The role of the Youth Volunteering Development Worker is to assist young people to get into volunteering positions as well as highlighting the benefits of volunteering. This work is within schools, colleges and universities and in the community.
The age range of young people being involved is from age 12 to age 25
Getting involved in volunteering can fit in with studying, help give experience in an area of work that you have considered and help gain new skills. It is about finding the right role for you, your experiences, likes and dislikes. All of the volunteering opportunities we look at will allow you a taster session so you can choose if it’s just right for you, or not.
Volunteering as a student can really benefit your studies, you are getting real life experiences of working alongside others in areas of work that you may not have been involved in before. And a chance to work with people of all ages and backgrounds in a huge variety of roles.
Colleges and universities recognise volunteering and is a good addition to any CV, and a talking point at interview. DVVA can also provide you with additional awards for your volunteering commitments, such as the Saltire Award which is nationally recognised.
To safeguard a volunteer organisation must assess their opportunity to make sure that it would be suitable for a young person. Organisation workers must provide emotional support to a young volunteer, if need be, and monitor the young person while they are volunteering to make sure they are getting a good experience.
There will be a Youth Volunteering Network in which youth involving organisations can attend meetings and share good practice and look at ways to support each other. The network will act as a platform for organisations who are looking to start having youth volunteers as well.
If you need any information or just want a chat about youth volunteering please email volunteer@dvva.scot or contact Zach on 07376 31146.