V: Charity presses experts to see volunteering as way into work for young people

Monday, 26 October 2009 12:00 AM

With youth unemployment nudging one million people, a leading charity has today claimed volunteering is a solution for preventing a "lost generation".

In a special lecture organized by v, The National Young Volunteers Service, and featuring speeches by former Bank of England Monetary Committee Member Professor David Blanchflower and David Willetts, MP, Shadow Minister for Universities and Skills, delegates heard about the benefits not only to the individual, but to the state, of young people volunteering.

v's Chief Executive Terry Ryall commented:
"We know from our work with 100,000s of young people that the recession is hitting them hard. Volunteering, particularly by those young people who are disadvantaged and marginalised, provides them with the skills and experience to find work and to keep it. For the State, this means less benefits being paid out and more taxes coming in. Volunteering is a solid investment. We're pleased that all the political parties and business recognise this and call for continued investment now and for the future."

According to the latest figures from the Labour Force Survey, people aged 16 - 24 make up 38% of all unemployed people. The lecture, held at the RSA and entitled 'Lost Generation? Recession and the young,' brought together a powerful partnership of key organisations, thinkers and young people to discuss what can be done to tackle the problem.

v's Chief Executive Terry Ryall continued:
"Figures show that young people are more likely to be victims of the recession, with nearly 20% of under 25s unemployed compared to less than 8% of the overall population. At v, we've seen a 200% surge in volunteering applications over the last year. As a youth led organisation we know that 16-25 year olds are looking at new ways of building up their CV to help them stand out from the crowd. We've created 900,000 volunteering opportunities, available at vinspired.com, from environmental projects to fashion, helping individuals and the community."

Research among employers and young people backs up the value of volunteering during the recession. YouGov research earlier in the year showed that three-quarters (72%) of employers agree or strongly agree that volunteering can have a positive effect on an individual's career progression, while IpsosMORI research has shown that over half (57%) of young people would consider volunteering if unemployment levels continue to rise.

Rebecca Collins, 25, volunteered with v teaching children and adults about fruit growing. "When I was unemployed volunteering was all I was living for. It gave me confidence and experience and played a massive part in my getting a job."

To arrange an interview, photos, video footage and case study opportunities, please contact Paul Werb 020 79607011/07793268051

About v

v, The National Young Volunteers Service aims to inspire a new generation of volunteers (aged 16-25) in England. It does this by funding voluntary organisations all over England to create inspiring, diverse opportunities and by helping to overcome barriers that stop people from taking action to improve lives, communities and the planet. v's aim is to create a culture where volunteering comes naturally and where the benefits of volunteering are understood and celebrated.

v is an independent charity launched in May 2006 as a result of the Russell Commission report, A National Framework for Youth Action and Engagement.

See vinspired.com for more information (including full copies of the reports)

Lost Generation? Young People Recession and the Young

The lecture was held at RSA on 26 October 2009, 10am to 12.30. Keynote speech was by Professor David Blanchflower. Panel discussion included David Willetts, MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Universities and Skills, Wes Streeting, President of National Union of Students, Miles Templeman, Director-General of Institute of Directors and Terry Ryall, Chief Executive of v. There was also 30 young people in the audience posing questions from the floor

Young People Speak Out: Attitudes to and Perceptions of Volunteering

June 2009: The first ever comprehensive research into young people's attitudes and perceptions of full-time volunteering. The evidence from the survey of 1,997 young people, discussion groups and case studies suggests full time volunteering should remain as one option of a flexible and diverse range of opportunities. The research highlights the importance of young people's freedom to choose the most appropriate placement and the continued need to raise awareness and challenge the perceptions of volunteering. The research looks at the specific needs of disabled young people and those not in education or employment (NEET) in relation to full time volunteering.

Employer Survey: Attitudes to Volunteering and Career Progression

January 2009: To coincide with the launch of the vinspired award scheme, v commissioned YouGov to undertake a survey of employers to further explore how much and why employers value the skills that can be obtained through volunteering experiences. The results help to feed into the debate about the benefits of volunteering for career progression.

Labour Force Survey, October 2009

Unemployed aged 16 to 24, June to August 2009, 946,000. For March to May 2009, 927,000 people.

Unemployed of all ages, June to August 2009, 948,000.

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