Outset and Millennium Volunteers         

Outset is a county wide youth organisation in West Sussex supported by West Sussex County Council Youth Service and Social Services. It acts as a volunteering agency for young people 13+. Outset provides opportunities for young people to take on a wide range of voluntary projects within their community. The nature of these projects not only benefit the community but also contributes to each young person’s own development and to the development of a greater sense of community pride.

Outset aims to introduce young people to activities, which help them to prepare for the changes and challenges they may meet as adults.

Outset is building upon the good work of existing young volunteers by providing more opportunities for young people with disabilities to act as volunteers and by engaging more disadvantaged and disengaged young people to work with, and for, others in the community.

What do volunteers do?

Outset’s work is based in all sections of the community. Volunteers choose the type of activity they wish to be involved in. Their skills and interests are carefully matched to a wide range of projects in their community.

Its Young People’s choice what they do where and when. For example:

•  Befriending

• Assisting older people

• Sharing hobbies and interests with others

• Support playgroups, infant, junior and secondary schools

• Provide additional services to hospitals, hospices, nursing homes and day centres

• Offer support to people with sight and hearing impairments

• Work with animal welfare groups and aid agencies

• Preserve the past for the future in museums and heritage centres

• Conservation and environmental projects

• And many more ideas inspired by the dreams and ambitions of young people. 

How much Time do volunteers give?

Volunteers can give anything from one or two hours a week. Some 16 and 17 year olds give a free extra curricular session within the school day where others may volunteer during evenings and weekends.

Millennium Volunteers are required to give 200 hours of volunteering over 12 months.

Recognition

All Outset young volunteers receive a signed certificate giving details of their personal involvement and commitment. 

Outset Millennium Volunteers receive a building block certificate at 100 hours and a nationally recognised “Award of Excellence”, signed by the Secretary of State after completion of a personal profile and 200 hours of volunteering.

How does Outset support its volunteers?

Each district of West Sussex has a District Leader who is responsible for the supervision of the volunteering activities of young people drawn from the district. The District Leaders maintain regular contact with Organisations who are involved in the welfare of young people.

Central to Outset’s work is the continuous support given to the volunteers by the District Leaders. They are responsible for organising placements and for overseeing matters relating to health and safety. All placements are carefully monitored and risk assessed by the Leaders to ensure that they are both appropriate and safe for the young volunteers.

To find out more please contact:

Lodge Hill Centre, Watersfield, Pulborough, West Sussex, RH20 1LZ.  Tel: 01798 831153 / fax: 01798 831156, e-mail: outset@ukonline.co.uk

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Last updated: 14/04/2008