Service Section: Basics

The aim of the Service section is to encourage service to individuals and to the community. This Section is based on the belief that members of a community have a responsibility to each other and voluntary help is needed.

Aim of the Service Section

To encourage service to individuals and to the community.

The Principles

This Section is based on the belief that members of a community have a responsibility to each other and voluntary help is needed.

Young people should identify the voluntary service required to gain some knowledge of the needs of those whom they are assisting and then receive briefing and training in the skills required to give that service. The value of participation in the Service Section comes from training, giving practical service and appreciating the needs of the community.

Benefits to Young People

Although the specific benefits depend on the choice of activity, the Service Section should provide opportunities to:

• Make a personal contribution by dedicating free time to giving service to the community

• Appreciate the needs of others and contribute to their well-being by working with and for people with whom young people would not normally come into contact

• Trust and be trusted

• Understand personal strengths and weaknesses by reviewing their performance in briefing and training sessions

• Increase self-esteem by receiving positive feedback and learning to appreciate the value of making a personal contribution

• Overcome prejudice and fears through building new relationships and developing an empathy with others

• Generate positive action in the community by identifying and undertaking worthwhile service projects which benefit the local or wider community or the environment

• Accept responsibility through a personal commitment to an individual, organisation, group or community

Requirements

Participants are required to train for and give service to others. Consideration should first be given to the proposed form of practical service to be followed and then to the training required so that the service can be undertaken with competence and insight. Depending on the form of service chosen, this training could range from an outline briefing session to a specialised training course or qualification. For forms of service requiring a training course or qualification, the minimum time requirements include the time spent in training and the time spent in practical service.

Forms of Service

The Service Section offers young people a wide choice according to their abilities, personal preferences and the opportunities available. The choice of Service activity should reflect a young person's individual interests, talents and capabilities but also challenge personal attitudes and build on previous experiences.

The various Service activities are set out in two groups to facilitate choice.

• Group A: activities with focus on Practical Service;

• Group B: activities with focus on Training.

If a participant is already trained or qualified properly, activities listed in B can be done as a Practical Service.

Each Service activity involves some training and practical service.

The Process

There are four stages in the Service Section:

• INITIAL BRIEFING: The period of involvement should start with an initial briefing confirming the nature of the service, what form of training needs to be undertaken and the nature of the practical involvement.

• TRAINING: Training should be provided which can take the form of further briefings, attendance on a course and/or gaining a related qualification.

• PRACTICAL SERVICE: Related to the training received.

• FINAL REVIEW: The service activity, progress and quality of experience are reviewed, with the assessor and participant completing the Record Book.