Volunteering Matters https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk For our community Wed, 27 Mar 2024 10:29:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.3 A Tribute to Richard Taylor OBE https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/a-tribute-to-richard-taylor-obe/ Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:05:53 +0000 https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/?p=16997 George Fielding, Policy and Public Affairs Officer at Volunteering Matters, pays tribute to Richard Taylor OBE, founder of the Damilola Taylor Trust and true inspiration. Our sincerest condolences to Richard’s family and friends.

On Friday night, we lost an incredible guide within youth work and community development, but comfort and warmth lies in the fact that he was resolute in his message and purpose until the end, and that will live on through The Hope Collective: Richard Taylor, in memory and devotion to his beautiful son Damilola (with whom he is now reunited), dedicated every day to healing the division, dislocation  and trauma that poverty and social injustice causes.  

A skilled civil servant, Richard found himself in the service of a calling through lived experience none of us can comprehend. He had a contagious smile that could light up any room and always welcomed old and new friends with arms and hands outstretched. He embodied humility, courage, kindness, and faith, which were the pillars of his character that helped him bring about positive change. Focussed firmly on the future but fuelled by family, faith and his forefathers, Richard wanted to build a bridge from tragedy to trust, fracture to fullness, greed to graciousness. During the Hope Hack event on 10th December at The Mountview Theatre and Cinema, Richard said to me, “The people of Peckham have always embraced this old life Nigerian” as the participants left the auditorium. I returned to the same spot on a Saturday to see children dancing, creating hopscotch out of crayon, and painting a mural, which was a testament to Richard’s vision of building a better community. 

He deserved that moment on the stage, the sense of pride and contentment, as he did every tribute I’ve seen and read since!  

Richard embodied humility, courage, kindness, and faith, which were the pillars of his character that helped him bring about positive change.

I will never forget Richard’s words and company. The word ’embrace’ perfectly sums up his character, whether used as a noun, verb, or instruction. He always reminded us of the importance of unity and holding space for ourselves and others to achieve our collective dreams. We are all different but interdependent; we need love, connection, conciliation, and solidarity to move forward. With a vision that aligns closely with our organisational mission and values, Richard was close to the solutions to some of society’s most complex problems. We continue to send our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. 

Richard Taylor OBE joined on stage by his daughter, Florence, addressing The Hope Hack in Peckham, December 2023

On 26th April Volunteering Matters is hosting The Hope Collective at Portland Road. The event aims to bring together Ipswich’s young people and changemakers to create a template to make their hometown stronger. On 7th December, which is this year’s Day of Hope, the Reimagined Manifesto will be launched. Young people will lead this initiative with support from #iwill and many others. The manifesto will contain stories, policies, and solutions created at events that Damilola and Richard have inspired. 

Richard can rest, whilst we remember all he achieved and remain key partners in The Hope Collective. But for now: all I can think of say is to repeat the only words I mustered in his Richard’s presence late last year: “An honour, my friend. God bless”  

George Fielding

George can be contacted at George.Fielding@volunteeringmatters.org.uk.

If you would like to get in touch with us, please click here and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

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A Welcome from Amanda Naylor OBE https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/a-welcome-from-amanda-naylor-obe/ Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:49:43 +0000 https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/?p=16992 It is with immense pleasure that I reach out to you as the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Volunteering Matters. I am thrilled to be joining Volunteering Matters, a charity with a long history of making a difference in many local communities across the UK. 

It is clear that the vital work being completed by Volunteering Matters is needed more than ever during what are challenging times for many of our communities, providing a connection, voice, levelling up of opportunity and purpose for many. 

I am driven by a deep passion for social justice and the role volunteering can play in creating lasting change and meaningful outcomes in communities. I was previously the CEO of Manchester Youth Zone, an organisation with a commitment to platforming young voices and creating safe spaces for young people to be themselves and reach their full potential. Before becoming CEO at Manchester Youth Zone, I also held senior positions at Barnardo’s and Victim Support. 

As we navigate these challenging times in the UK, I wanted to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your unwavering dedication as a volunteer. Your selfless contributions make a significant impact, and we truly appreciate the time and effort you invest in supporting our communities. 

