Case studies
Tuesday, 02, Dec 2008 07:51
The following case-studies illustrate the breadth of v’s investments and the impact that volunteering can have both on the lives of young people and the communities to which they belong:
Soccer Sight – Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)
This ground breaking scheme delivered by the RNIB in partnership with the Football Foundation, HBOS Foundation and match-funded by v is transforming the experience of football supporters and players who are blind or partially sighted.
400 young volunteers have been recruited and trained to provide a range of services, including a live commentary service specifically tailored to the needs of blind partially sighted football fans.
“I got a real buzz from stepping into the press box. Getting to work alongside professional journalists at my stage is rare, but they were all really encouraging and gave me sound advice. After the match my dad told me he’d seen a 10-year old partially sighted boy listening to my commentary and jumping around with the crowd because he suddenly knew what was going on. So I think I did pretty well for my first go.
Through the volunteering I’ve already got work experience at two radio stations, been interviewed on local TV and radio and some of the journalists in the press box are putting me in touch with their news editors. So it’s been unbelievable networking!”
Sam, 16, Soccer Sight volunteer, Ipswich
Full-time volunteering: Portsmouth Housing Association (PHA)
The Portsmouth Foyer helps disadvantaged young people to move from dependence to independence by providing housing, personal development, advice and support. v funding has created volunteering opportunities for young residents, both within the centre and at local projects such as museums and play schemes. They’ve also delighted vulnerable local residents by helping out with practical jobs, such as refurbishing houses and tidying gardens.
“My key-worker told me about the v project which I started with the help and guidance of my v co-ordinator. By the end of just 13 weeks I had volunteered to do gardening, decorating, acting and singing in a community play, editing a magazine for the Portsmouth Foyer, an edition of the National Foyer magazine, running a breakfast club at the Foyer, analysing museums in Portsmouth for the City Council and other media based projects.
I have changed my complete outlook to work: I have gained certificates in first aid, health & safety and drug awareness because I have more confidence to put myself forward, putting in more effort and realising that if you want to do something all you have to do is push yourself a little more. I’ve now progressed to applying for jobs that I never would have before.”
Nicholas, PHA volunteer
vcashpoint: Hoods Academy
‘Hoods Academy’ is a theatre project in north London, led by five passionate young volunteers and involving 60 children aged 11-16. Ekow and his four co-organisers were in charge of core activities like finance, choreography, music and direction. Another group of volunteers also helped the performers, giving leadership and practical help. Thanks to vcashpoint, they were able to pay for essentials to get the project off the ground, including premises and promotional materials. The project proved hugely successful for the children performing, 30% of whom have some form of disability.
“We wanted to give the over-16s something to do. There’s not that much going on in this part of London. Some of them were hanging around the streets, getting into trouble. One in particular was having problems, but I’ve seen a huge change in him since he got involved with Hoods Academy. He’s got responsibility – making sure everyone else is doing what they should be doing.”
Ekow, vcashpoint Hoods Volunteer