The Centre on Philanthropy is meeting with Government to help mould national service to the needs of charities and the community.

Executive Director Pamela Barit Nolan welcomed details of the scheme, announced by the Premier on Friday.

She said the Centre, an umbrella organisation for charities and volunteerism in Bermuda, was "very interested" in the programme.

Ms Nolan said: "One of The Centre on Philanthropy's core mission pillars is to support and increase volunteerism in Bermuda. The primary programme tool used in our volunteer programmes is volunteer.bm, Bermuda's only online volunteer matching site.

"The Centre on Philanthropy is very interested in the Government's recent announcement regarding a National Service plan. The Centre is currently speaking with Government to try to assist in the development of a plan that meets Bermuda's growing community needs.

"As those conversations progress, we will be pleased to comment further."

Ms Nolan recently highlighted the impact of the global economic crisis on local charities, saying contributions were dwindling as corporate partners tighten their belts. However, she said valuable donations could be given in other ways such as employees giving their time through volunteering.

Government's national service programme was first announced in November during the Throne Speech. On Friday Premier Ewart Brown unveiled more details of the scheme, saying it would be voluntary rather than mandatory and cover Bermudians aged 24 to 30.

The proposed time commitment is expected to be 16 hours a month for two years.

Young Bermudians will be encouraged to mentor schoolchildren in such areas as tutoring education subjects, giving professional civil rights or money management advice, or coaching youngsters in sport. They will also be asked to assist with youth and senior organisations, or charities.