Could you volunteer to help run local children and young people’s groups in Gwent?
Young Dragons – Dreigiau Ifanc – is a partnership led by HRH The Prince of Wales that aims to increase opportunities for young people to engage in structured activities that benefit local communities.
The partnership involves collaboration between uniformed youth organisations (Scouts, Girlguiding, St John Ambulance, Military Cadets, Police Cadets, Fire Cadets, Boys and Girls Brigade), Local Authority Youth Services and the Department of Education.
All these groups offer young people the chance to develop and learn while having fun.
At the same time, they are gaining transferrable life skills that will ultimately improve their employability.
Leading on the project, Partnership Sergeant Chris O’Driscoll, said: “Young Dragons has a very simple vision – one day every young person in Wales should have the opportunity to join a Uniformed Youth Group.
“But at the moment only 9% of young people in Wales can access one of these groups and many have extensive waiting lists. This means an incredible 91% miss out on the opportunities they could gain from.
“This is why we need adult volunteers to help lead the groups, as well as affordable premises to accommodate them.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to build a sustainable structure for young people in Gwent to engage in for the foreseeable future, giving them vital life skills and experiences.”
In Gwent, Young Dragons is looking for adult volunteers who are prepared to give a few hours a week to lead the following groups:
- St John Ambulance group in Blackwood (four volunteers needed)
- Boys Brigade group in Newport (three volunteers needed)
- Girl Guiding Brownie group in Tredegar (three volunteers needed)
- A Scout group in Blaenavon (six volunteers needed)
Full training will be given free of charge and in some cases you will have the option to undertake an accredited leadership qualification at no personal cost.
If you think you can help in any of these areas, please contact Sergeant Chris O’Driscoll on Christopher.o’driscoll@gwent.pnn.police.uk
For more information on Young Dragons please see the website: www.youngdragons.org.uk