A new Volunteering Group for young people in Dorset has been selected by the National Lottery Community Fund for a £10,000 grant to fund technology equipment, making the group accessible for people to participate from home.

The funding was approved just in time for National Volunteers week: the first week of June each year, thanking volunteers for their incredible contributions to society. Throughout the pandemic, volunteers have played a vital part in providing positivity and opportunity during an exceptionally difficult couple of years. Charities are doing their best to respond to the needs of the community but volunteers and funds are in short supply. That’s why three young people in Bournemouth decided to get together to help, and it is hoped that this backing from the National Lottery will encourage young people of all abilities to get involved in whatever way works for them.

The goal of the group is to inspire young people to help others, creating a great feeling of purpose that helps overcome one's own struggles.

Jess Ogden, Chloe Fenner, both 23, and Mylie Neall, 22, started the group. Mylie has Cerebral Palsy and says “Making a positive impact in others lives feels fantastic but is not always accessible. This funding is going to enable us to include those who might have found it harder to volunteer. Having our ideas recognised by such a big organisation like the National Lottery is terrific.” she continues “This group gives me and others like me the ability to do things I’d never dreamed of doing before.” Already the group is organising a skydive to fundraise for Fresh Charity and a gaming night to fund schooling for children in Africa, as well as helping out with other charities events and looking into online volunteering opportunities.

The Volunteering Group, a collaboration between Fresh Charity and Rotaract, provides fundraising and volunteering opportunities to help charities and good causes. Meetings will be held every other Thursday at 6pm at Pause Cat Cafe in Bournemouth and also online. They can be found on the Fresh Charity Facebook Page or by visiting www.tiny.cc/volunteering