Over the bank holiday weekend, I used my Xact Volunteering Day to support Upton Young Farmers Club to compete at their County Rally.

There are 10 Young Farmers Clubs in Worcestershire, and the County Rally is where all the clubs with members aged between 10 and 28 come together to compete in a variety of classes to showcase their talents. My girls have now been members for over 8 years, and I have been lucky enough to be able to support them through their YFC journey from being very young junior members to actively running the club and my eldest, Becky, being Chair this year.

Youth organisations (such as young farmers, scouts, guides, cadets, etc) are so important for supporting the growth and development of talents and skills not found in education. They rely on volunteers to organise and run these groups and provide many opportunities that are transferable skills to prepare young people for the workplace.

Becky, struggled at high school and lacked confidence as a result of her dyslexia. Then she found Young Farmers and competed in her first baking class at Rally to achieve 2nd place. This enabled her to then represent Worcestershire at the Regional show where she won and has done the same many times since... she found her talent. Since joining the girls have learnt many skills; public speaking, team working, organising charity events (including a mini festival and other licenced events), water sports, first aid, butchery skills, stock judging, gaining sponsorship to keep the club in funds, organising weekends away, holding formal club meetings including the annual general meeting, managing the club's finances, promoting the club, and working with other community organisations, to name a few. These are all important skills that build confidence and are transferable in some way to the workplace.

Becky's YFC experience has proved this as, on completing her degree in Marketing and Business Management, she had already secured paid employment in her dream job as Marketing Assistant for an independent supermarket. Her employers said that she outshone all other candidates through her experience and skills gained with young farmers.

Most importantly, however, both the girls have found their tribe, making friends for life, and sharing the ups and downs... This has been valued in the last 12 difficult months for our family and for many young farmers and their families it is much needed as rural isolation can be a very real issue.

Companies, such as Xact, supporting these organisations by providing time off and financial sponsorship are integral to ensuring young people experience opportunities that allow them to find their talents and their tribe. They also benefit from having better staff morale and retention from the associated wellbeing and skills development that volunteering provides. 

Thank you Xact for your support.