Aime Went - Volunteer Of The Month!

Aime Went - Youth Action Team Volunteer
What inspired you to take part in volunteering?

My college emailed me with details on the volunteering scheme and I thought that it would be a positive thing to take part in. It would give me something to do over the summer, I would gain more skills and I could also mention it in my personal statement when applying to universities.

What have you enjoyed about this volunteering activity?
I have enjoyed working with the children at the library, as the majority of them seemed keen to talk to me and tell me about their books. Some of them recognized me after a few times of me speaking to them, and it was good to know that they liked me and the work I was doing with them. I also enjoyed working with the library staff and the other volunteers, as it was a new experience for me and something I would do again, hopefully next summer.

How has this project helped you develop personally and in ways that might help you at work?
It has made me much more confident, both working on my own and carrying out tasks as well as communicating with my fellow works/volunteers and the people I was serving. These skills, as well as time-keeping and organisation skills have helped me develop, as well as help me at work, as it has shown me how to balance work, college and social time.



2. THE PROJECT
What sort of things have you got up to on the project?

I have worked at the library summer reading scheme, asking children about the books they have read and getting them involved in the reading scheme. I’ve had to interview and talk to the children, communicate with the parents, deal with their enquiries, organise the children’s files and work with the other volunteers and library staff.

Is the project everything you expected?
The actual work was everything I expected but I didn’t expect it to be so enjoyable. I really enjoyed working both with the children and the other workers, as everyone was really friendly and the majority of children were eager to be there and talk about their books in the reading scheme. I’m glad I was a part in all of it.

Will you continue to be involved? Why?
I will defiantly continue to be involved with the reading scheme next year, as it was so enjoyable and great to see the children so happy when they had finished the reading scheme. I would like to do further volunteering in general, as it is a great experience and will help me gain other skills.

3. THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
What impact do you think this project has had on your local community?

It has encouraged primary and nursery school children to engage with reading and encourage them to use the libraries. It has given them something to do over the summer and the idea of gaining medals at the end of the scheme has reminded and encouraged children that reading is fun and enjoyable and that the libraries are there for the children to use. It has also made the children happy and feel accomplished, as many children were proud of themselves and thanked me when they had finished their reading scheme. They have had fun, as well as educating themselves.

What feedback have you had from your local community?
The feedback has been very positive, with children and parents alike thanking me for helping with the reading scheme and letting their children move up the reading scheme and eventually finish it. The library staff seemed happy with my work and thanked me when it had finished as well.

Demore Harris (Youth Voluntary Assistant)
I have been a Youth Volunteering Assistant with Changemakers since August and I love my job. Since starting my job with Changemakers I have had the opportunity to get involved, volunteer and work with a wide range of people.


I’ve always been into youth work and getting my job with Changemakers was exactly what I needed to boost my knowledge and gain much more needed experience. Being at Changemakers has broadly opened my eyes to the wide range of volunteering opportunities out there for young people and with so many jobs getting cut volunteering is a key asset to young people.

I made a promise to myself when I started with Changemakers and that was to embrace every second of being part of the Changemakers team, and talking for myself I think I have and I will carry on spreading that special Changemakers love!!!

Vinvolved Staff Member

Hi Peeps,


My name is Gavin Genius. I’m currently employed by Changemakers, and have been working on the vinvolved programme for the last 2 months. I enjoy my job as this is something that I’ve always wanted to do, working with young children and trying to make a positive change in young people’s lives. Since working for Changemakers I’ve been taking part in a lot of outreach such as visiting colleges, working with students at schools, travelling to different places I’ve never been to before such as Newcastle and Peterborough, as well as getting involved in a lot of administration work. Since working for Changemakers I’ve gained a lot of new skills and experience and also knowledge and understanding of what Changemakers is all about, and the direction they are heading in. I’ve also been on various training courses and have more to come in the upcoming weeks and months which feel is very beneficial to me as it’s something new that I’ve learnt and with the experience, skills & training courses I am undertaking, I’m more than sure it will give me a pathway into what I really want do in the future which is a mentor/youth worker, working with young children.

Volunteer Of The Month!

Umair Baig
North/East Youth Action Team Member
(Working In Redbridge and Havering)















When I first joined the YAT, to be honest I had no expectations of what I would be doing, and I did not know what would be occurring. But as the months progressed I realised that what I wanted to partake in, was planning and implementing a big-ish project that we could look back at and say quite confidently that “Yes, that was a success”. And after this event, I’m sure that I will be able to do such a task, as it went fantastically.


