London mayor launches youth volunteering schemes

Johnson has launched two new volunteering schemes aimed at 16- to 18-year-olds in an attempt to enhance their CVs and equip them with the skills required for employment.

The first initiative – HeadStart London – will encourage young people in full-time education to commit to 16 hours of volunteering in their local area.

The scheme, delivered by Team London, the mayor’s volunteering scheme, in partnership with youth charity The Challenge, is designed to help participants develop key skills such as communication, teamwork and self-discipline.

In addition, HeadStart London will provide employability workshops and offer access to interview preparation and communications coaching.

The second initiative, delivered by Team London in partnership with youth charities City Gateway and Inspire, will give unemployed 16- to 18-year-olds the opportunity to volunteer at sporting and cultural events across London.

The aim of the project is to provide training for young people who may not have prior experience of working with the public.

Launching the scheme, Johnson said: “We want to clear the path between education and work and raise awareness amongst employers that in gaining volunteering experience, young people are also acquainting themselves with the very skills that will set them up to succeed in the workplace.

“I urge businesses across the capital to get behind these young people and give them a chance to put what they’ve learned to real and effective use.”

Veronica Wadley, senior adviser for Team London, added: “Our ambition is to carry on the spirit of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and build momentum for volunteering across the capital.

“We’ve developed these programmes for young Londoners to get ahead while giving back.”