A young American man volunteering in Torfaen South Wales is highlighting the impact that sports activities can play in helping young people who may be facing various challenges. 

James Paxton (22) is volunteering with leading charity, CSV, on a project called Facing Your Fears.  Through volunteering for CSV in Wales he has discovered a new perspective and passion in life, as he has the responsibility for working alongside young people in the Torfaen borough with a range of outdoor activities.

Facing your Fears is a scheme organised by the Torfaen Youth Access Initiative to which CSV provide a volunteer and is funded through the New Opportunities Fund.  The main objective of the project is to target young people aged 14–18 years old, who are facing issues in school, to help promote self-esteem and confidence, and encourage them to participate in new and exciting challenging activities in an innovative and informal way.

James first heard of the Welsh CSV project, after the charity visited his local community college in Washington, U.S.A to sign up students for 4-12 month placements across the UK.  He became very interested in the opportunities available, as well as the chance to work with young people and fulfil his ambitions of working in Europe.

He said “I thought that the CSV placement was a good opportunity to volunteer and help improve the lives of young people with genuine needs.   I was also really eager to work in a sports environment and was intrigued to see what it would be like to live in Wales.”

As a volunteer, James has the responsibility of preparing outdoor pursuits, such as rock climbing, camping, canoeing, kayaking, as well as arranging basketball and aerobics sessions activities.

James, who comes from Spokane, feels that his time on the placement has helped him to achieve key learning skills and to develop a sense of purpose.

He said: “I have learned a multitude of skills, which I feel are important for everyday life.  For example I developed excellent communication skills, and the ability to organise and prioritise my work in a coherent way.  The young people I work with have shown me how to relate better with others and to become fully confident and assertive.”

James also believes that applying for volunteering with CSV would be beneficial to many young people from Wales and beyond.

He said “This is one of the best decisions that I have made, as I have learned so much.  Working with these teenagers has inspired me as I play a key part in helping them to achieve their full potential.  I urge anyone to come and join the CSV volunteering team and to become a part of something very special.”

CSV offers full-time volunteering opportunities to people over 16 years of age who commit to between 4-12 months on community projects throughout the UK.  They receive free accommodation, food and travel expenses, plus a weekly living allowance.  Further information on how to volunteer full-time is available on 0800 374991 or www.csv.org.uk/fulltimevolunteering

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Further press information: Robin Sprott or Jason Tanner/Paul Donohoe on 020 7812 0033 / 37 / 38. www.csv.org.uk/press

Notes for editors

1. CSV (Community Service Volunteers) is the UK’s leading volunteer charity and creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life of their community through volunteering, training and community action.  Each year 195,000 people give 4.9 million hours of their time as volunteers through CSV.  www.csv.org.uk