SOLVE

The SOLVE (Supported Opportunities Local Volunteering towards Equality) project was officially launched by Minister for Social Development, Nelson McCausland at the Playtrail on Racecourse Road on 23rd January 2014. 

North West Volunteer Centre in partnership with Liberty Consortium at the Playtrail have developed the SOLVE project to give young people, aged 16-25,  with a learning disability the opportunity to volunteer within the local community. Using a ‘buddy system’ to support the young people, the project will aim to break down barriers to volunteering and work placements and will work within the vision that ‘everyone has the opportunity to have a meaningful, enjoyable volunteering experience’.

A number of local community organisations and employers have already shown commitment to offering volunteer placements and a team of 'volunteer buddys' are on hand to support the young person in their volunteering role.  Currently buddys and volunteers are completing training programmes that will prepare them for their volunteering role, increasing their understanding and confidence.

We are currently looking for more participants (volunteer buddys, young people with a learning disability and local organisations/employers) as part of phase 2 of the programme.

Anyone who wishes to find out more about the project can contact Marirose Cunningham/Julie Connolly at the North West Volunteer Centre on tel. (028) 71271017 or Eamon Nugent at the Playtrail on tel. (028) 71368173