Include Youth awarded 'Investing in Volunteers' accreditation

The UK-wide accreditation, managed by Volunteer Now in Northern Ireland, is awarded to organisations that demonstrate best practice in relation to working with and investing in volunteers.

Young people involved with Include Youth's Give & Take Scheme have the opportunity to receive additional weekly support from a personal volunteer mentor recruited from the local community. The mentoring relationship focuses on the personal and career development of a young person, addressing key issues such as independence, coping and employability skills.

Niall Blee, Personal Development Worker in the western area, said:

"We are delighted to have been accredited with the Investing in Volunteers standard and want to thank everyone involved in the process.

"Our volunteers are very often the only consistent adult in the lives of the young people we work with; so their contribution is invaluable. They bring new ideas and skills to our organisation and are an integral part of what we do.

"We hope to continue developing how we work with and support our volunteers, so they have the best opportunities possible and a positive experience throughout."

The Give and Take Scheme's mentoring work is supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) and Big Lottery NI. Anyone can apply to volunteer with Include Youth however due to the nature and sensitivity of the work there is no guarantee that everyone is then offered a volunteer mentor opportunity. If you are interested in becoming a mentor contact Kate Moffett, Practice Manager at Include Youth, on katem@includeyouth.org or call 028 9031 1007 for more information.

ENDS

Media Enquiries: For more information contact Sharon Whittaker, Communications Officer at Include Youth, on sharon@includeyouth.org or 028 9031 1007.

Notes to editors:

• Include Youth's Give and Take Scheme provides employability support to vulnerable or disadvantaged young people across Northern Ireland;
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