I guess, the existing skills I used, were some of my public speaking skills, as we had to deliver a couple of assemblies prior to the event, to raise as much awareness of the event, and to gain as many volunteers as possible. Furthermore i used my photo-editing skills that I’d learnt for my GCSE’s in to practice by being the initial designer for the leaflet, which after much patience from the rest of the team, came to a point where the main ideas for it, were used to make the final leaflet.


If I had the chance I’d have improved my skills on photo-editing and leaflet designing a lot sooner such that it would have been completed a lot sooner, so that advertising would be faster.

The main strengths I believe of the Vinvolved programme is that they are willing to facilitate and assist us in making our weird/wacky/wonderful projects come to life and by doing so it gives me as a YAT member, a chance to be more imaginative and creative about future projects that could help better our community

My highlight as a Youth Action Team member for involved East London has been an experience that shall stay with me for the rest of my life. Academics and job experience can only get you so far, but Volunteering especially with the YAT can only make you progress to further heights unexplored by others before.

YOUTH ACTION TEAM EVENT ''THE BIG HALLOWEEN SPOOKWALK'' BE INVOLVED IN HELPING THE YOUTH ACTION TEAM SET UP THIS WONDERFUL EVENT WHICH WILL RAISE MONEY FOR REDBRIGE FORUM!! CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES WE HAVE BELOW & GET INVOLVED NOW NOW NOW!

The Big Halloween Spookwalk - Stewards/Promoters (16-25),

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR MORE INFO

http://www.do-it.org.uk/oppdetails.do?id=1548051

The Big Halloween Spookwalk - Face Painters (16-25), Redbridge Forum,

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR MORE INFO

http://www.do-it.org.uk/oppdetails.do?id=1548052

The Big Halloween Spookwalk - General Helpers (16-25), Redbridge Forum,

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR MORE INFO

http://www.do-it.org.uk/oppdetails.do?id=1548053

The Big Halloween Spookwalk - Sign In/Sign Out Registration Volunteers (16-25),

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR MORE INFO

http://www.do-it.org.uk/oppdetails.do?id=1548054

The Big Halloween Spookwalk - Sponsored Participants (16-25), Redbridge Forum,

CLICK THE LINK BELOW FOR MORE INFO

http://www.do-it.org.uk/oppdetails.do?id=1548055

Volunteering at Havering Nature Reserves

Thursday 26th August
Four Members of the Changemakers team which included Gavin, Demore, Danni & Rachael took part in a volunteering activity which took place in Havering Nature Reserves located in Upminster. Our roles included clearing & tidying up the pond to make it a better area for visitors. A lot of hard work & effort was put into this to make it look as good & healthy as possible. When working on the pond our tasks included: cutting down trees around the pond which was blocking sun getting to the pond as light is beneficial as it cleans the water & also building up a walkway for visitors to sit, relax or stand up on.
As much as hardwork was put into this task of making the pond a better place for visitors we found it really fun & exciting. We had the opportunity to get our hands on different raw materials such as a wood saw, planks of wood etc... We also gained skills & experience from other experienced workers on how to use the equipment in the right & best way. The best part & fun we had while on this volunteering activity was cutting down the trees it was really exciting & was a great experience. If we got offered to volunteer for Havering Nature Reserves we’ll definitely go again.

(Gavin Genius Youth Volunteering Assistant)

