Young People to Ramp up Volunteering Efforts

Public spirited young people in South Tyneside are banding together to make the Borough a better place in which to live.

Young people from 15 schools have already signed up to become volunteers in a new scheme which is being launched as part of the #LoveSouthTyneside campaign.

The project, which is being run by the Cleaner, Greener Communities Board, aims to encourage the Borough's young people to achieve 150,000 hours of volunteering - one hour for every resident in the Borough.

Many young people already volunteer in a variety of roles from serving on the Young People's Parliament to being Young Health Ambassadors.

Young Health Ambassador Alyssa Fake said: "Being a health ambassador is so important and it's a way to get out our ideas and opinions about what we think needs to improve or change.

"I love being part of the health ambassadors scheme as it makes you feel good about yourself and as a group. It is important to help others feel heard and have a voice."

It is hoped the project will boost young people's confidence and mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation and provide diversionary opportunities to divert some away from anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Nancy Maxwell, Lead Member for the Voluntary Sector, Co-operatives and Partnerships, said: "We know many of our young people already do some amazing voluntary work in the community.

"This initiative is about promoting the opportunities available but also recognising the valuable work that is already going on. It's also about removing some of the barriers young people might face so that they can reap the rewards that volunteering offers.

"As a co-operative council, we recognise that volunteers make a huge positive impact on a variety of social, cultural and economic issues and also bolster community pride. By harnessing the energy and imagination of our young people we believe we can make life even better for everyone in South Tyneside."