A UNIQUE scheme aimed at rewarding young people who take part in volunteering has been launched in Milford Haven.
‘MY Time’ is a volunteering incentive scheme aimed at 16-25 year olds and provides a voucher in return for 20 hours of volunteering.
The vouchers can be redeemed at businesses in the town that are signed up to the initiative.
The scheme is being funded by the Port of Milford Haven and coordinated by Milford Haven Youth Centre, which is run jointly by Pembrokeshire County Council’s Youth Service and Milford Youth Matters.
Youth worker Nick Hudd, said: “The aim of the project is to develop citizenship skills, improve the community and give those who take part the opportunity to gain a range of transferable skills useful for employment. Whilst a range of volunteering opportunities already exist in the community, this venture aims to coordinate such programmes and increase the amount of young people taking part”.
The Port of Milford Haven is a Trust Port and is committed to reinvesting its profits to benefit the local community.
Corporate Affairs Director Mark Andrews has welcomed the new project, commenting:
“We hope this initiative will encourage young people in Milford Haven to consider giving some of their spare time to help others. We are also keen to support small businesses in the town and so are extremely pleased to be able to sign local companies up to the scheme”.
The initiative has been praised by Councillor David Pugh, Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism and Communities, who commented:
“This unique scheme is a ‘win-win’ initiative, which rewards both young people who help out in their community and also local businesses. Too often our young people get a bad press but the majority of them are enthusiastic, hard-working and just want to be given a chance. Under this scheme while young people invest their time in the community, the community in turn invests in its young people.”
To register with the scheme contact Nick Hudd at Milford Haven Youth Centre on 01646 697967 or [email protected]
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