Deliver Your News to the World

Young people clock up 1 million hours of volunteering


WEBWIRE

ProjectScotland, (http://www.projectscotland.co.uk/volunteer) the organisation set up to inspire and assist young people to volunteer full time, announced today that its 1400 volunteers have committed to 1 million hours of new voluntary work with community organisations across the country.

Edward Ellis, one of the volunteers expected to complete the 1 millionth hour said, “ProjectScotland has given me the opportunity I was desperately looking for and helped me achieve goals I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. I’m really happy to be able to do the type of work I enjoy, especially as it impacts people in such a positive way.”

Helping people like Edward ProjectScotland has dramatically increased the core skills levels of Scotland’s young people and offered hope, experience and opportunity to those officially categorised as NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training).

The organisation has also given a huge boost to voluntary community work by driving active citizenship among 16-25 year-olds.

Figures released in ProjectScotland’s second annual review show this amazing commitment by young people to society has had a significant impact on communities throughout Scotland. The work of the volunteers has had a direct impact on more than 17,000 people and injected £12.7 million into the economy.

Julia Ogilvy, Founder and Chairman of ProjectScotland said, ‘I am overwhelmed by the commitment of these young people. The difference they are making to society and themselves is astounding. We plan to engage another 1,600 young people this year alone, more than doubling the total number achieved in the two years since launch.’

The significant economic impact of its success rate has been endorsed by its founding champions. ScottishPower and HBOS Foundation both made large financial contributions to help ProjectScotland get off the ground, and continue to support in 2007. Paul McKelvie, Corporate Responsibility Director at ScottishPower, champions the organisation saying “At ScottishPower, we value the skills gained through participation within the community. This applies equally to our employees and those who seek to join the ScottishPower team. As a result, we support the important work which ProjectScotland is doing and would view a ProjectScotland experience as a positive one on the CVs of any future job applicants"

ProjectScotland’s achievement in reaching the 1 million mark coincides with the end of Volunteers Week.

* * * * * * * * * *

Notes to Editors

• ProjectScotland is the revolutionary volunteering organisation for young people in Scotland. We offer 16-25s something different – the chance to gain real skills, experience and confidence in something they actually want to do. This ultimately increases the opportunities available to them in later life.

• Over 950,000 hours of voluntary work has been committed by ProjectScotland volunteers in a variety of fields including media and entertainment, the arts, environment, social care and sports.

• Since launch in May 2005 ProjectScotland has exceeded targets and placed over 1,250 volunteers. It is now doubling targets to place 1,600 this year alone.

For further information, please contact:
Claire Stewart, Marketing Communications Manager on 0131 220 9515
Or email rachel.lane@projectscotland.co.uk



WebWireID40937





This news content may be integrated into any legitimate news gathering and publishing effort. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.