Young people volunteer roles

Young Lives Foundation are recruiting volunteer wellbeing mentors (living in Kent) to support young people through one-to-one mentoring. 
 
Their mentors provide consistent, positive support to a young person, helping them build confidence, resilience, and life skills. No formal qualifications are required, and full training, safeguarding checks, and ongoing support are provided.
 
They’re looking for people who are:

• Reliable and committed
• Good listeners with empathy and patience
• Interested in making a meaningful difference to a young person’s life

The commitment is typically around 1–2 hours per week, for a minimum of 6 months.

For more information and to apply click here

Community Engagement volunteers help to raise awareness of the support available for deaf children and their families through engagement with community and voluntary groups, and/or faith-based groups and/or other support organisations. This role will help us to better support communities, in order to build trust and ensure that any barriers to support are understood and overcome.

About you 

• Confident, friendly, and empathetic   

• Are committed to the vision and ambition of the National Deaf Children’s Society  

• Want to make a difference to deaf children and their families 

• Have knowledge of (or willingness to learn about) deafness and local services for deaf children 

• We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of a particular community, in this case East European communities in Kent, and an understanding of the potential barriers faced by those communities 

• Knowledge of a prominent language used in the community beyond English, such as Polish or Romanian would be an advantage but is not essential 

When and where 

• Flexible depending on your availability  

• At different locations within your local community in the Kent area. Thanet and Margate in paricular

What you will do 

Tasks will be varied depending on the needs of the community. As examples, they could involve:   

• Engaging with community groups, faith-based groups and/or other support organisations 

• Providing information to families about deafness and signposting them to appropriate support  

• Supporting with the planning of events and activities aimed at bringing families together  

• Supporting us to understand the needs of deaf children and their families in your community  

We also ask that you:

• Understand the boundaries of the role and ask for support where appropriate

• Provide evidence to demonstrate the impact you make in your community through volunteering

What will you gain from the role? 

Other volunteers have told us that training and volunteering has given them:  

• Increased confidence and new skills   

• A broader understanding of childhood deafness and the issues faced by families  

• A sense of achievement by making a positive difference 

Support and training 

You will be provided with: 

• Training to support you in your role, including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, safeguarding, informed choice, and deaf awareness   

• Feedback on the support you contribute and the resulting outcomes  

• A named point of contact at the National Deaf Children’s Society & on your assignment  

• Reimbursement of agreed expenses such as travel costs  

• Clear information about what to do and who to contact if you are worried about something  

• The opportunity to feedback how the role works to improve it for the future  

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families, children and young people. You will be asked to return a self-disclosure form, complete an Enhanced DBS Check, provide references, and complete our essential training.

Do you have professional experience in coding and computing? Could you support young people in learning how to code? 

Are you passionate about equipping the next generation with the skills and strategies needed to succeed?

About us: GT Scholars is a social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve their aspirations. 

We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds.

What makes us different? There are many organisations that offer programmes to improve the life chances of young people. However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low-income homes. 

Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for workshop facilitators that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!

Responsibilities: Facilitators are responsible for designing creative and interactive workshops for our young people, and delivering these workshops with our young people. We run some of our workshops online and other workshops are held in London. All workshops are held during the school holidays, in the evening and on weekends.

The workshop facilitator role is flexible and as part of your role, you may be involved in:

• Delivering and leading short workshops or courses, on behalf of GT Scholars (Online or offline)

• Designing engaging, interactive and educational workshops and short courses for young people and ensuring that the content is targeted to suit different abilities and capabilities

• Running your own bespoke workshops, eg. workshops in coding and technology

• Managing short activities and Q&A sessions during our workshops

• Working collaboratively with other event coordinators, volunteers, ambassadors, workshop facilitators and speakers at our events

• Following the agreed timings and content for workshops and courses

Person specification: 

As workshop facilitator, you will need to:

• Have passion, knowledge and experience in coding, computing and technology

• Have strong presentation skills

• Have strong communication skills

• Be personable and able to confidently communicate with people from a range of backgrounds and professions.

• Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality

• Be punctual and organised

Availability: Workshops will run during the day on school holiday dates, on Saturdays or in the evening (5pm-8pm).

Additional information: We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 2 years old.

Rate of pay: This is a self-employed role. You must be aged 18 or above. Facilitator sessions range from 2 to 6 hours. The rate of pay will vary based on the budget of the funder.

