Black, minority youth volunteer time in new UK drive

A leading national advice charity today hailed a major new recruitment drive a success after attracting hundreds of young volunteers from black and minority ethnic communities.A new report published by Citizens Advice has revealed almost half of the young volunteers recruited as part of a government initiative are from black and minority ethnic (BME) backgrounds.

The “Generation V” report showcases the range and value of the work being done in Citizens Advice Bureaux by volunteers aged between 16 and 24-years-old and tells in their own words what they get out of it.

It also highlights the importance of attracting volunteers from a range of diverse backgrounds in order for the Citizens Advice Service to meet the needs of diverse communities.

Citizens Advice runs the Millennium Volunteers (MV) award, a flagship government initiative to support and recruit young people into volunteering opportunities.

Last year 43% of their young volunteers were from a BME background. Since the project started in 1999 more than 800 young people have completed MV plans with the Citizens Advice service and gained certificates for volunteering.

Volunteers between the ages of 16 and 24 can choose from a wide variety of different roles. Many train as advisers, but other options include developing IT and organisational skills as an administrator, learning how to deal with the media, becoming fundraisers or developing research skills as a social policy campaigner.

The extensive training allows volunteers to develop vital skills with a third leaving the service to go onto paid employment. The Open College Network accredits CAB adviser training and all advisers receive the widely respected Citizens Advice Advisor qualification.
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