SOCIAL care charity Quarriers has said thank you to its valued volunteers as Volunteers' Week comes to a close.

Bosses have highlighted the work of two people in Glasgow's South Side who give up their time every week to help young people.

The extra support from volunteers helps ensure the smooth running of both the James Shields Service and Oh Yellow initiative.

Alexis Gray volunteers at James Shields Service, which provides supported homeless accommodation for young men and women aged between 17 and 25.

The IT worker, who is studying social care at college, visits James Shields every Friday to interact with the young people.

She said: “It was not until I became involved that I realised that learning at college does not give you an understanding of or insight into the complexity of individuals in day-to-day living."

Glasgow Times:

Alexis would encourage other people to volunteer as she has benefitted enormously from the experience.

She said: “I would advise anyone to volunteer, especially if they are looking at a new career or career change. It is a great way to look at tasks and gain hands-on experience which cannot be achieved from theory only and will also enhance your insight when put together.”

Gordon, a Project Worker at the service, has supported Alexis and encouraged her throughout her volunteering.

He said: “Alexis fitted in straight away with the young people and the staff within the service.

"She has been a huge help not only to the young people but also the staff, and it has been a pleasure to have her volunteer with us.”

At Oh Yellow people under 25 are given the chance to use music and music production to explore new opportunities and personal development.

Gavin Smith has been a regular volunteer at the project.

Gavin said: “I am a Volunteer Music Facilitator specialising in Drum Kit Tuition and I originally trained as an actor before spending many years as a professional musician and as a broadcast journalist on local radio.

“I returned to full-time education in 2004 where I studied Community Learning and Development.

“My brother is a volunteer Coastguard Officer and my dad helps out with his local hospital transport service.

"Having worked within the Third and Voluntary Sector for several years I understand how important the help of volunteers is to these organisations."

Funded by CashBack, the two-year programme provides access to quality music making to create meaningful experiences for vulnerable young people in Glasgow and the west with workshops involving facilitated practise, access to specialist tutors and professional studio time.

Patrick Monaghan, Learning Development Initiative Worker, said: “Using music as a catalyst, the project provides young people with the tools they need to express themselves, manage their behaviour and maintain good mental health.

"Through links with the music industry and further education, the project can provide qualifications and meaningful progression opportunities for participants, including Arts Awards and Dynamic Youth Awards.

“Only with the hard work and dedication of our volunteers can we sustain many of the things that we are able to do with the young people that we support.”

Anyone wishing to support Quarriers by volunteering should contact the Volunteer Centre on 01505 616109 or email volunteer.centre@quarriers.org.uk