Young Ambassadors Programme: Now Recruiting 18 to 25 Year Olds in Haslemere

Last week, the This is Haslemere team had the pleasure of meeting up again with Vanessa Busek to get an update on the Volunteer TimeBank which we first wrote about at the end of last year. As a reminder, this is a charity whose aim is to connect volunteers with charities who need support.

Vanessa told us about an exciting new scheme they have just launched, aimed at 18-25 year olds. Entitled the Young Ambassadors Programme, this scheme is designed for young adults who are perhaps feeling unsure about the next step but who, 'want direction, confidence and real world experience that can genuinely strengthen their future prospects.' It could be a school leaver who can not decide what to do next, or a university or college graduate that has been unable to secure work, or perhaps a young person who started work but felt they have been heading along the wrong path. We think it’s great to see both this scheme launching here as well as the recently launched Job Club.

Vanessa told us, 'So many young people face the work experience paradox. You cannot get a job without experience, but you cannot get experience without a job. The Young Ambassadors Programme bridges that gap by placing young adults into meaningful roles where they contribute, learn and grow in real environments.'

First and foremost, let's be clear that being a Young Amabassador at the Volunteer TimeBank is not a paid role. However, what is just as clear from chatting to Vanessa is that this is not tea making or passive shadowing either. We're told that chosen ambassadors will be working on live projects, community partnerships, communications, events and strategic growth. They will be entrusted with real responsibility as part of a dynamic and supportive team.

Through the Programme, Vanessa's intention is that Young Ambassadors will:

• Gain accredited, documented work experience that they can include on their CV
• Build confidence, purpose and direction 

• Form new friendships

• Build professional networks that can often be hard to access for young people

• Receive access to mentors from business, charity and community sectors
• Develop transferable skills such as corporate exposure, communication, teamwork and leadership

• Receive on-the-job training in areas such as events, networking, entrepreneurship and communications

• Experience working as part of a supportive, professional team
• Discover what genuinely interests and motivates them
• Log their hours and build clear, CV ready evidence of their contribution

Young adults can join the scheme for up to a year, but in reality, the hope is that within this period they will secure paid work. As a result, the timeframe is deliberately flexible to allow the individual to go in the direction right for them. No previous experience is required. Instead, Vanessa is, 'Looking for reliability, curiosity and a willingness to step forward,' adding, 'For young adults, this is an opportunity to build direction, expand networks and be part of something ambitious and community driven. For parents, this is a structured and supportive environment where young people develop real world skills, responsibility and confidence in a safe but stretching setting.'

For our readers on Instagram, click here to hear a short clip of young volunteer Sammy talking about her experience as the first of these Young Ambassadors. She has been using all the benefits of volunteering to grow her CV, skills and experience.

If you're aged 18-25 and your interest has been piqued and you would like to find out more, you can do so at Volunteer TimeBank. Alternatively, if you know someone who might benefit, Vanessa would also love to hear from you.

Vanessa is  also keen to connect with local charities in the Haslemere area who would like to work with these enthusiastic Young Ambassadors and benefit from fresh energy, new perspectives and timebanking support. Please do get in touch with her if you would like to find out more.