YOUNG PEOPLE ENCOURAGED TO VOLUNTEER ACROSS THE ISLAND DURING SUMMER

As schools break up across the Isle of Wight for the summer, many young people will be looking at ways to fill their time.

With results from the government commissioned Community Life Survey indicating that 29% of 16 to 24 year olds took part in formal volunteering, and 25% in informal volunteering, activities between 2021 and 2022, a high number of young people may choose to spend summer making a positive difference to their local areas.

There are a multitude of benefits that this type of involvement can offer, such as developing valuable life skills, providing first-hand experiences that can help shape future career aspirations, encouraging a sense of social consciousness, and seeing what a positive difference actions can make to the lives of others.

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Ansvar, the expert insurer for the charity, faith, and not-for-profit sectors, recognises the transformative power that volunteering can have on young individuals, and is urging charities and organisations across the Island to actively encourage young people to give their time.

Martyn Fletcher, Deputy Managing Director at Ansvar, said:

“Volunteering during the summer break can be incredibly rewarding for young people, fostering empathy, social skills, and a sense of responsibility. It also allows individuals to make a meaningful impact on their communities and gain a deeper understanding of social issues.”

“By offering young volunteers the chance to actively contribute to their communities, charities and organisations can enrich the lives of young volunteers and help to nurture a generation of compassionate and engaged citizens.”

Martyn concluded:

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“At Ansvar, we believe in the power of volunteering and the positive impact it can have on young individuals. It’s crucial to strike a balance between encouraging young people to participate in volunteering and ensuring their safety.”

“By taking appropriate precautions and implementing effective risk management strategies, organisations across the Isle of Wight can create a safe and enriching environment for young people to actively engage in volunteering activities.”