Youth volunteer roles

Octavia works with people affected by unemployment, ill health, social isolation or low income to connect them with opportunities for positive personal change. Our vision is to build stronger, happier and healthier communities in central and west London to help create an enriched life where we live.

We believe that every young person should have a place they can go to feel safe, included and inspired. We provide a comprehensive programme of activities that meet the needs of local children and young people. As a youth work volunteer, you would be contributing towards this vision.

Reasons to volunteer

Would you like to inspire and support young people, by exploring digital media? Would you love to help young people feel valued, included and gain in confidence? We also offer the opportunity to:

· Opportunity to learn new skills, especially in digital media software and equipment

· Be part of exciting creative projects and activities

· Gain strong experience with a diverse cohort of young people

· Full induction and training, including: safeguarding, confidentiality, health & safety and opportunities to attend training courses to develop your expertise in youth work & digital media

· Travel costs reimbursed on the provision of receipts*

What would I be doing?

· Assisting in delivery of creative and digital media based youth work sessions

· Assisting with set up and breakdown of session equipment and resources

· Assist in idea generation and planning of creative and digital media based youth work sessions

What skills are we looking for?

· Passionate about working with young people and providing opportunities for their development

· Passionate about a creative area (e.g. Filmmaking/photography/music production/web design)

· Willingness to strictly follow safeguarding policies and best practice in work with young people

· We expect volunteers to be with us for 4 hours per week

Havering Young People’s Mentoring Service provides support, advice and guidance to young people aged 10-18, encouraging them to make positive choices and achieve their goals.

Mentors are matched with a young person and meet with them on a weekly basis, for a period of up to 6 months. During this time, a strong relationship is built through a variety of activities and trips, including a monthly group meeting with other volunteers and young people engaged in the Service.

In order to become a mentor, potential volunteers will be required to attend a two day training programme before being accepted onto the programme. Volunteers will need to be over 18 years old and be willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check plus provide references.

This role includes:

• Attending an initial matching meeting with a young person
• Committing to 6 months of mentoring with a young person
• Meeting a young person once a week for around 2 hours
• Providing brief recording following meetings to the Volunteer Team
• Working with a young person to review their goals and plan for mentoring
• Accompanying a young person to monthly group meetings
• Acting in the best interests of a young person

Skills and experience required::

• Confident and able to communicate well with young people from a range of different backgrounds
• Can engage with staff and partners to promote the aims and quality of the Early Help Service, and comply with relevant policies and procedures
• Commitment to act in the best interests of young people and comply with jointly-agreed plans
• Experience of working with children or young people, in any capacity
• Willing to undertake training where necessary
• Enthusiasm and commitment towards child development and keeping children safe

Please note that you must be based in the UK to undertake this role.

URBAN YOUTH — REMOTE VOLUNTEERS WANTED FOR OUR LAUNCH CREW

Help build a street‑level movement from behind the scenes.

Urban Youth is a brand new start‑up charity bringing street-based youth work, pop-ups, and high‑energy support to young people across London. We’re taking over unused spaces, showing up where teens actually are, and building fast, flexible provision that feels more like a drop than a service.

But before we hit the streets, we need a remote crew — the architects, organisers, creatives, and problem-solvers who can help us get launch‑ready.

If you want to be part of something bold from day one, this is your moment.

Join the Remote Founding Team

These roles are perfect for people who want to contribute from home, around work, study, or life. No long-term commitment, just meaningful, high-impact tasks that help us get Urban Youth off the ground.

We’re looking for:

• Admin & Operations Support Help us build the systems, processes, and foundations that keep a start-up charity running smoothly.

• Research & Development Volunteers Map youth needs, explore unused spaces, identify partners, and help shape our early strategy.

• Digital Creatives Designers, editors, content creators, help us craft the Urban Youth look, feel, and voice.

• Communications & Social Media Support Help us build our online presence, write copy, schedule posts, and amplify our mission.

• Fundraising & Bid Support Assist with research, drafting, and shaping early funding applications to fuel our launch.

• Project & Planning Assistants Work with our leadership team to organise tasks, timelines, and launch milestones.

Why Volunteer Remotely With Urban Youth?

Because you’ll be part of the origin story — the team that existed before the pop-ups, before the street teams, before the noise.

