Voluntary Action Rotherham has launched a new campaign – Take a Chance on Me – to celebrate the achievements of young volunteers and encourage more voluntary and community sector groups to create roles specifically for young people.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas, stories were gathered from individuals who had volunteered in their younger years, reflecting on how these experiences shaped them and contributed to their personal and professional development.
One individual began their volunteering journey as a race marshal at Silverstone, which opened their eyes to the importance of voluntary groups and partnership working. In addition to a variety of community roles, they volunteered with Yorkshire Ambulance as a community first responder and later stood as a local councillor, motivated by a desire to give back to the local community and create further opportunities.
Another volunteer started by supporting families in a peer support role with a local charity. With the encouragement of the charity’s volunteer coordinators, they applied for a job in outreach work. When the opportunity arose to progress into a Volunteer Coordinator role, they took the chance: “I am in a job I love and try my best to give my volunteers the positive experience I had, in a supportive environment.”
A further story came from someone who began volunteering at 18 years old in a local charity shop. Learning every aspect of the role – including using the till, organising stock, and window dressing – helped them develop excellent customer service skills. They reflected: “Volunteering helped prepare me for the outside world and combat my anxieties. It gave me some good social time with others, and I feel it contributed to my community.”
Voluntary Action Rotherham also spoke to one of its VCSE members – Rotherham United Community Trust – which has worked with young volunteers for many years and takes pride in their development and training. One of their younger volunteers, who initially joined the Trust for a two-week work experience placement, shared: “That experience sparked my passion for working with young people, and I’ve been fortunate to volunteer on some amazing projects since, including the Ability Counts SEND camp at Parkgate Astro, supporting the Rotherham Parent Carer Forum, and running summer activities at Catcliffe Community Hall.”
It is hoped that this campaign will spark interest and encourage conversations. Any voluntary groups in Rotherham interested in creating roles for young people, or any young people looking to volunteer, are encouraged to contact Kerry, Volunteer and Group Support Manager, via email at kerry.mcgrath@varotherham.org.uk or by calling 07716 919416.