Youth volunteering is one of the most powerful ways young people can support their community whilst building confidence, skills and experience for their own future. Across Scotland, thousands of young people give their time to support charities, sports clubs, schools, environmental projects, community organisations and local events. Their contribution has a lasting impact – not only on the people and causes they support, but also on their own personal development.

The latest Scottish Household Survey illustrates that 24% of 16-34 year olds participate in formal volunteering activities across Scotland, whilst 33% of respondents acknowledged informal volunteering participation. Through our work with Falkirk District young volunteers, they have highlighted that volunteering has supported them to develop communication, teamwork, leadership and problem-solving skills. They gain confidence, improve their wellbeing and often discover new interests or career paths.

Just as importantly, volunteering helps young people feel more connected to their local area. Whether supporting food banks, coaching youth sports, helping at community events or participating in environmental projects, young volunteers become active contributors to their communities. We are especially proud to champion and recognise youth volunteering, and are consistently impressed by young volunteers aged 11–25 engaging with Saltire Awards. Recognised by the Scottish Government, last year young volunteers across the Falkirk District contributed an outstanding 10,890 hours of volunteering.

One of Scotland’s most important programmes supporting youth volunteering, the Saltire Awards recognise and reward young volunteers aged 11–25. Delivered through local Third Sector Interfaces, the programme celebrates the achievements and commitment of young people across Scotland. Through this initiative, young people gain nationally recognised certificates for various volunteering milestones including: 10 and 25 hours through “The Approach”, 50, 100, 200 and 500 hours through “The Ascent”, and outstanding contribution recognition through “The Summit”. The programme also includes “The Challenge”, designed to introduce young people to volunteering through group activities and one-off events. We were thrilled to support our own event volunteers from Grangemouth High School to achieve their own ‘Challenge’ Saltire Award in March, for their support at our Falkirk Funders Fayre.

Beyond recognition, the Saltire Awards help young people track their achievements, reflect on their learning and strengthen CVs, further education applications and job prospects. Most importantly, the Saltire Awards send a clear message: youth volunteering matters, and young people’s contributions should be recognised and celebrated. And with more than 2040 Saltire Award volunteers supported to date, the future of youth volunteering shines brighter than ever.

Schools, youth groups, charities and local organisations all have a role to play in creating accessible and inclusive volunteering opportunities – and in recognising the impact of their young people. CVS Falkirk & District are pleased to be working with schools across the District to begin training the next generation of Saltire Ambassadors, encouraging young volunteers to promote volunteering among their peers in a supportive environment.

To find out more about Saltire Awards, please contact our Volunteering Development Officer (info@cvsfalkirk.org.uk) or visit the Saltire Awards website directly.