You’ll help create:

• The systems that make our street work possible

• The brand identity young people will recognise

• The strategy that guides our first year

• The momentum that turns an idea into a movement

Volunteering with us means:

• Flexible, remote tasks

• Short-term, high-impact opportunities

• Being part of a founding crew

• Real influence on how Urban Youth takes shape

• A chance to build something meaningful for young people who need it most

If you’ve ever wanted to help build a charity from the ground up — this is your chance.

Urban Youth is gearing up for launch. We need remote volunteers who can bring energy, creativity, and commitment from wherever they are.

Apply now and join the behind‑the‑scenes crew powering our launch.

Help us empower the next generation of lifesavers.

We offer a range of popular youth programmes for young people aged 5-25. This essential service is only possible with the support of our dedicated volunteers. They help young people to learn first aid and other important life skills in a fun, inclusive, and engaging environment.

As a volunteer, you can get involved with Badgers (ages 5-10) and Cadets (ages 11-17).

Volunteering with our Youth Team is an incredibly varied and rewarding role. One day you could be designing and delivering a game to teach first aid, the next you could be supporting a youth camp-out. No two days are the same!

Benefits of volunteering with us:

- Make a real difference to the lives of young people – you'll play an important role in empowering young people to become the next generation lifesavers.

- Gain new experiences for your CV – there are lots of opportunities to get involved with events and activities outside of your Group or Sett meetings.

- Learn new skills – build your personal and professional skills such as communication, leadership, teamwork and self-confidence.

- Be part of a thriving volunteer network – you’ll get to meet new people and connect with other St John Ambulance volunteers.

Our vision is to help build communities that save lives and serve each other through volunteering for health and first aid.

Young people play a crucial role in helping us realise this mission. As a volunteer with our youth teams, you’ll be trained to provide our young people with both life skills and lifesaving skills – all while having great fun!

You’ll be working with our brilliant Badgers (aged 7-10) or creative Cadets (aged 11-18). You’ll also have the opportunity to design your own role, whether that involves running fun activities – such as outdoor events, summer camps and mountain adventures – or providing ‘behind-the-scenes’ support.

We’ll offer you the chance to become a fully-fledged Youth Leader, which will mean completing extra courses in First Aid or Adventure to broaden your capacity and experience.

Would you like to volunteer once a week or once a month? That’s entirely up to you. With the constant guidance of a friendly volunteer manager and youth team, you’ll have all the support you need to make bold strides and rediscover your inner ‘big kid’.

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act and as such as Enhanced DBS check will be obtained.

The closing date for this application is 31/12/2026

Do you want to help the youth of today become the lifesavers of tomorrow? We're on a mission to teach young people across the country how to save lives. It's a chance for them to learn important first aid skills in a fun, friendly, and safe environment. 

St John is one of the largest youth organisations in the country and many of our young volunteers go onto careers in health and/or social care.

Being a youth volunteer helps young people develop skills and confidence that go on to help them with further education and university applications. To do this we need dedicated and enthusiastic youth helpers. Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. 

Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. 

Our Badger programme gives children aged 5-10 years of age the chance to learn first aid, play games and develop a wide range of skills in a safe and supportive environment. We currently have vacancies in the following areas: Monday evenings South Normanton Tuesday evenings Hucknall If you’d like to know more about volunteering or would just like to chat to someone who does, get in touch. 

As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time. The Badgers meet on Tuesday evenings at Hucknall. Relevant training for the role will be given.

The closing date for this advert will be 31/05/2026

Interview - dates and time, locations to be advised

Our vision is to help build communities that save lives and serve each other through volunteering for health and first aid.

Young people play a crucial role in helping us realise this mission. As a volunteer with our youth teams, you’ll be trained to provide our young people with both life skills and lifesaving skills – all while having great fun!

You’ll be working with our brilliant Badgers (aged 7-10) or creative Cadets (aged 11-18). You’ll also have the opportunity to design your own role, whether that involves running fun activities – such as outdoor events, summer camps and mountain adventures – or providing ‘behind-the-scenes’ support.

We’ll offer you the chance to become a fully-fledged Youth Leader, which will mean completing extra courses in First Aid or Adventure to broaden your capacity and experience.

