ProjectScotland is the revolutionary volunteering organisation for 16-25 year olds. Working with 130 not-for profit partners, it’s creating appealing and meaningful voluntary placements that help engage a younger generation with the community at large.
Since launch in 2005, ProjectScotland has made it possible for over 1,400 young people to engage in a diverse range of activities, from youth theatre workshops to literacy programmes and environmental campaigns. More than 55 young people have volunteered in Perthshire, with organisations such as the YMCA and the Strathmore Centre for Youth Dialogue.
There’s a strong focus on helping young people set goals and meet their potential. ProjectScotland’s structured and supported placements develop skills, confidence and aspiration – so volunteers can change their lives as they change the lives of others. Over 90% of volunteers go on to positive outcomes. Paula Lowther, a volunteer from Perth, gives her story:
“After leaving school with no grades, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do in life. I guess I never thought I was going to achieve very much because of that. Since I started my ProjectScotland placement at the YMCA my life completely changed. I learnt so much, including things like leadership, confidence, patience, tolerance and definitely problem solving. It has even given me the opportunity to establish my independence. I now feel I can achieve whatever I want without fear of failing and with the support of my friends and colleagues.”
ProjectScotland is attempting to help people like Paula with the support of the private sector. Over 60 businesses and private organisations have supported projects so far. Support comes in many forms - from multi-national corporations to one-man bands, giving significant financial contributions or a few pounds raised through staff games – including the chance for staff to get involved personally through a mentoring programme.
This growing list of supporters includes ScottishPower, Shell and FirstGroup, and is supplemented by several local firms and Rotary Clubs across Scotland. In Perth, a partnership with the Gloag Foundation helped create a dozen opportunities helping disadvantaged youths.
Kate Mavor, Chief Executive, said “ProjectScotland is different - we give business people the chance to connect with young people in an interesting way and give back to the local communities whilst ultimately helping young people achieve something fantastic for their futures.”
Mentoring – a profitable investment
A key part of the ProjectScotland volunteering experience is the 1-2-1 mentoring support volunteers are provided with throughout their placement. Mentors are asked to dedicate an hour a week to a mix of email, telephone and face-to-face meetings with the young people, and offer support and advice about the daily challenges of their placement and work with volunteers on their longer term hopes and dreams.
Leading Scottish financial services provider Standard Life was one of the first to get on board. It has a strong corporate social responsibility agenda and encourages its staff to sign up as private sector mentors to young
volunteers.
ProjectScotland appealed to Standard Life because the company has a particular commitment to developing employment skills in young people, and agreed to pilot an e-mentoring scheme. “We see this as a real fit for our organisation, in that it focuses on core-skills development and support of young people,” said Tina Livingston, Standard Life’s Education Investment Manager.
“As an organisation, we have a coaching culture, so this was an ideal opportunity for our people to use their skills and abilities but also to develop them. Things like mentoring and coaching are skills that you really have to keep up to date.”
