YOUNG Gwent volunteers have been presented with certificates to thank them for their work.

National charity Volunteering Matters, which has a base in Pontypool, works with disabled people, older people, young people and families and uses volunteer schemes to reduce inequality and isolation.

Oonagh Aitken, charity chief executive, and Anne Heal, chair of the Board at Volunteering Matters last week met some of Gwent's young volunteers, presenting them with certificates to mark their work.

Volunteer-led projects represented at the event include Action Cyfle, a project providing support to young people not in employment, education or training aged 16 to 25, Beyond Transitions, a project for young disabled volunteers, and Sex Matters Too, a project that uses a peer-led approach to the subjects of sexual health and sexual exploitation.

Florence Mitchell, a volunteer on the Action Cyfle project, said: “It’s great to be recognised for my achievements.

“Volunteering is rewarding and has helped increase my confidence and employability.”

Naomi Smith, a volunteer on the Sex Matters Too project, added that she felt, “amazed that other people recognized my progress and proud to be awarded (a certificate) for something in which I lacked confidence.”

Volunteering Matters Chief Executive Oonagh Aitken added, “Anne and I were totally inspired by the young volunteers we met this week.

“These young people give time, energy and commitment to the Sex Matters Too project, developing their own ideas about how best to deliver information to their peers.

“The success and impact of the project is fantastic. They should be really proud; I am certainly very proud that they volunteer for us.”