More young people are volunteering, according to research by the British Youth Council
Last updated 7/31/2010 11:29:31 AM
More young people are volunteering
New research has shown that up to 20,000 young people across the UK are volunteering in their local areas.
The young volunteers, mostly aged 11-17, are involved through local ‘youth councils', improving life for the whole community and get involved in making decisions, to make sure the views of other young people are heard by local leaders.
Of 620 youth councils surveyed by the British Youth Council, the vast majority believed they represented the views of young people, either through campaigning or being consulted by decision-makers.
Youth councillors are also a diverse group of young people it seems - more representative of their local communities than adult councillors. The council found that 7% were of dual heritage, 8% were Asian and 7% were black.
One in eight of youth councillors felt that they had saved money for their local council and, most importantly, the majority of youth councils said young people had got more involved in making decisions over the last year.
The council is calling for continued funding and support for local and national support for the youth council network to ensure the momentum of this work continues and grows. Its Chair,Alex Delaney, said:"Youth councils enable young people from different backgrounds to come together with decision-makers. This not only gives young people a voice but improves life for the whole community."