The Daily Telegraph

Young volunteers

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SIR – Esther Mcvey, the Work and Pensions Secretary, is right to highlight the importance of preparing young people for the world of employment (Leading Article, March 31) – but a Saturday job isn’t the only way to gain attributes such as resilience or to spend time in a team-working environmen­t.

Volunteeri­ng provides young people with the chance to make a positive contributi­on to their community and sample possible career options, while developing the skills that will help them to flourish in the workplace. This can be particular­ly true for people who face traditiona­l barriers to employment, such as those who have a disability or who are classed as not in education, employment or training.

The forthcomin­g civil society strategy, led by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, presents an opportunit­y for the Government to support the charity sector in its efforts to make meaningful volunteeri­ng opportunit­ies available to all young people. Jessica Taplin

Chief Executive, V Inspired London SE1

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