Young people in Bradford who helped their peers are celebrating completing a volunteering scheme with a special graduation ball.
The group, aged 18 to 25, took part in full-time voluntary placements within Bradford Council's Services to Children and Young People, including youth work, early years and play projects.
Some also spent time supporting looked after children and those with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as helping to organise a Dance Off showcase of young people's talents and general youth club support.
They also took part in an Introduction to Youth Work training course to work with the Council's Integrated Youth Support's teams on arts, outdoor adventure and play.
The scheme is part of the national two-year Vtalent pilot which has also been taken on by 32 other local authorities.
The 15 young people, the first group in Bradford to complete the scheme, will be sharing their experiences at a celebration at the Dubrovnik Hotel, Oak Avenue, Manningham, on Thursday, 18 February, from 6.30pm, where they will also be presented with awards.
Coun Michael Kelly, the Council's Executive Member for Services to Children and Young People, said: "The programme has been a wonderful way for these young people to make a difference and it has also given them the opportunity to learn new skills, gain training and a qualification - all of which could help them gain future employment.
"The project also supports the district's b someone campaign as it supports young people in fulfilling their potential and developing their skills.
"Well done to everyone who took part and I'm sure it was a memorable and worthwhile experience for them all."
Nola O'Neill, the Council's Young People's Volunteering Officer for the Vtalent scheme, said: "All but one of the volunteers was previously NEET - Not in Education, Employment or Training - and they have all taken part in a huge personal journey as Vtalent volunteers.
"The graduation will give people the chance to hear about their journeys, the impact it has had on them, and what they plan to do next with their new skills and confidence."
The placements were at least 30 hours a week over 44 weeks and included a Level Two National Vocational Qualification for each participant.
The next group has now been taken on and they will start their initial training in March.
Bradford Council was last year awarded £250,000 to recruit 30 16 to 25-year-olds over a two-year period.
Officer/Contact
Nola O'Neill
Young People's Volunteering Officer
Telephone: 01274 431783
Media Relations Officer
Carolyne Coyle
Telephone: 01274 432400
Fax: 01274 432005
Email: press.communications@bradford.gov.uk
Date: 12.02.10
