New-look website for youth volunteering scheme

The GwirVol initiative for young volunteers in Wales launched its revamped website, www.gwirvol.org, on Wednesday, 27 January. The new-look site is aimed at volunteers aged 16-25 and the groups that involve them – and those that plan to in future.

The site is full of exciting new features, from competitions and online polls (we want to know what our volunteers think) to FAQs, resources and grant application packs – plus tips for applying. You can also read about our volunteers’ real-life experiences, such as 16-year-old Lisa Ward, who volunteered at the Welsh Mountain Zoo and was such a success she is now a Trainee Zookeeper. You can also search for a placement in your area and catch up on all the latest youth volunteering news and events throughout Wales.

You can also discover more about our youth volunteer panel GwirForce, who are recruiting across Wales. GwirForce are asking their members to support the initiative by giving their views on volunteering and spreading the word among their peers.

Another highlight is the chance to engage with our Youth Volunteering Advisors, who are based across the breadth of Wales. Their profile pages are rammed with useful information, and you can contact them for support and advice. Our YVAs are also available for advice on promoting volunteering opportunities within your own group, or you can chat about local placements or get further information on grants and benefits.

Our partners also have profiles, allowing you to find out more about them and why they support this important initiative. These include the Welsh Assembly Government, North Wales Police – who run a cadet programme for 16-18 year olds – and Funky Dragon, an organisation whose aim is to give young people the chance to have their views heard on issues that affect them.

GwirVol will be continually updating the site to provide more support, advice, information and fun for anyone interested in youth volunteering.

If you would like to get involved, send us your news or promote an event, visit

You can also follow GwirVol on Twitter and join them on their Facebook group.

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