v is an independent charity which supports, inspires and funds young volunteers. It was launched in May 2006 with the aim of creating one million new volunteers aged between 16 and 25 by 2010.

A youth volunteering charity was a recommendation of the Russell Commission report, set up in 2004 by Gordon Brown (then Chancellor) and David Blunkett (then Home Secretary).

v is one of the government’s strategic partners and has received £50m in funding from the government which it has to match fund through the private sector.

It cites its mission as creating a culture where volunteering comes naturally – and where the benefits of volunteering are understood and celebrated.