We understand that these times can be tough, and we want you to know that your well-being is important to us. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions, thoughts, or concerns. Your voice matters, and we are here to support you just as you support others. Thank you for being an integral part of our team and for making a difference in the lives of those we serve.

I am genuinely excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities that await us. Together, I am confident that we will achieve remarkable milestones and create a positive and lasting impact. 

An image of Amanda in a white blazer and green top sitting in front of a white background
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Our impact in 2023 https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/our-impact-in-2023/ Fri, 12 Jan 2024 12:05:15 +0000 https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/?page_id=16864

At Volunteering Matters we believe that communities have the power, knowledge and energy to improve themselves from within and that we are most effective when we work with people, not on their behalf – and we achieve this with local partners.

  • 8,652 people volunteered and made a difference in their community.
  • 18,360 people were supported by volunteers.

Volunteering and undertaking social action within 156 projects across England, Scotland and Wales.

  • In England 1,497 volunteers supported 9,318 people
  • In Scotland 3,347 volunteers supported 1,766 people
  • In Wales 321 volunteers supported 2,119 people

Download the Annual Impact Report 2023

Young people sitting on a bench inside posing for the camera

A closer look at our projects

Our Grandmentors Programme ran in 15 locations enabling older volunteers to use their life experience and skills to provide emotional and practical support to young people transitioning from the care system to independent living. With 302 volunteers involved, 249 care experienced young people were supported.

Amongst the care experienced people on the programme, 62% became independent or stable in terms of their own wellbeing. An increase from 37% at the beginning of their mentoring experience. Volunteers also benefitted from being in the programme, 62% agreed they felt more connected to their local community as a mentor.

Statistics on the impact of the Grandmentors project including that 84% agreed that they were making a difference as a mentor, 84% that they felt they were having a positive impact and 62% that they felt more connected to their local community

 

Our Family Mentors/Family Supporters Programme in Southend, Greenwich and Waltham Forest helped families involved with social services to set and reach their own goals and as part of this, empowering the family to be self-sufficient and de-escalated from their child protection plans. 189 volunteers supported 750 family members.

Young people were able to use their agency to make changes in their community and environment, including:

  • In Ipswich, young people created a programme for children transitioning to high school. This is part of Ipswich Borough Council’s annual community safety programme for all schools in Ipswich. 1,400 young people completed the programme, which also included material to support teachers with tricky conversations that may occur after the workshops.
  • In London, through our London Young Ambassadors (YLA) programme, and with support from the Greater London Authority, we partnered with schools so students could design and deliver their own social action projects. We engaged 33 Schools across 22 London Boroughs and 294 young people, focusing on Alternative Provision schools and Special Educational Need and Disabilities (SEND) schools.
  • Through our partnership with #iWill, 330 young people became #iWill Ambassadors, leading and influencing the #iWill Moment, and influencing others to be involved in Youth Social Action.

Information on the family mentors project including that 750 family mentors were supported

 

Volunteers aged 50+ used their skills and experience to benefit local communities, including:

  • In Bristol, The Archie Project undertook intergenerational dementia awareness linking local schools with care homes. RSVP West volunteers engaged with children in schools in Bath to enable them to communicate with care home residents and join in with their activities, with both generations learning from each other.
  • 1,089 volunteers made a difference in their communities through the Retired and Senior Volunteers Programme.

In Gwent, Wales,

Sexual Awareness for Everyone (SAFE) supported 16-35 year olds with additional learning needs to empower them to lead conversations around relationships, consent, internet safety and sexual health. Through the project volunteers with additional learning needs developed, produced and co-delivered workshops in schools, colleges and youth centres across Gwent.

In Dundee and Edinburgh, Scotland

The Inspire Project provided support to New Scots aged 16-35 by offering supported volunteering opportunities, mentoring relationships and employability skills development. Refugees and asylum seekers were supported to integrate into their local community, build personal, professional networks and develop skills and confidence to support them in their journey. 38 people have been supported by Inspire. A true community project with 15 charity partners hosting volunteering placements for the New Scots.

Download the impact report

You can find out more about the work we’re doing in communities on our impact page.

