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Over 300 Midlothian youngsters have been encouraged to get involved in doing volunteer work in the local community.
That's the result of an innovative year-long project organised by Volunteer Centre Midlothian and the Midlothian Community Safety Partnership, which brings together a range of agencies, including the council, with the aim of ensuring Midlothian is a safe place to live, work and visit.
Project organisers knew that while many young people wanted to get involved in volunteering, they often needed advice and support to do so. Over a twelve month period, they worked with young people in small groups. They offered practical advice on topics such as creating an impressive CV and preparing for the interview process. They also supported the young people in identifying which volunteering opportunities were most suitable for them.
Cllr Owen Thompson, Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety, said: - "It's really encouraging to see so many youngsters who want to do volunteer work in their local community. Not only does volunteer work directly benefit people in the community who need the help, it also looks highly impressive to future employers."
Feedback from the young people who took part in the project was very positive, with many saying how 'helpful and useful' it was. Our Community Safety Partnership is now looking to build on their success by working with the voluntary sector to create new opportunities for youngsters - particularly for those identified as needing an additional helping hand.
Further information about doing volunteer work in Midlothian is available from Volunteer Centre Midlothian's website at http://www.volunteermidlothian.org.uk/
