Young people in Harrogate are set to benefit from new volunteering opportunities thanks to a partnership between Harrogate Town Council and Harrogate & District Community Action (HADCA). The Town Council has awarded £12,500 of Partnership Funding to support the expansion of HADCA’s successful Power of 10 programme within the town.
Power of 10 is designed to help young people develop confidence, skills, wellbeing and employability through volunteering. By encouraging and recognising volunteering achievements, the programme enables young people to make a positive contribution to their communities while gaining valuable experience and building lasting connections.
The funding will help create and expand volunteering opportunities for young people across Harrogate, with HADCA working alongside schools, youth organisations, uniformed groups and community organisations to ensure a wide range of accessible opportunities are available. Particular emphasis will be placed on supporting young people who may face barriers to participation, including those with SEND.
As the programme develops in Harrogate, HADCA aims to support at least 500 hours of youth volunteering activity, develop young volunteer ambassadors, strengthen links between community organisations and local schools, and work towards establishing a Harrogate Youth Volunteering Fair.
The Mayor of Harrogate, Councillor Viv Poskitt, recently met with representatives from HADCA and young Ripon volunteer Zoe Ingham, who has achieved an impressive milestone of 750 hours of volunteering through the programme. Zoe’s achievement highlights the positive impact that volunteering can have on young people’s personal development while making a valuable contribution to local communities.
Harrogate Town Council hopes the partnership will help inspire more young people to become involved in their communities, creating opportunities to gain new skills, meet new people and make a positive difference across the town.
