Youth volunteer Shane is shining example

Buy photos » Shane Pace (centre wearing glasses) with other WAYC volunteers. (s)

A YOUTH volunteer in Leamington is leading by example to help his peers find work.

Amid rising youth unemployment rates nationally, Warwickshire Association of Youth Club (WAYC) has launched a new fund-raising campaign in a bid to tackle the problem locally.

One of its members highlighted as a shining example is 20-year-old Shane Pace, who has been with the organisation since he was just nine.

In that time he volunteered for everything from gardening and painting to representing WAYC in an ambassadorial role at meetings and conducting presentations on its activities.

He also now mentors younger members of the club, guided by WAYC’s experienced youth workers, and is training himself to be both a qualified volunteer youth worker and football coach.

In addition he has been supported by WAYC in employment training - writing CVs, interview techniques and completing job applications - which has helped secured him a job at a local recycling centre in Leamington.

Shane said: ‘If I’m honest, I can’t believe how much I’ve achieved by going to WAYC’s youth club.

“It has inspired me to help others in my local community and has raised my confidence enabling me to push myself.

“It’s not always easy but if you want to change you can with support.

“Through volunteering I’ve now earned respect from others and give it in return. It’s a great feeling.

“I’ve got real ambitions now - further down the line I’d like to qualify as a youth worker and football coach. Now I believe I can."

Visit www.wayc.org.uk for more information on opportunities with Warwickshire Association of Youth Clubs, which is based at Jubilee House in Westlea Road, Leamington.

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