We’re proud to announce the launch of our Veterans Badge Campaign — an initiative to recognise and celebrate the dedicated individuals who have given years of service to supporting young people through volunteering.
Honouring Long Service
Across the UK, thousands of volunteers have quietly dedicated decades to youth organisations. Scout leaders, Guide leaders, sports coaches, mentors, and countless others have shaped the lives of young people without seeking recognition for themselves.
It’s time we changed that.
What is the Veterans Badge?
The Veterans Badge is a symbol of appreciation for volunteers who have served young people for an extended period. It’s a way of saying “thank you” — not just for the hours given, but for the lives changed along the way.
Why This Matters
Youth volunteering is often a lifelong commitment. Many volunteers:
- Started as young people themselves in the organisations they now lead
- Have seen generations of young people pass through their care
- Continue to serve well into retirement
- Rarely receive formal recognition for their dedication
We believe these individuals deserve to be celebrated.
How to Get Involved
We’re currently developing the criteria and design for the Veterans Badge programme. If you:
- Know a veteran volunteer who deserves recognition
- Would like to nominate someone for the badge
- Want to help shape this initiative
We’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch via our contact page to share your thoughts or make a nomination.
What’s Next
Over the coming months, we’ll be:
- Finalising the badge design and criteria
- Building partnerships with youth organisations
- Launching the formal nomination process
- Sharing stories of veteran volunteers
Watch this space for updates on the Veterans Badge Campaign.
Together, we can honour those who have given so much.
— The IYVS Team