Volunteer Befriender for young people in care for NYAS -WANTAGE area

Do you want to make a difference to a young person’s life?
Do you have 1- 4 hours per month to spare?
We urgently require volunteer befrienders to be a positive role models for young people living in care. So why not volunteer as a mentor/befriender for NYAS as an Independent Visitor for children and young people in care.

As a volunteer you will:

* Have fun, take young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest
* Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person’s life and help build self- esteem and confidence
* You don’t need any special qualifications

We are looking for reliable and dependable people from all walks of life.

We will provide training and on-going support. We will pay expenses to a set limit.

Here is what some of our young people and volunteers have to say about this rewarding role:

I like how my Independent Visitor isn’t anything to do with social services and is here to support me not to judge.

They have boosted my confidence, now I feel like when I go places I can just relax and have fun.

My young person always looks forward to me coming, they have had such a disjointed life, I am a stable figure in their life and this has to be important for them as everything else changes around them a lot.

If you feel you would suit this role, please get in touch.

Do you want to make a difference to a young person’s life?
Do you have 1- 4 hours per month to spare?
We urgently require volunteer befrienders to be a positive role models for young people living in care. So why not volunteer as a mentor/befriender for NYAS as an Independent Visitor for children and young people in care.

As a volunteer you will:

* Have fun, take young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest
* Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person’s life and help build self- esteem and confidence
* You don’t need any special qualifications

We are looking for reliable and dependable people from all walks of life.

We will provide training and on-going support. We will pay expenses to a set limit.

Here is what some of our young people and volunteers have to say about this rewarding role:

I like how my Independent Visitor isn’t anything to do with social services and is here to support me not to judge.

They have boosted my confidence, now I feel like when I go places I can just relax and have fun.

My young person always looks forward to me coming, they have had such a disjointed life, I am a stable figure in their life and this has to be important for them as everything else changes around them a lot.

If you feel you would suit this role, please get in touch.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a session across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team. 

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role Closing date for these opportunities is: 28/12/2026

Could your love of cycling inspire and support young people?

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our Youth Project sessions in Bristol!

About this role

As a Youth Project Volunteer, you’ll work alongside our friendly staff and playworkers at local adventure playgrounds, supporting a welcoming and inclusive environment.

You’ll get involved in a range of cycling activities, including:

• Showing young people how to look after their bikes
• Encouraging children to try cycling skills and group rides
• Helping young people explore green spaces and their local area by bike
• Joining in with games and creative activities

No two sessions are the same, but each session is a great way to make a real difference in your community while having fun alongside young people.

About the Youth Project

Our Youth Project engages young people through imaginative and inspiring cycle-related activity sessions.

Sessions run after school and during school holidays at three adventure playgrounds. We’re currently looking for support at Southmead Adventure Playground (the Ranch) and Lockleaze Adventure Playground (the Vench).

About you

We’re looking for volunteers who:

• Are warm, friendly and enjoy working with children and young people (aged 11 – 16).
• Communicate clearly and patiently with young people, parents and playground staff
• Have an interest in cycling and/or a willingness to learn basic bike repair skills
• Are able to commit to a regular weekly session (2–3 hours per week during term time)

A valid enhanced DBS check is required (or willingness to apply).

About Life Cycle

Life Cycle is a charity that works with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds at every stage of their cycling journey, from learning to ride, to building a career in the cycle industry.  Our Youth Project is part of our work to support inclusion and community well-being through cycling. 

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a session across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team. 

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/05/2026 

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a session across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team. 

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role Closing date for these opportunities is: 28/12/2026

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a session across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team. 

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/05/2026 

Cadet Group Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/11/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Come and make a difference to some young people who really need your input.

Go Beyond are a national UK charity giving children who have been bereaved, abused or bullied, who are living in poverty or caring for loved ones the chance to escape their worries and pressures through free breaks in the countryside. We need volunteers to help us deliver fun, creative and adventurous activities throughout the year.

Go Beyond’s centres in Essex, the Cornish coastline, and on the edge of the Peak District are where vulnerable young people facing various challenges in their life come for a week of freedom and fun. Running Monday-Friday throughout the year, our breaks give children and young people the chance for time away from the worries of their everyday life, to make friends, try new things, build confidence, and ultimately go home inspired by what the world can offer them and what they, in turn, can offer the world.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

As a breaks volunteer, you will be part of a team, including trained Break Leaders, and will support by being an extra pair of eyes and ears, and a helping hand where needed. You will spend time with the young people attending Go Beyond and help ensure they have a positive week full of experiences and memories that will last a lifetime!

