A group of delegates are pictured at one of the many workshops that took place during the South Ayrshire Youth Conference
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South Ayrshire Council held a Youth Conference for more than 80 South Ayrshire S1 to S6 pupils and representatives of the Scottish Youth Parliament and the South Ayrshire Youth forum. The theme of the conference, which took place in the County Buildings in Ayr, was young people and volunteering.
As part of the Council's commitment to its Youth Strategy an annual consultative conference is held for young people in South Ayrshire. The conference helps to develop opportunities for young people to have a voice and influence decision making.
There were themed workshops which were linked to the Curriculum for Excellence, which aims to ensure that young people are effective contributors, confident individuals, responsible citizens and successful learners.
Councillor John Hampton, Youth Champion for the Council said: "I would like to thank all the young people who attended the conference and made it such a worthwhile and successful event.
"It is important that we inform young people about all the wonderful work that is carried out in communities across South Ayrshire, and beyond, by volunteers. Many young people have a particular charity or cause that they would like to support, and what better way for them to do this than by donating part of their leisure time.
"Volunteering can introduce young people to a whole new world and help them develop and learn a range of skills which will stay with them, such as teambuilding, public speaking, confidence building. Voluntary work can also open doors for them by showing their commitment, work ethic and determination to further education establishment and future employers."
The workshops were run by local partner organisations and three national organisations YouthLink, the Scottish Parliament and Young Scot. Other local workshop contributors included Voluntary Action South Ayrshire, South Ayrshire Youth Forum, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Riverside Church and Belmont Academy. The Councils sustainability officer led an information session on volunteering for the environment raising awareness of the Low Carbon 2020 agenda.
Delegates had an opportunity to visit a range of market stalls which included the Royal National Lifeboat Institute, Army Cadet Force, Boy's Brigade, Scouts, Befrienders, Girvan Community Garden and many other volunteers at the event to raise awareness of their organisation.
Members of Voluntary Action South Ayrshire were fully involved in the planning of the event and anyone who would like further information about volunteering should log on to www.voluntaryactionsouthayrshire.org.uk