Frenford's Summer Jam

The power of volunteering and young people was on show at Frenford Clubs on Sunday 8th August. 75 young people from the borough helped make the event a runaway success. To celebrate the achievements of 80 years of Frenford's Youth Club, Frenford's Youth Committee joined forces with the vinvolved's Redbridge Youth Action Team to host Summer JAM, the ultimate youth event this summer! This was the first time that the two teams of young people have collaborated and worked together. They organised Frenford's Summer Jam to put on an event for the whole community; young and old. Rebecca Awan from the Youth Action Team said "it was initially a little nerve wracking working with a new team, but as time progressed and we got to know each other we learnt to work together. It was great to work with the Youth Committee and witness how passionate they are about the club. We managed to pull of a really successful event together! The two teams also managed to engage an additional 55 young people as volunteers on the day." Alex Hinds, a Youth Action Team member who compered the event added "after months of planning it was fantastic to see everything come together on day. And we all played a part in that." The young people had organised and arranged a range of activities for locals to get involved in on the day, including; street dance, graffiti, face painting, football, cricket, Wii and Playstation tournaments to name a few. There was also information stalls from vinvolved East London, Frenford Clubs, St Johns Ambulance and PCSO Safer Neighbourhoods. Frenford's Club is moving to new premises at the end of the year, the event was a thank you to everyone who has made Frenford's an outstanding success! Irfan Shah of Frenford Clubs commented; "To witness 'young people' plan and execute an event with over 50 plus young volunteers, has to be one of the most satisfying highlights of my time as a youth worker. The Frenford's Youth committee and the Redbridge Youth Action Team supported by Frenford, vinvolved East London, Changemakers and BTCV have made this event possible but notably a success. People approached me at the event and were extremely complimentary towards the young people who were volunteering at the event. This gives Frenford great hype as we approach a much anticipated move to the drive in October. I only hope that this event will be highlighted as much as the negatives surrounding young people usually are. Young people must be supported more now than ever as they face a steep rise in unemployment and I see volunteering as a tool to bridge the gap to employment."

Newham Youth Action Team host Shanti International Fundraising Day

Saturday saw Newham’s Youth Action Team dangling above the streets of Newham in the sunshine – all for a good cause, naturally. The Newham Action Fun Day was run by the young people of the Newham Youth Action Team run by vinvolved East London in Outdoors in the City, which brings extreme sports and activities to the local community. Sponsored zip wire leaps, bungee jumps, tug of war battles and sumo challenges were undertaken to raise money for Shanti International. There was a barbeque and even live acoustic music.

Over Eighty people came along, keen to take on physical challenges and raise money, and over £1,500 was collected for Shanti International to help build wells in India and also to help this local community venue in Canning Town- Outdoors in the City.

“It was a brilliant day, and I’ve never done anything like that before, it was nice that it was so close and that we did it for charity” says local resident and  Youth Action Team member Jennifer Mallari (featured in the photo) who celebrated her 18^th birthday on the day with a jump.  “The young people did a fantastic job of organizing it, everyone was really happy with it and we had such a good time.” Says Emma Holtz who works for Changemakers with Bryan Precious from the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers to support the Youth Action Team to carry out local projects in Newham.

August's Volunteer of the Month: Rebecca Awan

1. YOU THE VOLUNTEER

What inspired you to take part in this volunteering activity?

I thought that it would be a great way to see how other organisations are working and to see how we can engage other young people to be part of our team.


What did you enjoy about this volunteering activity?

The thing i enjoyed the most is seeing everyone working collaboratively and having an input for our end goal, however big or small there contribution was.


Has it helped you improve your job prospects and if so, how?

I was made events manager for this event so it has definitely improved many of my managerial and social skills throughout this project. 


How has this project helped you develop personally and in ways that might help you at work? 

I have learnt various different and new skills and also improved on the ones i already had but it has also given me insight on my own leadership skills and how I come across to people, I’ve learnt to take criticism and to improve myself when and where needed. 


2. THE PROJECT


What sort of things did you get up to on the project?

As I was events manager I had to make sure that everyone knew what they were doing and how they were going to do it. I also took a step back in the meetings that were held so that i could see the potential in other members and see what they were going to be doing and where there strengths lied. As the event got closer I did a lot of ordering around to get tasks done and also took on many for myself.

Was the project everything you expected?

Yes and so much more. My first conception of the project was that everyone would pitch in and work hard, i saw this as a time to see where people would take the lead and to take advantage of situations to improve and better themselves.


Will you continue to be involved? Why?

Yes, I love the Youth Action Team and what they do. The goals that the YAT have, which are to create volunteering opportunities for young people is something that all young people want to do. There’s always something new and exciting that we are able to deliver. 

3. THE LOCAL COMMUNITY


What impact do you think this project has had on your local community?

I think that the local communtiy are aware that we are around and that we are able to help and facilitate them in projects and volunteering opportunities that they will have. 


What feedback have you had from your local community?

That they enjoyed the event and that they thought it was great to see young people taking part in such projects.

Volunteer of the month!

CASE STUDY – KYLE STUART-WOODARD

1. YOU THE VOLUNTEER


What inspired you to take part in this volunteering activity?

When I became homeless, Ilfomation was the first place I visited for advice and guidance, I was signposted and then eventually moved into Redbridge Foyer next door. I started coming to Ilfomation more and more often for info and advice, I really got on well with the staff and this led onto me volunteering. I could see how Ilfomation has benefited me as well as other young people.


