Gosport youth group Loud and Proud celebrates 10 years of volunteering to help the community

Gosport-based youth group Loud and Proud was set up in 2011 by five teenagers who wished to change the perception of young people.

The group has gone from strength to strength, volunteering more than 1,500 hours each year and winning awards for their efforts from UK Youth and the High Sheriff of Hampshire.

Supported by Gosport Voluntary Action, the group has increased its membership to encompass a diverse and lively group of young people from across Gosport.

Former member of Loud and Proud Kirsty Greener joined the group as a college student 10 years ago.

She said: ‘It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The group really showed what young people could do and took us out of our comfort zones.

‘I’m now a civil engineer working for a top company and I can’t help thinking how Loud and Proud started me on this journey and how the impact it had shaped me to be who I am today.’

Members carry out a wide range of group volunteering activities in the community to build confidence, self-esteem, aspiration and employability.

Activities include helping out at community events and civic functions, organising intergenerational activities, fundraising for good causes and cultivating their own allotment.

Members build ongoing friendships and have fun while also learning a variety of new skills including first aid, health and safety, event management and practical horticulture skills.

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This adds to their CVs and helps them build self-confidence while improving their employability.

Earlier this month the members and supporters held a virtual online party to celebrate their achievements over the past 10 years.

This includes attending more than 75 community events each year and helping more than 140 young people from Gosport realise their potential.

Project leader Nicola Ure said: 'It’s wonderful to hear the stories of the members about the difference that Loud and Proud has made to their lives.’

For information about membership and business sponsorship enquiries, email [email protected] or phone 07895 939510.

Visit gva.org.uk/individuals/volunteering/loud-proud for more information.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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