25 June 2009

Teens contribute £300 million a year to society

The media reports today on Christian faith as a significant motivator for volunteering. These findings come from an Evangelical Alliance report, Young People Matter, looking at volunteering amongst young people and specifically the role of faith and belief. We're really encouraged and excited by the findings. This could have a major impact on breaking down negative stereotypes of teenagers. 

With a foreword from HRH The Prince of Wales, the report surveyed over seven hundred 14-18 year olds and found that 45 percent of young people volunteer at least once a month and 80 percent donate money to charity each month.

The Alliance's General Director, Steve Clifford, said: "These results demonstrate what I have seen and known for years; that young people, contrary to the stereotypes, make a massive positive difference in our communities. Far too often they are branded as hoodies or gang members when the real statistics tell a very different story.

"I hope this acknowledgement of how many 14-18 year olds are motivated to volunteer by their faith will mean that schools and Government will work with faith groups to encourage this selfless giving."

Read the BBC article

Read the press release

Read the full Young People Matter report