What did you enjoy about this volunteering activity?

I really enjoy working with both the staff and young people who come into and access Ilfomation. I especially enjoy the drop in sessions where I get to work with young people directly supporting with things like course work and CV’s. The Focus Forums which take place monthly are great in that I can see young people getting involved and helping to shape what Ilfomation does.


Has it helped you improve your job prospects and if so, how?

I’ve been volunteering at Ilfomation since June 2009, and the experience has informed my decision that I definitely want to be a Youthworker. I feel more knowledgeable about the field and am currently undergoing an NVQ Level 2 in informal education as a result of my volunteering. I am also logging my hours towards the v Awards currently working my up to the vImpact, this will look great on my CV!


How has this project helped you develop personally and in ways that might help you at work?

I feel that volunteering at Ilfomation has helped me to develop in many ways. It has given me the knowledge as to how to give advice and guidance appropriately to other young people, signposting them to the correct agency. I have continued to develop my communication skills, realising that there are different ways that you speak to staff and young people. My confidence has grown, I remember feeling quite nervous initially and I am now able to facilitate and help to lead parts of sessions with young people.


2. THE PROJECT


What sort of things did you get up to on the project?

As a Volunteer Youthworker for Ilfomation I get involved in drop in sessions helping to give advice and guidance to young people. I have become Ilfomation’s online champion, and have created a Facebook group, Myspace page, Bebo and Twitter accounts; I manage these and update them regularly finding ways to engage young people online. I am involved in the monthly Focus Forums and future Games Night. I also get to help promote Ilfomation at big events like Redbridge Youth 2010. When Ilfomation was recruiting for a part time Youthworker I got involved in shortlisting and interviewing suitable candidates. The project is always varied! I even got the opportunity to go away for the weekend on an outdoor residential with the local vinvolved team and gain an accreditation in Youth Leadership.


Was the project everything you expected?

Yes and more! My role has grown and I get the opportunity to get involved in so many different things at Ilfomation.


Will you continue to be involved? Why?

Yes. It’s always interesting, it’s never the same, something new everyday, something else to get involved in!


3. THE LOCAL COMMUNITY


What impact do you think this project has had on your local community?

I feel that Ilfomation is a positive space for young people. There is free internet available – positive things for young people to get involved in from the streets. Young people can get information, advice and support on a number of different issues from housing to sexual health.


What feedback have you had from your local community?

I get feedback from the monthly focus group that runs on a Thursday evening, this allows me to see what young people want and need in regards to the services provided at Ilfomation and I can then feed this back to the staff. Being involved in the Home Alone project has also allowed me to do this.

The North East London Youth Action Team bring to you...

This is an event to raise money for "The Dream Factory", a charity that helps to make the dreams come true for those with life threatening illnesses or severe disability aged between 3 - 25 yrs old.

The charity been running for 2 years now, and have already made the dreams of 42 people come true.

Patrons Include: Ray Winestone, Patsy Palmer, Vicki Michelle, Michelle Collins, Rt. Hon. Iain Duncun Smith, Dr Rory McRae, Larry & Dorean Golding.

So what we, the Youth Action Team, are doing is a three-legged sponsored walk encircling Valentines Park and as many times as it takes (minimum 5km)! And to give it a special touch, as this is of course no ordinary three-legged sponsored walk, we'll be doing it in our pyjamas! Some of us will even be parading in ADULT BABY GROWS!

The wackier the better, and remember we're doing this not just to be silly, but to make the dreams of seriously ill children come true. We are asking for a minimum of £10 worth of sponsorships to take part in the event. Bear in mind that could be something as simple as £1 from 10 people or £2 from 5 people. But we have full faith that you're all so much more convincing and motivated to raise more than just £10!

And of course, the more money you are able to collect, the more dreams you will be granting. So please get involved!


Sleepwalk Steward/Promoters: http://www.do-it.org.uk/oppdetails.do?id=1481472

Sign In/ Sign Out Registration Volunteers: http://www.do-it.org.uk/oppdetails.do?id=1481471

Sponsored Participants: http://www.do-it.org.uk/oppdetails.do?id=1481469

General Helpers: http://www.do-it.org.uk/oppdetails.do?id=1481470


For a sponsorship form or if you have any queries, please email us on nelondon.youthactionteam@gmail.com.This event will take place on Sunday 11th of April between 2.30 and 5pm!

