1^st in Suffolk

To achieve Investors in Volunteer status

Suffolk Young People’s Health Project – 4YP have recently achieved the Investing in Volunteers Quality Standard, awarded by Volunteering England, which recognises the excellent work they do with volunteers, and makes them the first organisation in Suffolk to achieve this nationally recognised award. On Monday 22 January, volunteers were presented with the award by Ipswich Town Players, Jamie Peters and George O’Callaghan demonstrating the football club’s support for the important work Suffolk Young People’s Health Project and their team of volunteers undertake.

Cherry Finch, Centre Manager said “We are over the moon to have achieved the Investors in Volunteer award in recognition of the high standard of support, commitment and management our organisation provides to volunteers, which is matched by the high standard of work and commitment given by our volunteers. To be the first in Suffolk is an indication of how forward thinking we are as an organisation, in addition to the regard given to the standard of service delivery which ultimately benefits the community, young people and volunteers we work with, we were delighted that Ipswich Town Football Club presented the volunteers with the award on 22 January 2007”.

Investing in Volunteers is the UK quality standard for all organisations involving volunteers. Investing in Volunteers aims to improve the quality of the volunteering experience for all volunteers and for organisations to acknowledge the enormous contribution made by volunteers. Investing in Volunteers is managed by the UK Volunteering Forum and delivered by Volunteering England, Volunteer Development Scotland, Volunteer Development Agency in Northern Ireland and Wales Council for Voluntary Action.

Claire Lewis, Volunteer at the Project said “ I enjoy working as a volunteer at 4YP. My skills are put to good uses and you feel involved. It’s good to learn new things in a supportive environment and to give something back at the same time”.

Suffolk Young People’s Health Project – 4YP was assessed against a range of best practice standards and proved to excel in all aspects of working with its volunteers.

Dawn Henry, Chief Executive explained that “the Investing in Volunteers is unique, in that it is the only standard that focuses on volunteers. It is based on four areas of volunteer management; planning for volunteer involvement, recruiting volunteers, selecting and matching volunteers and supporting and retaining volunteers. The assessment process is vigorous using nationally recognised practice standards as bench marks, and took place over a nine month period involving volunteers, trustees and staff.

Suffolk Young People’s Health Project is a registered charity which exists to provide & coordinate services which will improve the health & well being of young people, 12 to 25 years. It is a newly developing organisation, set up in 2004, which has been built on partnership working with the statutory sector. The organisation employs a small team of staff led by a Chief Executive, supported by a Centre Manager. There is a team of youth workers, counsellors and administrative staff. In addition to working with volunteers, the organisation takes on work placements and young people for work experience.

Further information about the Investors in Volunteers Standard can be found on www.investinginvolunteers.org.uk. The Standard will enhance volunteer management and is rigorous. It is the only quality standard that has independent external validation with a UK Quality Assurance Panel that makes recommendations to the UK Volunteering Forum, the awarding body.