EMMA RODDICK MSP PRAISES YOUTH VOLUNTEERS IN SHETLAND’S EMERGENCY SERVICES

Emma Roddick MSP for the Highlands & Islands has praised a pilot Youth Voluntary Services Scheme in Shetland, which brings together young people from the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service’s Youth Volunteer Scheme and Police Scotland’s Young Volunteers. 

Emma met the team at Lerwick’s shared Fire and Ambulance Station and heard directly from those involved in leading the pilot programme about how much local young people have learnt and benefitted from the scheme. 

Commenting, Emma said: 

“It was really special to pop by the station in Lerwick and to hear more about the Youth Voluntary Services Scheme. The programme that has been built here clearly means so much, not only to the young folk who have taken part and given up their time for their community, but also to those in Shetland’s emergency services who have been integral to creating and leading it. 

“They’ve really created a community in itself for the young people as well as supporting them to become leaders in the wider community – some of the young people even refer to it as a family.

“It was fantastic to hear that around four-fifths of the first volunteers were young women. I hope that this will result in more women taking up a future role in the emergency services. 

“As someone who has worked in the Ambulance Service, I know what a rewarding career it can be, so it is brilliant to see Shetland leading the way on this, ensuring young people have a greater understanding and respect for a role in the emergency services and supporting them to pursue one in future if they wish.”