Press release
For release 17 May 2007
For further information Amanda George
Contact number 020 7877 7524 ageorge@redcross.org.uk
RED CROSS LAUNCHES CERTIFICATE FOR YOUNG RETAIL VOLUNTEERS
The Red Cross is launching the ‘British Red Cross Certificate in Retail Skills’, a nationally recognised qualification specifically designed for young charity shop volunteers. The first of its kind in the UK, the scheme launching on 29th May allows young volunteers to channel their efforts into a recognised qualification.
The British Red Cross acknowledges the importance of involving young people in the charity retail sector. With one in three people in Britain is defined as ‘youth’, young people represent the second largest element of the customer base for charity shops, with fifteen percent of 18 to 24 year olds visiting a charity shop more than 21 times a year.
Miranda Bradley, retail development adviser at the British Red Cross said: “Young people are essential to the Red Cross and we want to position ourselves as leaders in the charity retail sector for young people. The benefits are huge for both us as a charity and the young people involved. By recruiting more young people to volunteer in Red Cross shops, the shops will become more attractive to young customers. The new Certificate will enable young volunteers to reach their potential, empowering then to make the most of their time with us, building up something tangible and useful for the future.”
The British Red Cross Certificate in Retail Skills is a youth led project and was developed and designed by young volunteers under the age of 26. Young people were involved from the outset, with a young intern managing the project. Two new roles for young retail volunteers were created in the Trading Department of the British Red Cross to encourage youth participation at a local and national level.
Lucy Pugh, 17, a volunteer who helped devise the Certificate comments, “The new Certificate in Retail Skills came about because we as young volunteers and the shop managers felt that there was something more to gain from our volunteering. Through this qualification, young people have greater responsibility in their workplace, build up their confidence and also get to learn a lot more about the Red Cross. The Certificate is a fantastic way to get more young people involved in the work of the organisation in the way that suits them, as it can be tailored to the tastes and interests of the young volunteers. Being able to participate in this qualification will help keep volunteering exciting and make it a recognisable achievement.”
The British Red Cross ‘Certificate in Retail Skills’, developed according to the Russell Commission criteria , is available at both standard and advanced levels. The standard level is an introduction to retail, allowing young volunteers to develop the skills needed for paid employment in retail. The advanced level is designed for longer-term volunteers and allows young people to get involved in in-depth projects such as managing a department in the shop or developing skills in visual merchandising.
The British Red Cross is also launching the ‘Retail Innovation Fund’ that will make four awards of £250 available for young retail volunteers for innovative and creative projects that will increase shop sales or raise awareness of a British Red Cross shop within the community. Examples include holding a fashion show or designing and making new stock for sale.
The Certificate in Retail launch will take place on Tuesday 29th May, 3pm - 4.30pm, at the British Red Cross Head Office, Moorgate, London. www.redcross.org.uk
ENDS
Notes to editors
· The launch will take place on 29th May to coincide with Volunteers Week (1-7June)
· Journalists wishing to attend the launch should contact the Red Cross press office: Amanda George, 020 7877 7524, ageorge@redcross.org.uk
· Case studies and photos of young volunteers are available. Contact the press office for more information.
· To arrange an interview with Miranda Bradley, Retail Development Adviser at the British Red Cross or a young volunteer, contact the press office (see above).
The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies.
We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on with their lives. www.redcross.org.uk |