Full training and support will be given throughout. We have a wide variety of volunteer roles available and key responsibilities can include:

• Helping the Break Leaders with day-to-day tasks, such as setting up activities and keeping the centre tidy
• Assisting at mealtimes with preparing, serving, and cleaning
• Leading planned activities based on your skills with support from Break Leaders (such as baking, sports games, gardening, arts and crafts etc.)
• Capturing photos of special moments for the young people (using Go Beyond cameras only)
• Accompanying our driver to collect or drop off groups and supervise behaviour on the buses
• To be a positive role model and lead by example at all times
• To be encouraging and supportive to the young people and take an interest in each child
• To take part in the activities alongside the young people
• To be aware of boundaries and know when it is important to enforce these
• To inform the Break Leaders of any issues or concerns you have relating to the young people or the break experience
• To contribute to personalised messages which the young people receive in their goody bags as a lasting memory of their Go Beyond break
• To read, sign and ensure Safeguarding and Health and Safety Policies and Reporting Procedures are followed, and contribute to Go Beyond Hazard Analysis Critical Control Principles, Risk Assessment and Quality Assurance processes.

Qualities & Skills

• Enthusiasm and a willingness to help
• Good communication skills and a positive, friendly attitude
• Non-judgemental and approachable
• Experience of working with young people
• Willingness to work flexibly, adapting tasks to suit the needs of the group
• Ability to work well as part of a team in a busy, fast-paced environment

What you can gain from volunteering with Go Beyond

• Gain new skills and experience in a professional environment
• Training and personal development opportunities
• Join an enthusiastic team of people who want to make a difference, just like you
• We will happily provide a reference for volunteers who complete training and reach the agreed number of volunteer hours
• Have a rewarding experience making a difference to children living in desperately difficult circumstances across the UK

Time commitment

A break will run Monday to Friday, various weeks throughout the year

Application process

• Complete the application form online
• Two successful references will be required
• A successful DBS check would need to be completed (we pay, but you will need to prove your ID at the Post Office, which costs £12)
• A 30 minute online induction session
• Discussion of which break, where and when.

Become a Cadet Unit Leader – Inspire. Support. Lead.
Opportunity in Basingstoke: Volunteer Police Cadet Unit Leader

Are you looking for a role where you can make a real and lasting difference to young people in your community? We are currently recruiting Volunteer Police Cadet Unit Leaders for our Basingstoke unit.

This is a unique opportunity to guide and inspire young people while developing your own leadership, communication and organisational skills.

Why Become a Unit Leader?

As a Unit Leader, you will play a vital part in supporting young people during some of the most important years of their development.

You will help cadets to:
• Build confidence and resilience
• Develop transferable life skills
• Feel supported by consistent, positive adult role models
• Understand and contribute to their community
• Explore future opportunities, including potential careers in policing

The role also makes a meaningful contribution to community safety by supporting engagement events, crime‑prevention activities and early‑intervention opportunities.

What the Role Involves

You will be responsible for:
• Planning and coordinating weekly cadet sessions
• Delivering an engaging, inclusive curriculum
• Organising and supporting community safety and engagement events
• Acting as the main point of contact for parents and guardians
• Promoting the cadet unit within the local area
• Managing records, budgets, and risk assessments
• Ensuring the welfare, safety, and development of all cadets and volunteers

This is a varied and rewarding role where you can genuinely shape the experiences of young people and fellow volunteers.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, prior cadet or youth‑work experience is not required. What matters most is your ability to:
• Communicate effectively
• Motivate and support young people
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and commitment
• Uphold the constabulary’s values of respect, empathy, courage, and public service

Training and Support

All volunteers receive:
• Safeguarding training
• A full induction
• Ongoing CPD and skills development (e.g., first aid, conflict management)
• Support from the wider Cadet Team and fellow leaders

Help us support young people as they grow, learn, and contribute to their communities.

Supporter Engagement Officer

At TVS we’re devoted to empowering vulnerable young people through education. We aim to unlock potential and shape a brighter future for young people living in poverty.If you enjoy engaging with people and fostering positive relationships, we are looking for someone like you to strengthen the bonds between our organisation and the incredible individuals who support our work with rural children in South Africa.

As Supporter Engagement Officer you would have responsibility for

Stewardship: Thanking donors and demonstrating the impact of their gifts.

Communication: Reaching out to supporters via phone, email, and social media.

Database Management: Updating supporter records and preferences.

Enquiries: Answering questions about donations, fundraising events, and campaigns.

Whether you have experience in customer service, community engagement, or simply a passion for making people feel appreciated, we encourage you to apply. Join our supportive team, develop your skills, and make a meaningful impact.