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OF CAUTION SOUNDED OVER NEW VOLUNTEERING SCHEMES |
17/04/04 |
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Plans
to boost volunteering in the Budget should be conditional on using the schemes
already in place, according to leading sector groups.
The NCVO welcomed the announcement by Gordon Brown to introduce two new
initiatives to help mentoring and young people volunteering - but warned
that the charity sector is already well-equipped in such areas.
Chief executive Stuart Etherington comments: "It will be important
that this strategy draws on the considerable expertise in delivering volunteering
and mentoring initiatives that already exists in the voluntary sector."
The UK's largest volunteering and training charity, CSV (Community Service
Volunteers) also welcomed the Budget pledge to boost access to community
service by young people.
Executive director Dame Elisabeth Hoodless, said: "The commitment from the
Chancellor to support young people's involvement in communities is welcome.
It is essential that volunteering opportunities are available to as wide
a cross section of the population as possible.
"The families of many young people cannot afford to volunteer unless
support is available. CSV believes everyone should have this chance to engage
with communities to ensure that volunteering is not limited to the rich.
"Young people should have the choice of volunteering at home or away from
home and no one should be excluded from participating. We want to engage
people and enable them to share in strengthening public services including
schools, hospitals and social services.
"We trust the Chancellor's colleagues in the departments of health,
education and environment will take action to open doors to youthful energy."
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