| Ever
have an odd burning desire to help other people
just for the hell of it? No? Don't be so selfish.
There's thousands of people around the country giving
up their time for free each week to better their
community and themselves.
The Millennium Volunteers project is launching across the country after successful
trials since the start of the year. It gives people
the chance to join or set up projects to help out
locally – things as diverse as trying to keep
young offenders out of jail to working for Oxfam.
One volunteer already reaping the benefits from being an MV is 22-year-old single
mum Syreeta Loney from South London. When her daughter started nursery, she joined
MV to help pass the time.
The scheme got her into a primary school as a classroom assistant – and in
a few short months she's being paid for her work,
caring for a couple of kids with special needs.
'It's very hectic, but I really enjoy it,' she
says. 'All the time I have to consider what the
child is going through. It's interesting and great
when you get results.'
She's definitely glad she bothered to join MV.
'It's a great thing to do, without it I'd still
be looking for a job. Now I'm thinking of becoming
a full-time teacher.'
Lifebyte was at the Millennium Volunteers' launch
last week at London's Tate Modern gallery, where
we saw stars and politicians line up to sing the
scheme's praises. One of the celebrities who joined
Lifebyte in supporting MV is DJ Trevor Nelson.
'I've volunteered before,'
Trevor says. 'It's a great feeling to contribute
to society.
'Millennium Volunteers gives young people an
excellent skills base, encouraging them to follow
their interests and pursue their dreams.'
5ive also spoke up in support for MV – they
did it by writing a little song,
but we'll spare you that for now.
There are currently 160 MV projects around England - and more in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. If you want to join one or apply to set a new one up, then contact Millennium Volunteers by emailing millennium.volunteers@dfee.gov.uk", call their helpline on 0800 917 8185 or write to:
MV Unit
Room N2
DfEE
Moorfoot
SHEFFIELD S1 4PQ
— Tom Savage 24.10.00
MV's
website is full of information about existing
projects you might want to join or details about
the scheme in general.
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