A graduation ceremony has been held for a group of volunteers to celebrate the success of Leeds’ very first Young Ambassador programme.
Leeds Mencap, a local charity that supports people with learning disabilities, has been running the 6 month volunteer programme for the first time in partnership with the Royal Mencap Society.
Now the Young Ambassadors, who are aged between 16 and 25 and have a learning disability, have graduated from the scheme with flying colours.
Laura York, Volunteer Projects Officer for Leeds Mencap, said: “It’s fantastic to see our first group of Young Ambassadors graduate from the programme. They have acted as role models for other young people with learning disabilities by organising a variety of projects aimed at raising awareness about learning disabilities and making a positive difference in the local community.”
The Young Ambassador programme offers young people with learning disabilities the opportunity to meet new people, develop their skills and have exciting new experiences.
“Helping to run a computer tablet training session for a group of elderly people was a highlight for me” said Young Ambassador, Daniel Ratcliffe, “I was able to use my knowledge of technology to help teach someone else in the community new skills”.
Volunteers are supported throughout the programme, which aims to increase their confidence whilst empowering them to change negative attitudes by showing the positive things that people with learning disabilities can achieve with the right support.
Cath Lee, Chief Executive of Leeds Mencap, said: “The young people involved have contributed a great deal. Their enthusiasm, fun and willingness to get stuck into experiences and activities new to them is inspirational”
The Young Ambassadors have good reason to celebrate the success of their projects, which included performing random acts of kindness at Leeds Trinity shopping centre and joining several hundred other volunteers in a performance to welcome the Rugby World Cup to Leeds.
Due to this success, Leeds Mencap is now looking for more volunteers, aged 16-25 with a learning disability to take part in the second Young Ambassador programme in Leeds in 2016.
To find out more or to get involved in the Young Ambassador programme, please visit www.leedsmencap.org.uk/get-involved/the-young-ambassadors-programme
