Members of Carmarthenshire Youth Council (CYC) have devoted more than 1200 hours to volunteering on a local, regional and national level during the past 12 months.

Carmarthenshire County Council, Carmarthenshire Youth Council and CAVS have been working together over the years and developed a Youth Recognition Scheme for 11-14 year olds.

They have lobbied GwirVol the Youth Volunteering initiative for Wales, to lower the Millennium Volunteers age from 16 to 14 – which they succeeded.

Since 2007, 92 Youth Councillors have registered on the CAVS Youth Recognition and Millennium Volunteers Scheme.

Members have volunteered with the Participation Project through planning and delivering a conference, meeting with decision makers and more.

Fifteen young people were presented with their certificates at this year’s Annual General Meeting in April.

Carmarthenshire Youth Councillor Amber Treharne, aged 14 from Burry Port, said: “Since becoming a member of CYC it has allowed me to gain many different experiences through volunteering. I think that volunteering is such a rewarding experience as it really does develop you as a character. Not only does volunteering open up a wealth of experiences, it allows you to gain a variety of skills, such as team-work, that are beneficial to you in day to day life and also as you progress into further study and careers. I would advise anyone who ever receives the chance to get involved with volunteering to go for it because only then will you fully understand how rewarding it is!”

Recognition of CYC volunteering hours were presented with National Millennium Volunteers Certificates by Cllr Cefin Campbell, Executive Board Member for Communities and Rural Affairs and Marie Mitchell Chief Officer at CAVS in recognition for the time they have given during the CYC AGM in April.

Executive Board member for education and children’s services, Cllr Glynog Davies, said: “By being a part of Carmarthenshire Youth Council many young people are volunteering their time to make a difference in their county. I would like to thank the Youth Council members for taking time out of their busy lives. These awards are a way of showing our thanks and to acknowledging that all their hours of volunteering is valued.”

For more information about Carmarthenshire Youth Council and to see all the pictures from the AGM please go to www.youthsirgar.org.uk

Tagged Carmarthenshire, Carmarthenshire Council, Carmarthenshire Youth Council, volunteering