The CSV Respect Us project

CSV’s Respect Us project supports young people aged 14-25 who have a moderate learning difficulty through their transition from school to adulthood.

"It was the first time going to the library when I went volunteering, I give it 20 out of 20... It was scary at first but now I have friends."

Ann, a supported volunteer with CSV Respect Us

Respect Us works by empowering the young people through getting involved with real life experiences, so they are better equipped and feel more confident to enter change in their life.

This is a very ambiguous time for all young people, especially those with a learning difficulty; moving under the care of different agencies and making choices on the next stage in their life can be a very daunting time.

Building their confidence, making new friends and learning new skills can help them to feel included, safe and independent in their local community.

Supporting a young person through meaningful volunteering activities, such as campaigning in their community, horticultural and gardening activities in local allotments, befriending adults who have a learning difficulty, or planning an event for a local group of elderly people, can improve the transition for the individual - and benefits the local area.

Shelley Johnson, CSV’s Respect Us project manager, says that the young volunteers had some apprehensions about volunteering and whether they’d enjoy it, but the support the volunteers receive has soon allayed any lingering doubts.

“Each week the volunteers learnt something new and demonstrated their skills, and recognised the value they add to their community. Their original perceptions of volunteering have changed since starting and they are enjoying being part of the project.”

Supported volunteers in Bromley, Greater London, have been discovering and digitising images of their local community at the central library. Some have been finding photographs of their school from over 50 years ago.

Sarah, a volunteer at the library, says, “I go every week. I made new friends. I am friends with people that work at the library. I know lots of new people. I now go to the library when I am not volunteering to say hello to my new friends. I am now a member of the library.”

Ann, pictured above, says, “It was the first time going to the library when I went volunteering; I give it 20 out of 20. The refreshment break is really good, the coffee shop is big and there is stuff for me to buy. It was scary at first but now I have friends. I scan lots of pictures of the school, I enjoy doing the scan, and if you need anything scanning I can get it done. The other volunteers work hard - I like to focus on my work. It’s a thumb up!”

One of the volunteer’s parents said “I was a bit hesitant in sending my son volunteering at first but when I heard more about the project and how it can help him in his transition I was keen for him to get involved!”

For more information about CSV’s Respect Us project, email Shelley Johnson at sjohnson@csv.org.uk.

Sarah’s name has been changed for the purposes of this case study.

Respect Us operates in the Greater London area and is supported by City Bridge Trust with additional resources from Beatrice Laing Trust.