Volunteering takes new twist at Wales Air Ambulance

Wales Air Ambulance has announced the launch of its ‘Future Flyers’ volunteering opportunities, a program specifically designed to aid young individuals under the age of 25 in acquiring vital skills and experience.

Backed by a grant from the Principality Building Society, this initiative marks a significant step in the Charity’s ongoing effort to support and empower young people across Wales.

The ‘Future Flyers’ program offers two new volunteering opportunities, providing a structured pathway for young people looking to enhance their employment prospects.

Participants will receive a specially designed ‘Future Flyers’ pack, which includes a logbook to record their volunteering hours, endorsed by a supervisor.

This hands-on experience is complemented by an online course covering essential life skills such as financial planning, CV writing, and career planning.

Upon successful completion of the course and fulfilment of the required volunteer hours, participants will be awarded a certificate of completion and a skills record.

The comprehensive package serves as tangible evidence of their commitment and skills, which they can present to future employers or academic institutions, showcasing their dedication to community service and social responsibility.

Sandra Hembery, the Charity’s Volunteer Development Manager, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, highlighting its dual benefits: equipping young volunteers with valuable skills and supporting the lifesaving work of the Wales Air Ambulance. Volunteers, she notes, are integral to the Charity’s ability to continue its vital services across Wales.

This initiative is a part of the Charity’s broader strategy to engage youth through its ‘Youth Engagement Programme’.

Wales Air Ambulance, known for its consultant-led approach that delivers hospital-standard treatments directly to patients, is committed to offering young people across Wales opportunities for growth while simultaneously working towards securing future supporters.

The Charity, which requires £11.2 million annually in public donations to maintain its critical services, is also exploring new ways to support its operations.

One such innovative project is the upcycling scheme set to pilot in Cwmdu, Swansea.

This scheme will involve transforming quality furniture donations through various techniques like chalk painting and reupholstering.

The finished products, each carrying a story of the volunteer’s contribution, will be sold in the Charity’s shops, further aiding its fundraising efforts.

For more information on either of these volunteering opportunities contact [email protected]