We are recruiting for Selby Youth Group (Cadet and Badger)

Would you like to volunteer once a week or once a month? That’s entirely up to you. With the constant guidance of a friendly volunteer manager and youth team, you’ll have all the support you need to make bold strides and rediscover your inner ‘big kid’.

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act and as such as Enhanced DBS check will be obtained.

Interview - Date, time and location to be advised

Training - Date, time and location to be advised

Description

The National Youth Advocacy Service is a wonderful children's rights charity dedicated to supporting and empowering young people who have experienced care.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers in Hereford and surrounding areas to befriend and mentor a young person in care.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in a young person's life! 

Young Person quote:  'It gives you a friend that you can spend time with doing the things you like to do’ 

Children and young people in care truly deserve an adult who can share their time, engage in fun activities, and build a trusting and meaningful relationship. Your visits can easily fit into your schedule, allowing you to juggle your commitments while being a positive role model for a young person. 

Volunteer quote: "Volunteering with NYAS has reinforced my belief in the crucial role of community support in empowering the next generation.  Witnessing the positive changes and growth in the young person I support highlights the tangible impact that dedicated volunteers can have on building a brighter future for vulnerable individuals." 

We kindly ask for just a few hours once a month for a minimum of two years.

A set budget will cover activities and travel expenses so you can focus on making a difference without any worries. 

If you're interested, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you for considering this opportunity! 

Expectations

• Two-year commitment
• Minimum age of 18
• Based in the UK
• DBS check
• Digital risk assessment compliance
• Completion of training relevant to the role
• Ability to complete online tasks and reports
• Ability to complete online tasks and reports

Benefits

This is a worthwhile opportunity where you will make a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable young person, become part of a leading national children's charity, gain valuable experience, meet new people and have fun!

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions 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. 

Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. Our Cadet programme gives young people aged to 11-18 years, to get involved in: • learning first aid • volunteering at local and national events • engaging in social action and helping their local community • learning about health and wellbeing • developing confidence and communication skills through Cadet leadership training • enjoying a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities. We currently have vacancies in the following areas: Bilsthorpe on Monday evenings Hucknall on Tuesday evenings Mansfield and Worksop on Wednesday evenings.

As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time. Relevant training for the role will be given. The cadet group meets on Monday evenings in term time.

Pursuing the role

We are looking to run a volunteering interview selection session, dates and venue to be confirmed

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role, dates, time & venue to be confirmed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 
31/05/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions 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. 

Do you want to help the youth of today become the lifesavers of tomorrow? We're on a mission to teach young people across the country how to save lives. It's a chance for them to learn important first aid skills in a fun, friendly, and safe environment. St John is one of the largest youth organisations in the country and many of our young volunteers go onto careers in health and/or social care. Being a youth volunteer helps young people develop skills and confidence that go on to help them with further education and university applications. To do this we need dedicated and enthusiastic youth helpers. Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers?

No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. Our Badger programme gives children aged 5-10 years of age the chance to learn first aid, play games and develop a wide range of skills in a safe and supportive environment. 

We currently have vacancies in the following areas: Monday evenings South Normanton Tuesday evenings Hucknall If you’d like to know more about volunteering or would just like to chat to someone who does, get in touch. 

As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time. The Badgers meet on Monday evenings at South Normanton. Relevant training for the role will be given.

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role via our learning portal. 

As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time. The Badgers meet on Monday evenings at South Normanton. Relevant training for the role will be given.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/05/2026

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 sessions 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

Expected to undergo a DBS check & e-learning modules. To progress to a Youth Leader, a candidate would be expected to undergo Safeguarding Level 2, Fundamentals, Principles and First Aid for Youth Leaders. They may also wish to undergo Day Warrant training, but these aren't a requirement.

Candidates will be interviewed as they apply until the vacancy is filled - so we encourage candidates to submit applications early.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 10/02/2025 - 13/04/2025

Interviews will be conducted as applications are received please. 

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Our Second Home is a youth movement that empowers migrants and refugees to flourish in the place that they call home. Our overnight activity camp for young people aged 14-18 is a chance for young people to come together and have five days of fun and excitement, supported by a dynamic and dedicated team of leaders and staff.

An OSH Leader is a supportive adult, a role model, and someone young people can feel safe being themselves around. It’s about creating a warm, fun, and consistent presence during residentials — helping young people with refugee and migrant backgrounds feel welcomed, included, and at home.