Find out more

A woman with a blue top on and a man with a tie and shirt both smiling at the camera

Resources

Downloads

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How to safeguard your health and happiness this festive season  https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/how-to-safeguard-your-health-and-happiness-this-festive-season/ Wed, 20 Dec 2023 09:16:33 +0000 https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/?p=16761 A blog by PMAC, the UK’s leading mental health and wellbeing training professionals.

Prioritising self-care and setting boundaries  

During the festive season, it’s important to place self-care at the top of your to-do list. This doesn’t necessarily mean indulging in excess, but rather taking part in activities and practices that contribute to your wellbeing. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep can significantly boost your mood and energy levels.  

Setting boundaries is key, especially during the festive period. While it’s delightful to connect with friends and family, it’s as equally important to honour your personal space and time. Remind yourself, you don’t have to attend every festive gathering or respond to every message immediately. Be sure to know your limits and communicate them politely but firmly. Avoid overcommitting yourself and remember, it’s perfectly acceptable to say ‘no’ when necessary. 

At times, the festive hubbub may feel overwhelming. If so, feel free to take a step back and redirect your time and attention to taking part in mindfulness activities. For example, meditation or yoga. These activities can help restore balance and bring a sense of calm amidst the festive rush, making it possible for you to truly savour the joy of the season. Your mental health is as important as your physical wellbeing. 

Above all, keep in mind that the festive season is a time for joy and rejuvenation. By prioritising self-care and setting boundaries, you will be able to thoroughly enjoy this season whilst maintaining your health, well-being and happiness, and reducing stress and burnout

Handling loneliness and coping with family dynamics 

The festive season can be a challenging period for everyone, especially for individuals coping with loneliness or navigating complex family dynamics. If you’re feeling lonely, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone. Many people experience a sense of isolation during this time. To combat this, try to keep regular contact with friends or loved ones, even if it’s just a quick message or a phone call. Connect with local community events or engage in activities that you enjoy. This will help lift the feeling of loneliness. 

Family interactions can sometimes be stressful, especially if there are unresolved tensions or conflicts. Be sure to reassure yourself that it’s okay to set boundaries to protect your mental wellbeing. If conversations become heated or steer towards topics that could cause tension, try to steer them towards a more positive topic. You don’t have to meet everyone’s expectations. It’s okay to take time out if you start to feel overwhelmed. Everyone’s family dynamics are unique and there’s no ‘right’ way to feel – be sure to look after yourself and your wellbeing. 

Prioritising your mental health, whether through mental health training or other means is the best gift you can give yourself this festive season.  

Finding balance between social engagement and personal time

The festive season, while full of joy and merriment, can also become rather overwhelming with the whirlwind of social engagements and activities. Therefore, it is essential to ensure a balance between participating in festive social events and preserving personal time for rest and rejuvenation.  

Start by planning your commitments carefully. Pace yourself and don’t feel compelled to attend every social gathering. It’s perfectly alright to politely decline an invitation if it becomes too much. Keep in mind – it’s quality over quantity. 

Make sure to carve out time for activities that help you unwind and relax. This could be a quiet evening with a book, a long walk enjoying nature, or practising mindfulness through meditation or yoga. These self-care activities are not indulgences, but necessities for your mental wellbeing. 

Most importantly, get regular, quality sleep. Amidst the festive cheer, it’s easy to compromise on rest. However, proper sleep is the cornerstone of maintaining overall health, including mental health. You can’t get all the enjoyment out of the festivities if you’re feeling exhausted.  

Achieving this balance might not always be straightforward and can certainly look different for everyone. The key is to listen to your own needs, honour your boundaries, and ensure you’re nurturing your mental and physical wellbeing alongside celebrating the festive season. 

Setting realistic expectations

The festive season is often portrayed as a time of perfect harmony; a period filled with joy, happiness, and endless celebration. However, this is not always the case for everyone. Not everyone’s festive season will look like the set of a film. It’s important to set realistic expectations to maintain your mental health during this period. 

Be sure to remind yourself that it’s okay if everything isn’t perfect. The festive season often comes with a high level of expectation to create ‘perfect’ moments. It’s the shared experiences and the time spent with loved ones that truly matter, not the flawless execution of festivities. 

