Youth Opportunity Bureau
Organisation: vInspired
Who: 14-25 years
Cost: Free!
Time: 10-100+ hours
Contact details:
vinspired.com
020 7960 7000
Summary:
vInspired hosts hundreds of searchable volunteering opportunities on its database - you can log hours online for volunteering awards (v10 [hours], v30, v50 and v100).
In their own words:
“vInspired is the UK's leading volunteering charity for 14 – 25 year olds. vInspired helps young people to make their mark on causes that they care about, whilst learning new skills and talents along the way.”
Skills gained:
Volunteer role dependent, but general skills include:
-
Planning
-
Taking responsibility
Further opportunities:
vInspired Cashpoint - get a grant of up to £500 to run your own project in your community.
vInspired Task Squad - volunteers (18+) can apply for paid flexible work opportunities via the Task Squad platform.
What you do:
It’s really easy to start counting your volunteering hours - just create an account on the website. Once you have logged enough hours (and provided evidence e.g. photos of you in action) for an award, you can apply for it online and your certificate will be sent to you. All volunteering counts, not just the roles you find through vInspired.
Why do it:
The awards are a great way to quantify the volunteering you do and show employers and universities how well organised and committed you are. You might be surprised by how quickly volunteering hours stack up! They also give you a goal and shiny certificate to work towards (which can also be helpful if you are doing other awards like the DofE at the same time).
