Youth development worker volunteer roles
Organisation: Manchester Young Lives
Locations: MYL Adventure Playgrounds (Wythenshawe, Moss Side, and Ardwick)
Time Commitment: Minimum one evening per week (3hrs)
Reporting to: Play and Youth Manager
Main contact: children, young people, staff/volunteers, parents/carers, partner agencies
We have several volunteering opportunities across our programmes.
- Play sessions: 4pm and 6pm (ages 6 to 13 years)
- Youth sessions: 6:30pm–8:30pm (ages 11 to 18 years
- Holiday playschemes: 12pm to 4pm (school holidays)
About the Charity
Manchester Young Lives is a charitable organisation dedicated to supporting children and young people aged 6–18years to develop confidence, wellbeing, and positive life skills. We provide safe, inclusive spaces where children and young people can play, learn, socialise, volunteer, grow and learn life skills through the power of play and youth work approaches.
Main purpose of the role
The Volunteer Play and Youth Worker will work both indoors and outdoors as a part of the team to support the delivery of play-based and youth activities for children and young people aged 6 to 18 years. Working alongside staff and other volunteers, the role helps create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment that promotes fun, learning, social and personal development.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the preparation and running of play and youth sessions to provide a varied, safe and stimulating environment in both indoor and outdoor settings.
- Help create a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all participants
- Build positive, age-appropriate relationships with children and young people
- Encourage participation, teamwork, creativity, and positive behaviour
- Support children and young people with a wide range of needs, abilities, and backgrounds
- Assist with setting up, organising, and tidying activity spaces and equipment
- Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to ensure sessions run smoothly
- Adhere to MYL policies and procedures in particular safeguarding, Health and safety, confidentiality, equality, diversity and inclusion.
Skills and Experience
Essential
- A genuine interest in working with children and young people aged 6–18 years
- Friendly, reliable, and approachable
- Ability to work well as part of a team
- Good communication and listening skills
Desirable
- Experience working with children or young people (voluntary or paid)
- Understanding of play work, youth work, or community-based work
- Creative, sporting, or practical skills to support activities
- Basic awareness of safeguarding and child protection
Personal Qualities
- Enthusiastic and positive
- Patient, caring, and supportive
- Respectful of diversity and inclusion
- Willing to learn and follow guidance
Training and Support
- Full induction into the charity and its services
- Volunteer training programme provided
- Ongoing support and supervision
What You’ll Gain
- Opportunities to develop skills and gain experience in play and youth work
- Work experience and training opportunities
- Hands-on experience working with children and young people
- The opportunity to make a real difference in young people’s lives
- A volunteer reference after an agreed period (usually 6 months)
Manchester Young Lives is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The highest priority is given to following guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people.
Volunteers are required to undergo safer recruitment checks including an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 30/01/2026
Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/01/2026
This Group meet on a Friday evening.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025
Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/01/2026
This Group meet on a Tuesday.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Children’s and Young People’s Activities Volunteer
Help young carers enjoy safe, fun, worry-free breaks from their caring role.
You support children and young people aged 5 to 25 during trips, club sessions, workshops, and holiday activities. You help them meet others, grow in confidence, and enjoy time for themselves. The role involves travel across Solihull so you can attend events and activities when needed.
Your tasks
• Support the Lead Sessional Worker during planned activities and outings
• Help create a safe, welcoming, inclusive space
• Encourage young carers to join in and feel confident
• Follow safeguarding, risk, and safety guidance
• Attend team check-ins and required training
What you bring
• Experience with children or young people
• Calm, adaptable approach
• Confidence working in busy group settings
• Good communication and teamwork
• Flexible availability for evenings and school holidays
What you gain
• Meaningful impact on young carers
• Training and skill development
• Experience in youth support and group work
• A place in a friendly, supportive volunteer team
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025
Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/01/2026
This Group meet on a Tuesday.
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
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
This group meet on a Wednesday evening.
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025
Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/01/2026
Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units, by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a 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
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025
Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/01/2026
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are recruiting Youth Helpers to assist at our various Cadet and Badger groups in the East Midlands.
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
If you are successful, you will need to undertake induction & training for the role on these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) - to be discussed with the candidate.
Closing date for these opportunities is: 05/10/2026.
To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:
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
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 30/01/2026
Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2025
This Group meet on a Friday evening.
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
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
This group meet on a Wednesday evening.
