When taking part in PSYV volunteers are trained to carry out tasks which supplement public duties undertaken by Scottish officers such as working at high profile concerts and sporting events. During 2014 the Glasgow Commonwealth Games gave young volunteers the chance to test out skills and nurture virtues learned at at home, at school and in their communities. The levels of trust given and the challenges they overcame made these once in a lifetime experiences that young people will cherish now and throughout future life and work experiences.
More Findings... Cont
Support with transitions into adulthood is evidenced in a range of contexts
Youth volunteers were asked in what ways PSYV helps them at school; at home; to enter student life; to get ready for work or to become an adult. Many respondents referred to being more responsible and mature, as these responses illustrate:
“I’m a lot more responsible than I was 9 months ago and I feel like I’m nearly ready to be out in the world and experience it for myself as an adult.”
“Helps me mature and take a positive attitude in my community.”
Another emerging theme is that PSYV has raised youth volunteers’ hopes and aspirations about becoming an adult, as reinforced by this respondent:
“PSYV was an amazing opportunity to get to know what it's like to be an adult. I will be a responsible member of my community and I will be helpful.”
Meanwhile PSYV has instilled a sense of more resilient attitudes being present, as in these responses:
“PSYV has taught me that not everything is easy and that plans don't always work out but that with time and effort things can be achieved.”
“To handle myself in the real world and to face everything head on and not with a reserved mind set.”
Of the 56 out of a potential 61 respondents, only two youth volunteers that said PSYV has either not helped them in any way or has not changed any aspect of their lives. For the majority PSYV has improved young people's relationships with peers, teachers, families and communities, as well as with the police. PSYV has given youth volunteers new knowledge, skills and qualifications and experiences. In particular young people frequently referred to character traits they are more conscious of such as making the right choices, being self organised, being self-reliant and having more self-respect and respect for others. Moreover it has raised young people's hopes and aspirations about entering into student, work and adult life and given them the motivation to succeed.
Youth volunteers were asked to rate how safe and well they felt when taking part in PSYV. The statement most true to respondents was ‘Included: I feel welcome and help others to feel they belong here too’ (mean of 4.71). The second truest statement was ‘Responsible: I understand how I’m meant to behave and get to take a lead’ (mean of 4.63), as this volunteer explained:
“PSYV has always been encouraging me to do the best and [leaders] have supported me through everything. They have been like a family to me, always there to support you when you need it and always encouraging.”
Youth volunteers feel safe and well within PSYV