Why Do We… Volunteer?
Destination: Success. How Volunteering Transforms Lives
At Edge Group Scotland, we're dedicated to empowering young adults who are autistic or have other additional support needs (ASN) to flourish. Our supported day service programmes are built on the principles of independence, confidence-building, and the acquisition of valuable employability skills. A key component of this approach is volunteering, which offers our attendees a unique opportunity to explore diverse working environments, particularly within outdoor and creative settings, and discover their passions.
Volunteering isn't just about contributing to the community; it's a powerful catalyst for personal development. For our programme attendees, it provides a safe and supportive environment to:
1. Explore Diverse Working Environments:
One of the most significant benefits of volunteering through Edge Group Scotland is the chance to experience a wide range of roles and workplaces. From assisting in community gardens to helping out in our local Royal Park or National Trust for Scotland (NTS) estates, our attendees are exposed to different industries and work cultures. This exposure is invaluable for discovering what they enjoy and, equally important, what they don't.
Real-world experience: Rather than theoretical learning, our attendees gain practical, hands-on experience that mirrors real-life employment.
Discover hidden talents: Many young adults discover skills and interests they never knew they possessed through diverse volunteering placements.
Build a portfolio: Each volunteering experience adds to their personal portfolio, demonstrating their abilities and dedication.
2. Develop Essential Employability Skills:
Our day service programmes have a strong focus on employability skills. Volunteering provides a practical platform to put these skills into action, specifically within the varied environments we offer.
Communication: Interacting with colleagues, supervisors, and the public enhances communication skills, both verbal and non-verbal, within diverse settings.
Teamwork: Working alongside others in a team environment, whether in a garden or a theatre, fosters collaboration and cooperation.
Time management: Adhering to schedules and completing tasks within deadlines improves time management skills, vital in any workplace.
Problem-solving: Encountering and overcoming challenges in the workplace builds resilience and problem-solving abilities, whether it's dealing with weather in a garden or a technical issue backstage.
Confidence building: Successfully completing tasks and receiving positive feedback boosts self-esteem and confidence.
3. Gain Confidence and Independence, and Prepare for the World of Work with Partners such as Project SEARCH:
For many of our programme attendees, volunteering is a significant step towards greater independence. It provides a sense of purpose and achievement, fostering a belief in their own abilities. Critically, it also provides a vital stepping stone for those who wish to progress onto things like a supported internship with Project SEARCH, other volunteering roles or paid employment opportunities.
Social interaction: Volunteering provides opportunities to build social connections and combat isolation, especially within the social environments of the arts and hospitality.
Increased self-esteem: Successfully contributing to a team and making a difference in the community boosts self-worth.
Preparation for supported internships: The structured environment of volunteering, especially within professional settings, prepares our attendees for the demands of supported internships or unsupported paid employment, providing a solid foundation for future career opportunities.
4. Discovering a "Positive Destination":
At Edge Group Scotland, our ultimate goal is to help our young adults achieve a "positive destination." This means finding a fulfilling path that aligns with their individual goals and aspirations. Volunteering plays a crucial role in this journey by:
Providing clarity: By exploring various roles, attendees gain a clearer understanding of their career interests, especially within the outdoor and creative sectors.
Building a network: Volunteering can lead to valuable connections and potential employment opportunities.
Demonstrating commitment: Employers value volunteering experience, as it demonstrates a willingness to learn and contribute.
We are incredibly proud of the progress our attendees make through the volunteering roles they engage with. Their dedication and enthusiasm are truly inspiring. By providing the right support and opportunities, we empower them to unlock their potential and build brighter futures.
For more information about our supported holistic programmes for School Leavers and Young Adults who are autistic and/or have other additional support needs, please visit our Supported Day Services page.