Youth Leaders for this project will be responsible for facilitating the camp, and will be directly in contact with, and responsible for, the participants. During the camp they will be ‘on duty’ full-time, meaning that they will spend the whole time with the participants, including at meals.

THIS ROLE IS ONLY FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE UK. We will arrange Zoom interviews with applicants separately.

Responsibilities:

• Interacting and forming a bond with the participants
• Creating and running fun and engaging activities for the participants
• Looking after the participants’ welfare, and ensuring that they feel cared for and secure
• Managing the participants’ behaviour and setting clear boundaries

Expectations and requirements:

• All applicants must be interviewed and be willing to provide references on request.
• Youth Leaders must set a positive example of behaviour and involvement for all participants, and adhere to the volunteer guidelines.
• Youth Leaders may be required to prepare activities for participants at the camp. If asked, this must be completed in plenty of time to allow any materials or equipment to be sourced.
• Applicants should be aged 20 or above.
• Applicants must be eligible for DBS clearance (no criminal record that prevents applicants from working with children)
• Youth Leaders must raise any safeguarding concerns swiftly and follow safeguarding procedures
• Youth Leaders must follow all Our Second Home policies and procedures of (which will be explained at the Camp training days).
• Anyone attending an OSH residential must test negative for COVID-19 prior to attending the programme, regardless of whether they have received a vaccine or not.

Essential skills:

• Flexibility, adaptability and ability to improvise
• Ability to build connection quickly with peers and young people
• Ability to work in a team and communicate effectively
• High level of organisation
• High levels of empathy and patience
• Awareness and sensitivity that some participants might be suffering from trauma

Additional desired skills:

• Experience working with and/or caring for young people aged 14-18
• Experience working with refugees and/or asylum seekers
• Experience working with young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities
• Language skills: Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Tigrinya, Somali
• First Aid training
• Creative or artistic abilities
• Sports leadership
• Ability to prepare fun and engaging activities for young people

We particularly encourage applications from those who have lived experience of being a refugee.

Please ensure you are available to come to all the following events - specific dates can be found on the application form:

• Training
• Pre-Residential Prep Day (on site)
• Residential, in full
• Feedback & thank you afternoon

QUOTES:

• “Having the professional [welfare] support made me feel very support and more comfortable with the work” – BT
• “The atmosphere of fun, respect, care, and community is what made the young people so comfortable and connected” – BT
• “The leaders were all awesome – it was incredible to work in a team so full of hard working, intelligent, experienced people” – BT
• “Seeing the kids bursting out of their shells and that being the norm rather than just exceptions was just incredible.” – CA
• “It honestly surpassed anything I could have hoped for” – LK

Structure:

Youth Leaders will be supported by the Welfare Support Lead(s), who will be their main contact in the build to and throughout the camp. The Welfare Support Lead(s) will run team meetings at the end of each day and be on hand to advise and manage the Youth Leaders.

Description

The National Youth Advocacy Service is a wonderful children's rights charity dedicated to supporting and empowering young people who have experienced care.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers in Whitchurch to befriend and mentor a young person in care.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference in a young person's life! 

Young Person quote:'It gives you a friend that you can spend time with doing the things you like to do’ 

Children and young people in care truly deserve an adult who can share their time, engage in fun activities, and build a trusting and meaningful relationship. Your visits can easily fit into your schedule, allowing you to juggle your commitments while being a positive role model for a young person. 

Volunteer quote: "Volunteering with NYAS has reinforced my belief in the crucial role of community support in empowering the next generation.  Witnessing the positive changes and growth in the young person I support highlights the tangible impact that dedicated volunteers can have on building a brighter future for vulnerable individuals." 

We kindly ask for just a few hours once a month for a minimum of two years.

A set budget will cover activities and travel expenses so you can focus on making a difference without any worries. 

If you're interested, we would love to hear from you.

Thank you for considering this opportunity! 

Expectations

• Two-year commitment
• Minimum age of 18
• Based in the UK
• DBS check
• Digital risk assessment compliance
• Completion of training relevant to the role
• Ability to complete online tasks and reports
• Ability to complete online tasks and reports

Benefits

This is a worthwhile opportunity where you will make a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable young person, become part of a leading national children's charity, gain valuable experience, meet new people and have fun!