Secondly, it’s okay to say no. With an abundance of events and duties, we may feel obligated to participate in every activity, causing stress and anxiety. Give yourself permission to decline invitations or tasks that could potentially overwhelm you. 

It’s vital to establish financial boundaries. The pressure to buy expensive gifts can be immense and it can be so easy to fall into the trap of overspending. Keep in mind, the value of a gift is not determined by its price tag, but by the thought and care put into choosing it. 

By setting realistic expectations, you can help avoid unnecessary stress and anxiety, allowing you to fully enjoy the festive season. Remember, it’s about creating cherished memories, not perfection. 

For more information visit PMAC.

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Power of Youth Charter https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/power-of-youth-charter/ Fri, 24 Nov 2023 16:00:51 +0000 https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/?post_type=news&p=16720

Our Power of Youth Charter pledges

At Volunteering Matters, we believe that empowering young people to make a difference through youth social action is the key to a better future for everyone. We are committed to ensuring that young people’s voices are heard in decision-making processes that affect them.

That’s why we have signed the Power of Youth Charter. This is our commitment to supporting and empowering young people.

Here we set out what we have done so far, and what we will continue to do, to fuel youth social action and better involve young people in our work.

Why don’t you join us in signing the Power of Youth charter.

Find out more here

The Volunteering Matters logo with the words proud to recommit to the Power of Youth Charter

Prioritise supporting young people to take social action

We will create opportunities that empower more young people, particularly from low-income and ethnic minority backgrounds, to be positive changemakers.

  • We enable youth social action programmes to run as a core part of our work in communities- and aim to grow the locations for delivery (currently concentrated in Ipswich and London)
  • We are committed to being custodians of the #iwill Brand and Trademark on behalf of young people across the UK
  • We have incorporated youth social action into our organisational strategy in order to prioritise it within our organisational planning.

  • Embed youth social action across all our practice, delivery and programming (e.g. enable Grandmentors, Family Supporters, Equip Mentoring), creating a workforce that prioritises social action as core to their work
  • Develop learning and development across the organisation, through upskilling in community development approaches to enable social action
  • Ensure teams have the time and space to build and reflect on the learning and development, and ultimately ensure young people are included, equipped and enabled to shape and lead change in their communities and in our organisational delivery.

Open up our decision making structures

We will offer opportunities for young people, particularly from low-income and ethnic minority backgrounds, to participate in decision-making, leading and shaping both the activities they are involved in and wider organisational decisions.

  • There are currently two young people, both, #iwill Ambassadors, on our board of Trustees.

  • Develop our culture to ensure young people feel that they belong in our decision-making spaces, right from recruitment process – e.g. inclusive/straightforward terminology, removing a sense of hierarchy. When recruiting young people for leadership roles in our organisation, we aim to broaden and simplify the ways they can apply, or be nominated- including audio or video application options, in addition to the standard written formats
  • Enable mentoring by our #iwill Trustees to other young people in the organisation to enhance the pathway to them becoming Trustees
  • Grow the number of young people involved in our organisational governance, on the board and on board subgroups by 25%
  • Increase the involvement of young people in our recruitment panels and processes, so that it becomes routine rather than occasional
  • Develop an advisory group of young people, opening up our structures to improve the flow of communication to the board, creating a youth focussed space to enable growth in leadership.

Work collaboratively with other organisations

We will collaborate with other organisations to create more high-quality opportunities, reach young people from low-income and ethnic minority backgrounds to take part, share learning and achieve collective goals.

  • We work with schools, colleges and youth organisations in the localities we deliver in across the UK.
  • We are committed to the Ipswich Social Mobility Alliance, driving collaborative and experimental partnership activity across the statutory, voluntary, arts and culture and private sectors to enable youth social action to drive local change.
  • Continue commitment to work with nation partners and UK Youth across the UK to deliver the #iwill Movement.

  • Commit to ensuring that young people are a driving force for the Vision for Volunteering in England – ensuring they are recognised for the vital infrastructure role they play and create the Power they deserve.
  • Share our learning and resources to enable more organisations to support youth social action by creating a repository of toolkits, guides, case studies, and learning on our website.
  • Develop an internal staff Youth Social Action collaborative network, sharing experiences and learning from across the organisation.
  • Grow our work with cultural organisations, introducing/embedding youth social action into driving change in this sector, and creating enabling environments for young people’s voice and expression through arts and cultural avenues.