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025
Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/01/2026
Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units, by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a 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
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 11/11/2025
Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/01/2026
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Dignify delivers educational workshops in schools to promote healthy relationships, self-respect, and respect for others. We work to prevent the harmful effects of pornography and challenge the normalisation of unhealthy sexual behaviours among young people. Through evidence-based sessions, we equip students with knowledge, empathy, and tools to navigate relationships positively.
Role Purpose
We are seeking Volunteer Schools Workers to accompany our lead Schools Worker in delivering workshops to children and young people. You’ll help create a safe, positive environment for learning, support classroom activities, and be an encouraging presence for students as they explore important topics around respect, relationships, and digital culture.
Key Responsibilities
· Accompany the lead Schools Worker to sessions in primary and secondary schools.
· Assist with setting up and packing away resources and equipment.
· Helping facilitate and monitoring small group sessions
· Observe and note student engagement to help evaluate sessions.
Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities
· Strong communication skills, especially with young people.
· Willingness to work with young people from diverse backgrounds and gender identities.
· Comfortable discussing sensitive topics such as pornography, sexual harassment, and objectification.
· Calm, approachable manner that helps young people feel at ease.
· Openness to learning and developing new skills.
· Ability to build respectful, professional relationships with young people, staff, and colleagues.
· Good rapport with people of all ages and abilities.
· Commitment to confidentiality.
· Reliable timekeeping and punctuality for all sessions.
Training / Support
· A full induction to the service will be provided
· You will be required to undertake mandatory e-learning and a menu of optional training will be made available
· Ongoing supervision and support from your line manager
· Travel expenses reimbursed (if applicable).
· Access to events, networking, and training and development opportunities.
Additional Information
· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check
· We will require 2 x references
· You will be required to dress in an appropriate manner when accompanying the team to sessions (school smart)
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Are you a progressive and inclusive leader? If you’re able to shape and influence an organisation with a strong foundation and a compelling ambition, then you could be our next Chair here at the Eikon charity.
This is a chance to employ your passion, commitment and bold leadership to support the lives of young people. You will have strong interpersonal skills and influencing capabilities, and a deep commitment to the charity’s mission and values
We need someone to engage and influence stakeholders internally as our Chair as well as able to be a strong ambassador externally.
If this sounds like you, then you might be the right person to join as our Chair.
WHO ARE THE EIKON CHARITY?
Now in our 30th year, The Eikon Charity supports children and young people across Surrey to feel safe, heard, and supported.
Growing up in today’s world can be incredibly challenging. That's why we empower children and young people to find the inner and external resources they need as they develop and navigate life.
We create spaces where they can be themselves and talk about their thoughts and feelings. They understand better than anyone what’s happening in their own lives, so we listen, without judging.
WHAT MATTERS TO US
We believe there should be more investment in empowering young people to prevent them from needing help with their mental health. The needs of young people guide everything we do, shaping every decision and action we take.
We are committed to investing in preventative services and use our influence to persuade others to do the same.
We are also committed to diversity that supports young people and our volunteers to fulfil their personal potential.
IF YOU JOIN US…
You will lead us with confidence in an increasingly complex and challenging environment. We know that what we do has an impact on our children who, tragically, need more of everything we offer as their challenges increase. This is an opportunity to really make a difference to the next generation.
Becoming our Chair will be a fascinating and compelling way to engage with a highly successful charity poised to achieve so much more. Ensuring that the Board governs The Eikon Charity wisely will be a rich and rewarding opportunity.
WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR
The Chair will provide strategic leadership and governance oversight to ensure the charity delivers maximum impact for the children and young people it works with. We need someone to demonstrate bold thinking and the ability to inspire and guide our Board.
We are particularly seeking:
- commitment to mission: passion for the charity’s purpose and a deep understanding of its social impact
- inclusivity & collaboration: fosters a collaborative and inclusive Board culture, encouraging diverse perspectives and constructive challenge
- influencing & advocacy - skilled in representing the charity and influencing key stakeholders
Please make sure you read our Candidate Information Pack before applying. It contains important details about the role and our organisation.
Don’t think you quite meet all the specifications? Please don’t count yourself out. We’d still love to learn more about your interest in joining the Eikon Charity.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Eastside People is supporting the Eikon Charity in the recruitment of this role. You can apply by submitting your CV and Cover Letter.
