YOUTH VOLUNTEERING CELEBRATION EVENT:
Young 16-25 year old volunteers from across Leicestershire & Rutland were celebrated on Friday 11th September 2009 at the first Annual Celebration evening of the vinvolved team for Leicestershire & Rutland, held at the ‘National Space Centre’ in Leicester .
The event recognised and celebrated the hard work and dedication of young volunteers who have given hundreds of hours to help in their local communities, including writing and publishing a magazine for other young people, supporting adults with learning difficulties to take part in a fashion project, and also planning a Christmas shoe box appeal.
The evening’s special guest speaker was Abbi Morrall, a real inspiration who after experiencing bullying herself at a young age set-up an anti-bullying website (www.abs-kids.co.uk), having since received many awards for her anti-bullying work. Abbi said: “I am very happy to attend the event to celebrate the commitment of local young people to such good causes”.
The achievements of local young people and how volunteering can improve their life choices has been particularly witnessed by Abby Heath, ‘Youth Volunteer Advisor’, having supported a group of young people to plan and lead their own project, following them writing a successful funding bid to fulfil their ambition to create and design a magazine which covers young peoples’ issues whilst promoting youth volunteering to their peers.
The evening was a big success, with volunteers having a fun evening of entertainment, food, live music, receiving certificates and trophies to recognise and celebrate their hard work and commitment; with work already underway planning next year’s event.
Through the ‘RARE’ Magazine Project, created by young people for young people by a group of vinvolved 'Youth Action Team' (YAT) volunteers, which was launched at the Celebration event, two young women who were not in employment, education or training who became involved have so improved their self-esteem and confidence through creative writing & project management skills gained through their participation in the project that they were both accepted into University & College.
Some Comments about the event:
· “It was a really good night and I really enjoyed myself.” – Shena, ‘Youth Action Team’ volunteer.
· “It was wicked! When can we do another one??!!!” – Myriam, ‘Youth Action Team’ volunteer.
· “You have both done a wicked job. We would never have had this opportunity without your help and support.” – Rochelle, ‘Youth Action Team’ volunteer.
· “Please pass on my thanks to all at your organisation for Friday. I had a really good night. Thank you.” – Jon.
· “Can we please have some of your young people to present at our awards event!?” – Ian Knott, ‘Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport’.
· “It was a great evening, you should be very proud!!!!” - Di Featherstone, Personal Advisor for ‘Connexions’, Melton.
· “The evening was a huge success all round” - Andrea Fiford, ‘Melton Youth Café’.
· “Venue was ‘fab’ and exceeded all needs and expectations…Ideal for age range…worked well having different rooms so people were not sat in one place all night…Young people/partners could sit and chat away from band/DJ if they wished”.
· “Abbi Morrall was an excellent guest speaker and inspirational role model to all our young people/volunteers”.
