Youth Volunteers Fund – Supporting Welsh Bacc Learners in Newport

The Youth Volunteers Fund plays a vital role in helping young people across Wales build confidence, develop practical skills, and take meaningful steps into community action.

In Newport, this funding has enabled Newport Support Network CIC, working in partnership with GAVO (Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations), to deliver structured, Welsh Baccalaureate-aligned volunteering opportunities for young people aged 16–17.

Our work focuses on supporting learners completing the Welsh Baccalaureate (Welsh Bacc) by providing real-world volunteering that meets qualification requirements while delivering genuine benefit to the local community.

 
Delivering Welsh Bacc-Aligned Volunteering in Newport
Through the Youth Volunteers Fund, and with local coordination and support from Newport GAVO, we specialise in helping young people complete their Welsh Bacc volunteering and skills challenges in a safe, supported, and purposeful way.

Our delivery model ensures that volunteering is:

Structured and supervised
Aligned with Welsh Bacc requirements
Focused on skills development and reflection
Rooted in real community need
Learners are supported through planning, participation, reflection, and evidencing their activity — ensuring their volunteering contributes directly to their Welsh Bacc portfolios while building confidence and responsibility.

What the Funding Has Enabled
Thanks to the Youth Volunteers Fund, Newport Support Network CIC has been able to:

Deliver Welsh Bacc-aligned volunteering placements
Support learners with confidence-building and practical skill development
Provide supervised opportunities within real community settings
Reduce barriers to participation for young people
Connect education with meaningful community impact
Volunteering has taken place across food support services, community hubs, and practical community projects, giving learners hands-on experience of teamwork, responsibility, and leadership.

Why Supporting 16–17 Year Olds Matters
Ages 16–17 represent a key transition point as young people move from school into further education, training, or employment.

Welsh Bacc-focused volunteering at this stage:

Builds confidence outside the classroom
Develops transferable, real-world skills
Strengthens CVs and future employability
Encourages civic responsibility
Helps young people recognise their value within their community
By specialising in this age group, we ensure learners are supported at a critical moment in their development.

Community Impact
While learners gain qualifications and skills, the wider community benefits too.

Youth volunteering delivered through this programme has supported:

Food and essential item distribution
Community hubs and safe spaces
Practical community projects
Reduced isolation through human connection
This approach ensures the Youth Volunteers Fund delivers both educational value and social value.

Partnership and Local Delivery
Newport Support Network CIC works closely with Newport GAVO, alongside schools, families, and community partners, to deliver safe, inclusive, and Welsh Bacc-aligned volunteering opportunities.

Strong local coordination and trusted delivery are essential to ensuring young people are supported effectively and responsibly.

Looking Ahead
We remain committed to supporting young people in Newport to:

Achieve their Welsh Baccalaureate
Build confidence and practical skills
Contribute positively to their community
Funding that supports local delivery, backed by strong voluntary sector infrastructure, continues to play a vital role in enabling young people to thrive.