Evidence the benefits of youth social action

We will capture and share insights, stories and data on how we are working with young people, and the positive impact this has on them, their communities and our organisation.

  • We generate and share evidence and insights from social action activity we enable, featuring them in our annual impact reports.

  • Create the space to explore our own understanding of the skills, evidence and profile we need to deliver incredible youth social action.
  • Normalise readily sharing the evidence, insights and impact of youth social action across the organisation more frequently, rather than in concentrated teams.
  • Grow our evidence and insights work on the emergent impact of youth social action in place contexts, and its contribution to creating stronger communities and shaping local systems.

Recognise and celebrate young people’s impact

We will use our communication channels to advocate for and celebrate young people as positive and powerful changemakers.

  • We actively seek out and include young people’s stories and insights in our organisational social media channels, and the sub channels managed by locality teams.

  • Support more young people in our local communities to interact with local press and media, getting their voices and stories shared first hand in local communities.
  • Commit to nominating young people as #iwill ambassadors annually.
  • Regularly open our channels for youth takeovers, particularly to mark key dates such as Power of Youth Day.
  • Proactively work with funders, press and other outlets to share young people’s stories and learning about youth social action.
  • Ensure young people are central to events we deliver as an organisation and commit to learning from previous practice to ensure they are meaningfully involved in shaping and delivering our events.

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#iwill Week 2023 https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/iwill-week-2023/ Mon, 20 Nov 2023 16:07:47 +0000 https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/?post_type=news&p=16722

It’s the start of #iwill Week 2023!

#iwill Week is an annual opportunity for us all to showcase young people’s incredible initiative in making positive change to their communities. This year it runs from November 20th until November 24th.

Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they have the skills, energy, and ideas to improve society and the environment today. This is called youth social action and #iwill Week is about celebrating that.

We are proud to be a key partner in powering the #iwill Movement, empowering and supporting young people to be active citizens now and in the future.

This year is extra special as we celebrate 10 years of #iwill! Various events and activities will take place throughout the week, both in-person and online.

You can easily get involved by signing up for an event, supporting our digital content, or signing the Power of Youth Charter. For more information about how you can participate, visit the #iwill website.

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Volunteering Matters welcomes Amanda Naylor OBE as new Chief Executive https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/volunteering-matters-welcomes-amanda-naylor-obe-as-new-chief-executive/ Mon, 13 Nov 2023 16:22:00 +0000 https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/?p=16724

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Amanda Naylor OBE as Volunteering Matters’ new Chief Executive, effective of 1st January 2024.

Amanda Naylor brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience, and expertise that will ensure the organisation can continue to bring people together to overcome some of society’s most complex issues through the power of volunteering. Amanda was previously CEO of Manchester Youth Zone, an organisation with a similar commitment to platforming young voices and creating safe spaces for young people to be themselves and reach their full potential. Before becoming CEO at Manchester Youth Zone, Amanda held senior positions at Barnardo’s and Victim Support.

Amanda Naylor OBE, said:

“I am thrilled to be joining Volunteering Matters, a charity with a long history, making a difference in so many local communities across the UK.  It’s clear the vital work being completed by Volunteering Matters is needed more than ever during what are challenging times for many of our communities, providing a connection, voice, levelling up of opportunity and purpose for many.”

An image of Amanda in a white blazer and green top sitting in front of a white background

Paul Reddish, CEO of Volunteering Matters, said:

“We are delighted that Amanda is joining us as the new Chief Executive of Volunteering Matters. Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we are excited to welcome her, marking a new phase for Volunteering Matters.”

Anne Neal, Chair of Volunteering Matters, said:

“We are thrilled that Amanda will join us as our new CEO. She has an exceptional track record and will bring inspirational leadership, insight and experience with a genuine passion for social justice. Our trustees and I know this powerful combination will enable Volunteering Matters to move forward with pace and confidence.”

