Aiming High! - Celebrating Youth Volunteering in the East Riding

OLYMPICS ATHLETE and current British in-line skating champion Jenna Downing will be attending an event next week to celebrate the volunteering work done by young people across the East Riding.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council Youth Service is hosting the event on Wednesday, 23 March 2011 at the Hexagon Music Centre, Beverley to celebrate the positive involvement of all the volunteers within the youth service who fulfil a variety of roles including counselling young people and detached youth work.

"for young people to give up their time and energy to help others is very inspiring"

The event is an opportunity to recognise the voluntary work of young people who have made a positive contribution to the youth service. The young people have undertaken a number of projects including anti-bullying campaigns, allocating the Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF) to other groups of young people and also ensuring young people’s voices are listened to across the council through the East Riding Youth Assembly.

Jenna Downing, says on her website: “Throughout my sports journey I have obtained some valuable life experiences and learnt some worthy lessons as I’ve battled my way to get to the top. Now, as a role model, I want to share with others my personal stories of success and hardship in the hope that I can inspire and influence other peoples’ lives, because that for me is the greatest achievement.”

Alison Michalska, director of children, family and adult services who will be attending the event said: “Volunteering at any age is a tremendous thing to do, but for young people to give up their time and energy to help others is very inspiring. I hope the young people can build on the positive experiences they have had and continue this good work.”

East Yorkshire Young Leaders, who have been involving other young people in community projects in the run up the London 2012 Olympics will also be attending the event..