Voluntary Placements Helping to Enrich Wrexham Students’ Studies

More people across Wrexham are benefiting from volunteering opportunities thanks to the help of a local social enterprise.

Empower – Be the Change has initiated its ‘Volunteer to Employment’ course at St Christopher’s School in Wrexham and local Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths recently visited to speak with the participating students.

The group of Level 3 Sports Leaders are in the process of completing their required assessments, each undertaking around 10 hours of volunteering so far. The voluntary placements empower the students, developing their confidence and overall mental toughness through accredited training and mentoring.

Success at St Christopher’s School has resulted in Empower – Be the Change starting another similar programme specifically aimed at helping people who find themselves unemployed.

The enterprise has started working with Caia Park Partnership, the Job Centre and Youth Justice to promote the advantages of volunteering in helping individuals gain experience and valuable employability skills.

Empower – Be the Change was founded by local resident, Jo Clay and as well as working in Wrexham, the social enterprise provides opportunities for people to undertake international voluntary placements in India. Volunteers will be able to learn and experience something completely different, and also help deliver lasting positive change for the local communities.

After her visit to St Christopher’s School, Lesley Griffiths AM said:

“It was good to speak with the students to discuss everything they’ve achieved so far. The volunteering opportunities created with the support of Empower – Be the Change have clearly had a positive impact, helping the students broaden their experiences and develop their confidence and skills.”

“After the success in St Christopher’s, I am sure replicating a similar approach can help make a difference to the lives of unemployed individuals in the area.”

“I wish Jo and Empower every success in the future.”