seeing the students develop and grow during their time in the programme and hearing of the positive skills they learn and experiences gained during their time working with Age UK Plymouth. We have already had a great response to the programme and we are hoping this can be a link with the local community for many years to come.”