Volunteer with SYP

Volunteers are the core of what the Scottish Youth Parliament do, they give up their time, they are keen, enthusiastic and carry the voice of their peers. We appreciate the fresh enthusiasm and energy volunteers put into our work and would therefore encourage you to get involved.

You can determine how you perform your role and what aspects you will action. As one young volunteer stated, “There is no set weekly hours you need to commit to but it is clear that some young people are more able and more motivated to provide extra hours. I do. But no one feels pressured to do more or less than they are doing. It is up to you to decide. I sometimes need help and my local support worker or SYP are quick to step in”. 

Another said, “I am at university now and I thought that I would want to commit less and participate in new activities but my timetable means I actually have more time during the day. I have been asked to attend a national conversation and sat with local elected ministers, I facilitated at a young carers event and questioned top professionals on a panel on behalf of the 200 delegates. The opportunities available to me are incredible and have completely changed by career aspirations”.  

In addition to these roles young people are offered by the Scottish Youth Parliament a number of unique opportunities based on their skills and interest. One volunteer said, “I was asked due to my declared interests in journalism to write press articles and features for the newsletter”, another said, “I was given the opportunity to meet young people on an exchange from Norway and exchange our views”. 

Young people recently got the opportunity to travel to Westminster and make history by being at a consultation in the House of Lords. “It was a great honour, all our expenses were paid for and we got the opportunity to take part in a moment of history”. 

If you wish to get involved in the work of the Scottish Youth Parliament, please let us know.