The power of volunteering

MORE than 100 students from Ripon Grammar School and Outwood Academy joined together to learn more about opportunities for volunteering, offering new skills, confidence and experiences.

Local community partners, including the National Trust, Nosterfield Nature Reserve, Ripon Library and the YMCA, talked with students about the wide range of interesting and flexible opportunities for young people in the area.

The event was organised by the Harrogate & District Community Action (HADCA) group Power of 10, along with deputy head of RGS Sixth Form, Helen Nelson.

Volunteer ambassadors Zoe Ingham, from RGS, and Beth, from Outwood, shared their experiences to inspire others to get involved. And a huge well done to Zoe, who was awarded her 'Power of 100' certificate for volunteering for 100 hours in her community - a brilliant achievement.

Frances Elliot, chief executive of HADCA said all the students were engaged and enthusiastic and asked some great questions: “The charities said it was really valuable to be able to meet face to face, to answer questions and iron out any doubts.

“Words they used to describe students included ‘keen’, ‘engaging’, ‘inquisitive’, ‘receptive’ and ‘driven’.

“We look forward to hearing about the young people's volunteering, making a positive difference in our community,” she said.