Emma Thomas-Hancock, Director of Delivery, Volunteering Matters, said,

“The trustees, staff and volunteers at Volunteering Matters look forward to welcoming Amanda to the team. Amanda’s energy, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to social justice will enable Volunteering Matters to continue to grow and thrive alongside the communities we work with. We are excited to introduce Amanda to our fantastic volunteers, staff, partners, and projects. We look forward to working alongside Amanda to move Volunteering Matters into its next exciting chapter and seeing what 2024 holds for the charity and the people who work with us.”

For further information:

Contact us

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New Wolsey 550 ‘Safety’ themed mural created by young people in Ipswich https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/new-wolsey-550-safety-themed-mural-created-by-young-people-in-ipswich/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 15:37:00 +0000 https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/?p=16728

In a wonderful celebration of youth social action, a vibrant mural with symbolic flower designs has been unveiled on Buttermarket in Ipswich.  Commissioned by Ipswich Central, the mural is part of the #thomaswolsey550 programme and was created by a team of young artists from Suffolk One Sixth Form College, in collaboration with Joel Millerchip, an illustrator and mural artist based in Suffolk.

We were thrilled to partner with the Ipswich Social Mobility Alliance to consult with young people of Ipswich on the mural theme ‘Safety’ and what it means for young people in their hometown.

Joel Millerchip, the artist leading the project, has extensive experience working with groups of young people to produce collaborative artwork and murals. The theme of the mural ties neatly to the Wolsey 550 project as Joel explains; “In Thomas Wolsey’s time, the Tudor Rose was a new, important symbol, signifying two Royal households coming together, expressing unity and strength. Following that example, these young artists have designed new flowers, each linking to aspects of protection and safety, to ensure happiness – all positive values for Ipswich.”

Young people working on a mural with ladders and a blue matt underneath

Volunteering Matters is proud to be involved in delivering youth social action in Ipswich as part of the #iwill movement. We are very grateful to local organisations, including Ipswich Central and Wolsey 550, for their collaboration in promoting the “Power of Youth Charter” led by the #iwill movement. This charter ensures that young people have a voice in the development of their town.

Volunteering Matters’ Director of Business Development and Impact, Stephen Skeet, explains that this initiative is a great opportunity for young people to have a say in shaping the future of their community;  “We are committed to working with young people to make sure their voices are heard, turning their passions into action in their hometown. Ipswich has become the UK’s first ‘Town of Social Action’, and there are hundreds of young people involved in youth social action here – from litter picking to challenging racism and inequality to taking part in this mural project.”

The young artists behind the mural are Nikki, Roxie, Sahel, Sam, Keisha, Mirabel, Aine, Jack, and Eve, Year 12 and 13 Foundation Art students at Suffolk One Sixth Form College.

There has been a really positive reaction from passers-by as several people remarked over the weekend: “Thank you for doing this. It really cheers the place up.” Which is what this amazing project is all about.

Click here to read the full press release.

Young people working on a mural with ladders and a blue matt underneath

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Volunteering Matters awarded NCS grant to empower local young people https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/volunteering-matters-awarded-ncs-grant-to-empower-local-young-people/ Thu, 31 Aug 2023 15:52:00 +0000 https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/?p=16733 We are excited to announce the launch of a new community experience programme, which has been funded by NCS (National Citizen Service) to support young people in Suffolk.

The grant is part of a significant £20m funding package that NCS Trust have awarded to organisations across England to deliver community-based experiences at a local and grassroots level.

These new experiences will complement NCS’ existing away-from-home residential offer by providing more opportunities for teenagers to engage in local activities that foster skills development, deepen their understanding of the community, and empower them to contribute positively to its improvement.  The grants will also support organisations that cater to specific groups of young people who may not have participated in previous NCS initiatives.

In collaboration with the National Youth Agency and StreetGames, NCS assessed more than 400 applications, and Volunteering Matters was selected as one of around 100 organisations to receive funding.

The grant will allow Volunteering Matters to deliver Community social action and volunteering experiences within the Arts, engaging young care-experienced people and young people from minoritised communities.

Stephen Skeet, Director of Business Development and Impact, Volunteering Matters, said: “We are delighted to deliver targeted NCS community experiences with young people across Suffolk over the next two years. We know that young people engaging with the arts and building youth social action and volunteering can be life-changing for themselves and their community.”

