JVN creates framework for young adult volunteers
LOCKDOWN BROUGHT JVN a new community of volunteers, as young adults signed up to volunteer in vast numbers. JVN was delighted to record a 30 per cent increase in this age group compared to a normal volunteering year. Searching the JVN website, Kobi Snow, 20, came across a volunteering opportunity with the charity Gift. He joined as a driver, making daily deliveries of toys and food during lockdown. He became committed to doing even more to help the charity and together with family members raised £700.
“It’s been great!” Kobi says. “Really rewarding and I will definitely stay involved doing deliveries around my work hours.”
As a result of the response from this age group, JVN is looking to create a young adult volunteering programme, to give this age group the opportunity to help communities develop, meet new people and develop their skills.
In a 2021 study, the Royal Voluntary Service and the University of Kent explored how volunteering can improve an individual’s life chances. It found young adults in particular credited volunteering with improving their job prospects and skills.
Rebecca Liss, 26, was encouraged to contact JVN by a friend after she had been furloughed at a marketing company. Keen to change her career path, she was in need of experience. Rebecca came across a volunteering opportunity at Best Beginnings, a charity helping parents give their child the best start in life. After three months’ volunteering, she was offered a permanent role. “This would not have happened without JVN,” she said, “I now wake up every day looking forward to my job, knowing my work is worthwhile. I hope to make a real impact in helping disadvantaged families across the UK.”
JVN has been a partner of Maccabi GB’s Community Fun Run since 2013, providing hundreds of volunteers to help out on the day. It is looking for volunteers to assist during the Community Fun Run this year and also the new Interfaith Fun Run. If you would like to volunteer, see jvn.org. uk/funrun or contact info@jvn.org.uk.