The closing date for applications is Mon 23rd February. Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after. Shortlisted candidates will then have an interview with the Eikon Charity shortly after this.
We acknowledge every application. You’ll always hear from us after taking the time to apply - we look forward to hearing from you!
We’re a not-for-profit landlord who have been having a positive impact on young people’s lives for nearly 100 years, by addressing the shortage of affordable rented housing for those working in London.
We’re the only organisation in London that specifically offers accommodation to working young people, many of whom are key workers, in entry level employment who have no other means of support and are unable to stay within their family networks.
Our current flagship residence, HYELM-Old Street, opened in 2008 and provides 125 young workers who cannot afford to rent or buy properties through the private sector, with contemporary, secure, hassle-free accommodation.
This is an exciting time for us. In response to the considerable and growing demand for high quality affordable accommodation, we are exploring several development opportunities to increase the number of young workers who we are able to house.
The Role of a HYELM Board Member is to:
- Play a key role in helping to shape the direction of our organisation. In the shorter term this will include supporting the review of our future strategy, the delivery of new housing and the implementation of our commitment to put our people at the heart of our business.
- Work collectively, with other Board members, oversee our compliance with relevant regulations; quantify & manage current, new & emerging risks that the organisation faces and regularly review our performance and delivery against our Strategic and business plans.
You will be valued for
- Your entrepreneurial spirit to drive HYELM forward whilst also keeping keen prudent control and avoiding any conflicts of interest.
- Your understanding and/or experience in the small charity/business environment.
- Your commitment to work with our very small team to further evolve our organisation to provide a better living environment to young people and key workers.
Ideally, you would be able to support us in bolstering our Board representation with knowledge and experience of finance and accounting as well as IT and Technology.
You’ll be contributing to a great cause.
- You’ll be able to develop and hone your critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills as well as develop and gain additional experience in strategic planning.
- You’ll grow your professional networks.
- You’ll be able to access complimentary training, support and attend industry events, conferences, and seminars. If this is your first trusteeship, we will design a bespoke development package to help support you in your new role.
Skills sought: Charity Finance, accounting, AI/Tech
Commitment: 6 meetings per year (4 in person, at our Old Street scheme)
To apply you should submit a current CV and supporting statement, comprising not more than 2x A4 pages explaining why you are interested in our organisation and the role, and evidencing how you meet the competencies in the role profile.
We provide affordable housing for young people, on low incomes who work in London, fostering a strong sense of community and stability.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Role
Our Lotus Community works alongside the City of Edinburgh Council to provide accommodation for 14 young people (aged 16-18), who are unaccompanied asylum-seekers. They come from a variety of different countries.
The community is a step towards independent living, whilst they await a decision about their ‘leave to remain’ in the country. The asylum procedure can be a long, complicated, overwhelming and challenging process. We support the young people in the best way during this stressful time (and after). They are supported by social workers and a guardianship service as well.
What will you do as a volunteer?
We are looking for highly motivated individuals who work well independently, are proactive and can get involved in community activities. You will support the residents of the community and help look after your shared spaces in the flats. Most of the residents have basic living skills, including cooking, cleaning and budgeting. We offer further support where needed.
We can also help them gain confidence and knowledge of the local area. This is to enable them to take further steps towards independence and integration in the local community. This is also with the purpose of them moving on to accommodation that better suits their needs in the future.
Depending on the season, and interests and abilities of the residents, your tasks can include:
- Being a peer mentor and staying in touch with the residents via WhatsApp
- Organise our monthly community meeting
- Organise activities, which can be walks, cycling, board games night, karaoke, tea and cake (whatever your interests) for the residents to come along.
- Reporting issues with the flat, repairs etc.
- Making sure that all rooms always have the equipment needed (cleaning products, toilet roll, hand sanitiser, condoms etc).
- Updating your (online) calendar for the week, so everyone knows when you are volunteering and not.
- Working together with your fellow volunteer(s) to organise activities and arrange rota.
What you get:
Location: You will live in a studio bedroom in the flat alongside the young residents. You will not pay for rent or bills (including internet).
Time: 20 hours per week for minimum 6 months. These are during the evening and weekends, with exception for a few hours spent in meetings and alike.
You can volunteer and work part time at the same time. You will organise your volunteering hours with the other volunteer.
We will provide support and training needed for you to engage with the tasks and young people in a safe manner. Support, supervision and team meetings are every month.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.