Local youth volunteers commended

THE achievements of youth volunteers in Warrington have been recognised and celebrated at a special showcase event at Walton Hall.
The ‘Future of us’ event was held to thank, honour and showcase the work local young people have done through the council’s Brighter Futures team over the last 18 months.
The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs, and the Deputy Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Ted Finnegan, presented the young people with awards in volunteering and mentoring including AQA award certificates, ASDAN employability award certificates, 100 hour volunteering awards and food hygiene awards.
The council’s Brighter Futures team offer a range of services and opportunities that anyone aged over 14 can access, including adult and youth volunteering, mentoring and employability focused support for young people or families with complex needs.
Over the past 12 months the Brighter Futures team have supported 61 young people begin their volunteering journey, referred 48 young people to the Mentor Me project, and helped 24 young people access the Xpand project.
A team of volunteers from Warrington youth café supported the catering team at Walton Hall on the night, preparing and serving the buffet. The ‘catering crew’ are all volunteers that have progressed through the Brighter Futures team and been placed within the youth cafe where they have trained for their food hygiene certificate whilst gaining practical experience on food preparation.
Cllr Colin Froggatt, executive board member for children and young people’s services, said: “It’s fantastic to be able to showcase the work of so many young people in Warrington. This is the first event we have held that focuses on the achievements of just volunteers and I feel extremely proud of all who have been involved.
“Many of the young people who shared their stories at the event came to the team at the council when they were out of education, employment and training and to see how their journeys have progressed is brilliant. Brighter Futures is a great example of partnership working and it has been so worthwhile for these young people. Well done to the volunteers and to the team who worked hard to make this event a success.”
Cllr Kelly Simcock, champion for young people, added: “Brighter Futures have achieved so much over the last 18 months and it’s great that the young people are getting the recognition they deserve.
“The team deliver services all over Warrington from children centres to youth cafes to ensure that all who are interested have a safe and welcoming environment to achieve their desired goals.
“All projects aim to re-engage people back into education, employment or training and work to ensure people feel work ready, with employability skills and confidence. I would encourage anyone who would like to get into volunteering or would like some support to contact the team.”
For more information on Brighter Futures please contact the team on 01925 636856 or visit www.warrington.gov.uk and search for ‘Brighter Futures’.