Justin Davis Smith, Chief Executive of Volunteering England, comments:
"Volunteering England welcomes the National Citizen Service as an exciting way to encourage young people to become positively involved in community activities."
"To get a great quality experience for young people and inspire them to carry on volunteering throughout their lives, the activities must be fully resourced. There is a wealth of experience to draw on about how to mobilise and manage volunteers, and we urge the pilot schemes to adopt the good practice that volunteering organisations have developed." "We want the pilot schemes to lead young people towards the vast range of volunteering opportunities in our communities. It is good that the National Citizen Service will build on the great work being done by volunteering organisations across the country."
“We are pleased the proposals have listened to feedback from Volunteering England and the volunteering movement about the importance of making it a voluntary commitment by young people."
"This is a terrific opportunity to encourage young people to volunteer, and we look forward to working with the Government to make sure this happens."
For more information or interview request please contact:
Kimberley Rowley
Senior Press and PR Officer
Volunteering England
Regent's Wharf
8 All Saints Street
London
N1 9RL
kimberley.rowley@volunteeringengland.org
Direct Line 07703317874/ 0207 520 8932
Switchboard 0845 305 6979
www.volunteering.org.uk
