Groundwork
in the Northwest

Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale has recently been recognised for the high level of volunteering it offers to young people aged 16-25, by gaining the ‘Reach’ quality standard for youth volunteering.

Reach is the Youth Action Network's self assessment framework for youth volunteering agencies. The framework concentrates on the key principles of volunteering with sessions assessing the organisations aims, safety, youth participation, community benefit, networking and partnerships.

Young people from Oldham and Rochdale have been able to develop their skills through both part time and full time volunteering opportunities throughout the Trust. v challenge is a voluntary graduate scheme that gives young people their own community projects to manage over ten weeks and provides an opportunity for other local young people to help deliver these projects on a part time basis.

James Ferguson, Groundwork’s Volunteering Manager, stated: “By achieving this quality standard it demonstrates that Groundwork ensure volunteers are an integral part of the Trust. Volunteers at Groundwork benefit from receiving role descriptions, personal development plans, inductions and appraisals. This ensures that each volunteer gains a positive professional experience.”

The next team taking part in the v challenge scheme starts on the 28^th May and Groundwork welcomes interest from all 16-25 year olds. Meanwhile the Trust is recruiting volunteer mentors for the Prince’s Trust Team programme and volunteer event coordinators for a new project at Moston Brook in Failsworth. Anyone interested should contact Sophie Heywood by email sophie.heywood@groundwork.org.uk or call 0161 624 1444.