100,000 Saltire Awards for Scotland’s Young People

We’re delighted to share the news from Voluntary Action Scotland (VAS) that Volunteer Glasgow and all the country’s Third Sector Interfaces (TSIs – which include Volunteer Centre services) have awarded a total of 100,000 Saltire Awards since 2012.

The Awards have made a significant contribution to a growth in volunteering amongst Scotland’s young people since 2009, enabling more young people to enjoy the benefits of volunteering for themselves whilst also making a positive impact on their communities.

The Saltire Awards are the Scottish Government’s national youth volunteering initiative and in making the announcement of this milestone, Angela Constance (Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities) said: “We should all be very proud of the increase we have seen in our youth volunteering rate. I congratulate not only the volunteers but also the agencies, which are developing youth volunteering opportunities across Scotland.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities and we remain committed to doing all we can to ensure everyone who wants to volunteer can do so.”

Commenting on a trend that looks set to grow, Allan Johnstone, Acting Chief Executive, VAS said: “While volunteering enables young people to contribute to their local communities in ways that are enjoyable, fun and creative, they also bring a fresh perspective and enthusiasm, offering valuable solutions to communities and voluntary organisations especially in challenging times.

“The substantial benefits that volunteering brings to our country go way beyond the estimated £2.6 billion it is worth to the Scottish economy. For one, the ethos of support that young people take with them into adult life is a fundamental part of this country’s social fabric.”

The increasing number of young people volunteering in Scotland is one of our collective Legacy 2014 success stories.

Aaron Fernandez (above) is proof of just how much volunteering can be a confidence builder and a life-changer. From a painfully shy teenager unable to communicate effectively with people, the now confident 21-year-old student is a mentor for others and a true ambassador for youth volunteering in Scotland, speaking today on STV’s Live at Five . Aaron is a Glasgow 2018 Volunteering Champion and one of our Saltire Awards Ambassadors. Read more about Aaron’s story on the Voluntary Action Scotland website

Click on the following link for more information: Saltire Awards and how they work