As well as this, we at the YAT, have decided on a briefing date, for all volunteers who wish to take part in one form or another which include: sponsored walk participants, stewards and general volunteers. This briefing will take place at The Downshall Centre On Wednesday 7th April between 6:30- 8:30pm.

Mediabox Photography Workshop

Mediabox is offering young people aged between 13 - 19 from London, Bristol, Leeds or Birmingham the chance to work with professional photographers to create powerful photographs depicting their personal experiences of unemployment.

Just so it's clear participants need to be unemployed to take part, they will work with professional photography mentors to create images that reflect their personal experiences of unemployment. Young people will be asked to attend a photography workshop where they will come up with creative ideas and learn basic photography skills. This will take place on Tuesday 16th March at The Guardian HQ in London. They will then go back to their local area and with the support of their mentor they will take images and then come back to London on Friday 19th March for a final post production workshop where they will format and edit their images.

All travel and expenses along with youth worker expenses for all three days will be covered.

Those interested will need to email Jessica Odubayo jessicao@mediatrust.org with their age, which organisation they are from and details of thier current unemployment situation/the story behind being unemployed.

Closing date for all applications is Friday 5th March 2010.

Mediabox and Community Channel filmmaking workshop

Mediabox in partnership with Community Channel has a fantastic opportunity for 10 disadvantaged young people to make a film about a subject that is important to them. Is there a subject or issue that affects the young people attached to your organisation, that they wish to promote or highlight? If so, this prospect will provide them with the skills, resources and support to promote/highlight what is important to them, and get their voices heard.

The successful applicants will go on a daylong filmmaking workshop run by Mediabox. Through Media Trust’s Youth Mentoring scheme the young people will be matched to a media professional mentor, who will advise them on their creative ideas.

Each young person will then receive a My Mediabox grant of £500 and have six weeks to shoot and edit their short film. Their media professional mentors will be available via phone and email to support the young people through this creative process.

Media Trust will broadcast the films on Community Channel and across all of their online platforms. Mediabox will also distribute the content on as many platforms as possible through their media partners.

Who can apply?
Disadvantaged young people aged 13-19 years old (and up to 25 years old for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities).
Successful applicants must meet the Mediabox target group and be able to travel to and from the workshop.

When?
The workshop will take place in London on Saturday 13th March 2010.

Apply Now!

Apply online by visiting www.media-box.co.uk. For more information please contact Priscilla Baffour on 020 7217 3424 or email priscillab@mediatrust.org. Closing date for all applications is Friday 5th March 2010.

FREE HALF DAY TRAINING EVENT

The vinvolved East London Team is pleased to invite you to a free half-day training event on Managing Young Volunteers: Converting Initial Queries into Active Volunteering.

We have two FREE sessions taking place on Monday 22nd February 2010, 9:30am - 1:00pm or 1.30pm – 5.00pm at Valentines Mansion, Emerson Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4XA. The training is aimed at organisations who work with or wish to involve young people aged 16-25 as volunteers, and will be delivered by a highly respected and experienced trainer. Refreshments will be provided.

By the end of the session, participants will feel better-equipped to ‘convert’ young peoples’ interest into sustainable volunteering activity. As well as providing a chance to network and share your learning with peers, the training will give you an opportunity to think about several elements of the service you provide, on both a strategic and practical level, including:

• Responding fast enough to initial queries from young people
• Having a welcoming and positive attitude to young people
• How to keep young volunteers engaged: from their first impressions to a lasting experience
• How to work with stakeholders such as volunteers and funders, and ‘what’s in it for them’

The training will be delivered by Graham Allcott; a social entrepreneur and a faculty trainer for CSV’s Institute of Advanced Volunteer Management. Graham spent 9 years in student volunteering, including roles as a Volunteer Manager, a Community Action Project Leader, and as Chief Executive of Student Volunteering England, during which time he sat on the advisory board for the Russell Commission. Graham is co-founder of Birmingham-based volunteering charity Intervol, and Chair of READ International. Graham runs two companies: Fruitful Consulting (www.fruitfulconsulting.co.uk) and Think Productive (www.thinkproductive.co.uk).

Places on this training are quite limited, so if you’d like to attend please don’t delay in booking your place. Simply click on the following link, and fill in our online registration form:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2P568NR

Best wishes,
The vinvolved East London team