OPINION: Ripon's young people are building bright futures and strong communities
This summer not all young people will have got the exam results they had hoped for. But academic achievement is not the only way to show potential.
We all have different strengths, talents and qualities, and these cannot always be measured through grades. Exam results don’t show how kind, caring, creative, helpful, and reliable someone is.
Kindness and compassion are qualities which can have a powerful impact on other people, on our communities and on our own lives.
Volunteering is a way young people can demonstrate their potential. Giving time to help others shows commitment, responsibility and a willingness to make a difference. Volunteering can build confidence, communication, teamwork, problem solving and leadership skills, which are so valuable in life.
Taking part in volunteering can be a boost to self-esteem and wellbeing, helping you realise that you have strengths and talents beyond exam results. You can meet people who may be able to guide or support you in the future. Your volunteering role can give you a chance to shine and help discover a new passion which could lead to training courses, apprenticeships, or a dream job.
By recognising volunteering, community involvement, and positive actions, we can give young people a broader opportunity to demonstrate their potential.
HADCA’s Power of 10 Awards and Rewards scheme for young volunteers achieving 10 hours or more is doing just this.
In just 15 months, 150 young recipients of a Power of 10 certificate gave 8,000 hours of time to the Ripon community.
Power of 10 also works in partnership with community organisations to develop safe, fun and meaningful opportunities for young people to get involved. More organisations then benefit from the enthusiasm, energy, creativity, fresh perspectives and new connections young volunteers bring.
It is exciting times for the Power of 10 as HADCA has received funding from Harrogate Town Council to develop the project in Harrogate, building on the success in Ripon.
Encouraging our next generation of volunteers, fostering a sense of belonging, and helping to keep young talent in our area is important for the future of our communities.
If you know a young person or a group of young people who have made a significant contribution in our Ripon community this year, you can recognise their dedication by making a nomination for a St Wilfrid’s Stars Award.
Take the opportunity to celebrate the growing number of young people who are exploring volunteering for the first time and how their kindness creates positive, lasting change.
There are 10 award categories, also including community organisations, culture, sports clubs and environment. Join Ripon Together’s celebration of the city by nominating at www.ripontogether.com/st-wilfrids-stars.
If you’re over 18 and inspired to volunteer, a flexible way to give time with no minimum commitment is to join our friendly Help Out Ripon crew, lending a hand at events and activities.
To find out more about Power of 10 and local volunteering visit hadca.org.uk.