Resources for Educators

The new curriculum focuses on enhancing how young people learn and connect with the world around them. It emphasizes four core purposes, aiming to build:

  1. Ambitious, capable learners who are prepared for lifelong learning.
  2. Enterprising, creative contributors ready to engage fully in life and work.
  3. Ethical, informed citizens who can participate actively in Wales and the wider world.
  4. Healthy, confident individuals who lead fulfilling lives as valued community members.
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Essentials skills

Volunteering integrates seamlessly with this curriculum by offering students opportunities to develop essential skills, including:

  • Creativity and Innovation:

    • Exploration: Hands-on taster days provide a practical introduction to volunteering.
    • Planning: Students create plans for current and future volunteer activities.
    • Problem-Solving: Participants devise innovative solutions to challenges they 

  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving:

    • Inquiry: Volunteers learn to ask critical questions and seek out evidence.
    • Decision-Making: They enhance their decision-making skills by navigating various challenges.
    • Problem Resolution: Participants address issues such as resource limitations and team conflicts.

  • Planning and Organizing:

    • Time Management: Volunteers practice managing their time efficiently.
    • Goal Setting: They establish and achieve both personal and group goals.
    • Independent Volunteering: Participants are encouraged to initiate and complete independent projects.

  • Personal Effectiveness:

    • Interpersonal Skills: Volunteers meet and interact with diverse individuals, boosting their confidence and cultural awareness.
    • Community Awareness: They learn about social issues in their local area through taster sessions.
    • Learning from Mistakes: Volunteers develop resilience by learning from their experiences during taster days.

Resources for Organisations

Organisations that provide young people with volunteer opportunities gain several advantages:

  • Fresh Perspectives: Organisations receive insights and perspectives from young volunteers, which can enhance their approach to disseminating information.
  • Inspiration and Confidence Building: By engaging young volunteers, organisations can inspire them to see beyond their current viewpoints and recognize their latent potential.
  • Community Engagement: Offering volunteer opportunities is a way for organizations to give back to the community and be recognized as agents of change.
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Insurance 

It's crucial for organisations to check their employer's liability insurance to ensure it covers young volunteers, especially those under 16. This ensures that all legal and safety requirements are met, providing a secure environment for young volunteers.

Resources for Parents, Guardians & Carers

Feedback from young people who have volunteered on our previous projects highlights several benefits:

  • New Skills and Valuable Work Experience: Volunteering provides practical experience and the development of new, applicable skills across different fields.
  • Making New Friends: Volunteering creates opportunities to meet peers with similar interests, fostering new friendships.
  • Better Physical and Mental Health: Engaging in volunteer activities promotes overall health and wellness.
  • Giving Back to the Community: Volunteers find purpose and satisfaction in contributing to their community.
  • Improved Confidence: Through new experiences, volunteering helps build self-esteem and confidence.
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Safeguarding

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of young volunteers is our top priority. We conduct detailed risk assessments with partnering third-sector organizations to identify and mitigate potential risks, including:

  • Preventing Exploitation

    • We implement measures to protect young volunteers from all forms of exploitation.
    • We collaborate closely with organizations to ensure they provide a safe and supportive environment for volunteers.

  • Healthy Relationships

    • We establish a clear code of conduct for volunteers and staff.
    • We ensure young volunteers know who to approach if they have concerns and feel safe doing so.
    • We ensure that young volunteers are never left alone with adults unless the adults are members of staff who have been DBS approved, for the safety of our young people.

  • Emotional Support

    • We consider the emotional impact of volunteer activities and provide support for any concerns.
    • We acknowledge the pressures young volunteers may face, such as exam stress or family responsibilities, and make necessary adjustments to their roles.

Volunteens

Testimonials

Here's what our schools, organisations and volunteers are saying.

“I loved getting involved! I would love to do this or something similar again. Maybe we could get more people involved because it’s a great opportunity”

Volunteer

"Last year, we welcomed young volunteers from secondary schools and home educated settings. Their energy, enthusiasm, and hard work were truly amazing. We encourage other charities and third sector organisations to embrace this incredible resource."

Janice Morgan, Deputy Chief Executive, Foothold Cymru

Resources

  • For Organisations

    This Toolkit has been created to help support the third-sector engage with young volunteers.

    Download

  • For Educators

    This resource is for those in the Education Sector to help demonstrate the importance of volunteering within the new school curriculum.

    Download