Young people at vflex Sandwell and Rathbone’s West Bromwich Centre have been working hard on a range of projects to benefit themselves and their local community.

The centre has been awarded £6000 to fund projects, including the creation of a video to highlight the benefits and opportunities offered by vflex. “When many people think of volunteering they picture litter picking and reading to old people” said Sasha McGawon, a member of the Youth Action Team (YAT) at West Bromwich. However the scheme offers an opportunity to organise events and gain experience in administration. At these events, young people can showcase a variety of talents including mc-ing, drawing and even eyebrow threading.

Back row: Javin Da Costa, Habiba Begum, Katie Edwards, Carmella Dawes Front row: Jade Moran, Sasha McGowan, Dwain Bevin, Remi Haughton

Since joining the programme 20-year-old Sasha has worked on a variety of projects alongside gaining her A-levels. Vflex found her a placement which has led to Sasha securing a job as a chef. Other tasks undertaken by the volunteers include gardening, decorating and preparing the “Son of Wrist” building for a celebration event which awarded young people for the number of hours volunteered.

Volunteers often work in a youth advisory role. Javin Da Costa (23) gained NVQ level 3 in advice and guidance and works with the YAT team on participation events to encourage more people to get involved. “The benefits are that volunteering can make you job ready, build up your skills and confidence and also help with networking; you meet some really interesting, useful people” Javin said. The team also regularly attend three day residentials, taking less fortunate young people to an outdoor centre to take part in activates including paintballing, rock climbing and canoeing.

Jade Moran joined the vflex programme as there are opportunities for her to develop her photography skills. Jade, who has a B-Tech in photography, has become Sandwell’s chief photographer and is responsible for photographing all the events organised and ran by the Youth Action Team. Jade has also completed training courses in child protection, conflict resolution, first aid and has been taught by a member of MI5 basic self defence skills.

The vflex volunteers stressed that there is “something for everyone”, with the programme offering young people a great opportunity to volunteer, gain employability skills and make new friends.

To learn more about the vflex project, telephone 0121 553 5819 or email the vflex team at Rathbone in Sandwell

Written by Rathbone Media intern, Bianca Mulligan.