Project Scotland aims to increase the range of young people in Scotland who are aware of volunteering and the benefits it brings to volunteers themselves, their communities and to the organisations involving volunteers. The programme also aims to improve awareness amongst young people of how to access volunteering. By 2009, Project Scotland aims to involve around 1,000 young people per annum in volunteering.

Some of the key features of Project Scotland are:
• an initial focus on 16-25 year olds from all social backgrounds, but with a concerted effort to attract those who would not traditionally volunteer;
• the provision of a recognised brand and portal for a range of quality assured full-time volunteering opportunities;
• the provision of volunteering opportunities from new and existing sources, with an emphasis on flexibility, choice and opportunities for teamwork; and
• an emphasis on creating a brand that has real currency with prospective employers and with further and higher education establishments.
• A modular approach - up to 3 modules of 3-4 months during a calendar year.
• Volunteers will receive a living allowance.
• A grant could be available to volunteers at the end of their placement to help open doors to education, training or business start-up.
• The creation of a new delivery agency, independent of government, to run the scheme and source private sector investment.

For more information visit www.projectscotland.org.uk