Volunteer charity ProjectScotland is marking its first decade by celebrating those who have completed its programme
ProjectScotland, the charity which helps young people find volunteering opportunities, is marking its 10th birthday this year by celebrating the achievements of those who have completed its programme.
#WeAre10 will share the stories of some of the over 5,000 volunteers who have given more than three million hours to nearly 550 charities and not-for-profit organisations over the past decade.
The celebrations were recently launched at an event at Falkland Palace where a few of the organisation’s previous volunteers got together with current volunteers to reminisce about their time with ProjectScotland and discuss where it has taken them.
Minister for youth and women’s employment Annabelle Ewing attended the celebrations and spoke with the volunteers whose lives have been transformed through their experience.
She said: “I would like to congratulate ProjectScotland on their achievements over the last 10 years.
There is still much to be done particularly in tackling underemployment of talented young people in low paid work
“ProjectScotland plays a key role helping to improve the prospects and aspirations of young people across Scotland, recognising the importance of developing young people and that it is not just the right thing to do, it is the smart thing to do.”
To coincide with the launch of ProjectScotland’s 10th anniversary, the charity also launched its Beyond Volunteering report which looks at the “life-long impact of its work”.
It shows that 78% of ProjectScotland volunteers, who are all aged 16-30, go on to employment, education, or training within six months, and 93% of volunteers said the experience had an impact on their long-term career and life choices.
Just over two thirds of volunteers feel like volunteering provided them with more opportunities, they also felt their confidence improved through the experience and would recommend ProjectScotland to their friends.
Paul Reddish, chief executive of Project Scotland, said: “At ProjectScotland we aim to help give young people structure, experience and the confidence to find work that matches their aspirations, talent and skills.
“The results of the last 10 years prove we are making great strides supporting young people into brighter futures and we are extremely proud of our work to date.
“Scotland has led the way in the UK, with a supportive government that has youth employment right at the forefront of its priorities and policies, but there is still much to be done particularly in tackling underemployment of talented young people in low paid work and supporting those furthest from the job market.
“For our 10th birthday we’re taking time to reflect and celebrate and also very much looking to the future and the work that still needs done.”
To further the celebrations throughout 2015 and to help show the true impact volunteering has, Project Scotland is looking for more stories from former volunteers and charities who have taken part in the programme.
Contact Amy Gunn, marketing and communications manager, on [email protected].
