TWO young volunteers in Ceredigion have received recognition for their hard work.

Thomas Evans and Ashlie Day have achieved both their 50 and 100-hour Millennium Volunteers awards.

Both have been active members of Aberaeron Youth Club, and have decided to progress and become young volunteers to support with the planning, delivery and evaluation of various workshops and projects within the club.

Ashlie said: “I love volunteering at Aberaeron Youth Club. It gives me a real sense of empowerment and accomplishment.

“I began attending the club as a young person and over the last year or so, Tom and I decided to take on some additional responsibilities and become young volunteers.

“I enjoy planning and delivering my own activities for younger members, including cookery and arts and crafts.

“Volunteering at my local youth club has provided me with opportunities to gain experience, learn new skills and develop my confidence.”

The Ceredigion Young Volunteers programme enables young people aged 16 to 25 to actively participate in leading, planning and supporting topical sessions, workshops and the general running of youth clubs.

To date, 11 young people have achieved their 50-hour awards, six have achieved their 100-hour awards and two have achieved their 200-hour awards with Ceredigion Youth Service.

Ceredigion Youth Service principal youth officer Gethin Jones said: “It is great to see young people so eager to actively lead and participate in various provision across the county.

“Thomas and Ashlie are both valued members of the club and we’re very fortunate that they are prepared to give up their time to support younger members.

“Over the years, Thomas and Ashlie have shown commitment, initiative and leadership skills. We look forward to supporting them to reach their 200-hours mark.”

Cllr Catrin Miles, Cabinet member with responsibility for learning services, said: “Volunteering gives so much to the children, the clubs and the community and we appreciate the time and commitment young people such as Thomas and Ashlie give to help others.

“Of course, it provides invaluable experience for those who volunteer, by learning and developing a variety of valuable skills in an informal, fun situation.”

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