Young volunteers
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