Our flexible volunteering campaign launches to support young people in developing new skills and accessing new opportunities.
We launch our campaign to help young adults build skills, confidence and future opportunities.
Young adults aged 18 to 30 can discover the benefits of volunteering through a new scheme. “You can. It counts.” offers flexible opportunities designed to fit around modern life while helping young people gain valuable skills and experience that will equip them for future careers or personal development.
At a time when many young people are facing challenges entering the job market, developing practical skills and building confidence, the charity is highlighting volunteering as a practical way to gain experience, connect with their local community, and support their future goals.
Young people can join our Base Crew Flex which is designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing people to choose when and how they get involved, without fixed rotas or long-term commitments.
Flexible Volunteering
Whether they’re studying, looking for work, building a career, raising a family, caring for others or simply exploring what’s next, young adults can access a range of opportunities including supporting community events, assisting in charity shops, helping with creative content, contributing to research projects, and supporting fundraising activities, that fit around their existing commitments.
The campaign message is simple: You can. It counts.
Every contribution, however big or small, can help support our lifesaving service while providing personal benefits for volunteers themselves.
Vicky Thresher, Volunteer Manager at Devon Air Ambulance, said:
We know that many young people are facing significant challenges when it comes to employment, gaining experience and finding opportunities to develop new skills. Through our ‘You can. It counts.’ campaign, we want to show that volunteering can be a positive step forward.
“Whether someone wants to build confidence, strengthen their CV, meet new people, develop skills or simply try something new, our Base Crew Flex gives them the freedom to volunteer in a way that works for them. Every hour given makes a difference, both to the individual and to the communities we serve.”
Join the Careers Fair
As part of the campaign, our volunteer team will be attending the Exeter Careers Fair on Thursday 1 October 2026 at the Mercure Exeter Rougement Hotel. The event offers candidates of all backgrounds, experience levels and education stages the opportunity to meet a wide range of local employers and organisations in one location.
Visitors will have the chance to speak directly with our volunteer team about the charity’s flexible volunteering opportunities, the skills that can be developed through volunteering, and how volunteering experience can support future career prospects. The careers fair provides an ideal opportunity for young adults to learn more about gaining practical experience, building confidence and developing transferable skills while supporting their local lifesaving charity.
Career Development
Research continues to highlight the value of volunteering in supporting career development. Studies show that 73% of employers would favour candidates with volunteering experience, while 85% of hiring managers are willing to overlook minor CV gaps when candidates can demonstrate meaningful volunteering experience.
To ensure volunteering is easy to access and manage, our volunteers can access a volunteering app which puts the young person in control of their volunteering journey. It enables them to view and sign up to available opportunities, receive updates, access important information, and stay connected with the wider volunteer community, all from their phone.
For young adults looking to gain experience, build confidence or take their first step towards future opportunities, our message is clear: You can. It counts.
Interested in flexible volunteering? Register your interest today.