NCS grant recipients have to undertake their work in line with the #iwill Movement principles for quality youth social action. The #iwill Movement is part of the UK Government’s National Youth Guarantee, alongside NCS, with tens of thousands of young people across the UK initiating change in their communities through youth social action.

Stephen added, “It is fantastic to see that NCS are committed to the #iwill Movement and its principles as part of the National Youth Guarantee, and together, the voices of hundreds of thousands of young people and their work in communities will be amplified .”

 Mark Gifford, CEO of NCS Trust, added: “I am delighted to welcome a diverse range of local, grassroots and community organisations from across the youth sector to deliver reimagined NCS experiences. This allows us to reach more young people than ever, ensuring they are equipped with the skills and perspective to become work-ready and world-ready. Additionally, our grants for targeted experiences will enable us to reach underserved young people and communities.

Gifford added, “Together, we will work towards creating a country of confident, connected, caring citizens where everyone feels at home.”

Over the past decade, more than 800,000 young people have benefitted from an NCS experience, dedicating over 18 million hours to community-based social action while gaining invaluable life experiences.

Volunteering Matters would love to hear from you if you are a school or local arts organisation in Suffolk interested in community social action or hosting experiences for young people. To learn more about how to participate, please get in touch with Tonia Wilson, Project Manager, by emailing tonia.wilson@volunteeringmatters.org.uk or by calling 07808850411.

READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE: NCS VOLUNTEERING MATTERS PRESS RELEASE
The words funded by NCS written on an angle
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Refugee Week 2023: Survival Stories, Sails on the Winds of Change https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/refugee-week-2023-survival-stories-sails-on-the-winds-of-change/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 12:44:00 +0000 https://volunteeringmatters.org.uk/?p=16417 The theme for Refugee Week is compassion, one of our values at Volunteering Matters. So we reflect on Survival Stories and the positive impact of art in supporting refugees and people seeking asylum to engage with their new communities.

Survival Stories is an Adult Social Action service provided by Volunteering Matters based in Ipswich, Suffolk. It aims to assist individuals affected by Serious Mental Illnesses (SMIs) who face obstacles to accessing traditional mental health services. This provision targets individuals aged 65 and over, as well as those from Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, through a place-based, non-traditional, therapeutic approach. Our service benefits people of all ages, including young people, the community, men, women, children, and volunteers, especially those from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds who have often been unheard and unseen.

Our goal is to share relatable stories from adults who have struggled to access support through traditional pathways. This helps individuals feel less alone and gives them a broader perspective on their experiences. We use multiple therapeutic pathways to engage in activities that allow participants to recognise their own resilience and post-traumatic growth. The works produced by participants reflect these qualities, building self-esteem and improving the well-being of those who have experienced trauma and serious mental health challenges.

Survival Stories has benefited 174 Asylum Seeker Residents of Hotel Residents of Copdock, including 25 women and 30 children, as well as male residents of Novotel. The therapeutic value of our service empowers individuals to recognise and understand their own post-traumatic growth. It provides a safe and supported way to access new experiences, with some participants experiencing life-changing activities that have a positive impact.

Our recent Therapeutic Art Workshop, “Sail on The Winds of Change,” hosted for asylum-seeking residents at the Best Western Hotel, exemplifies the power of our service. Participants created a sail that depicted their journey to the UK, working together or individually to create their voyage through art. The cathartic experience resulted in some beautiful sails, painted and written in several languages, including Arabic, Persian, Pashto, French, and Kurdish. These expressions describe their migration experience , how they felt when they crossed the channel in a boat, and moving expressions of life before and after arrival in the UK. One participant said, “I will never forget the journey I made on the Boat, and that’s why I really enjoyed this activity today.”

Participating in therapeutic art workshops gives residents a sense of self-worth and helps them build trusting relationships in an often-challenging environment. The long-term impact of Survival Stories will vary from person to person; however, our recent experience with ‘Sails on the Winds of Change’ demonstrates the power of shared understanding and compassion to empower asylum-seeking communities.

If you want to learn more about Survival Stories, please contact, Project Manager Shamaila Waddle:

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