Youth services manager volunteer roles

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, and to attend regular network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

Training is included in the role for responsibilities; the selected candidate is expected to attend all relevant meetings

If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 28/03/2026

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below

Youth 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. 

Pursuing the role

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

• Welcome Event (Induction) -  29/12/2025

Closing date for these opportunities is: 07/12/2026

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.

Youth 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. 

Pursuing the role

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

• Welcome Event (Induction) -  04/01/26

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/03/2026

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games. We also work in partnership with a range of organisations to run a rich programme of workshops within our youth club. Some of these have included creative visual arts, drama, music and workshops on rights and entitlements of young asylum seekers. We also cook a hot meal from time to time and offer a range of snacks each week. Our casework team are also on-site to support young people with a range of advice and signposting needs, usually by-appointment.

Youth club takes place at Furzedown Youth Centre. Welham Rd, London SW16 6TJ

About the role:

As a Youth Club volunteer, you would be helping young people to feel welcome, join in with activities and be a great role model.

Youth Club takes place every Wednesday at 6.00-8.30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 2 sessions per month for a minimum of 6 months.

Tasks and responsibilities:

· To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur 15 minutes after each session.

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Wednesday evenings for a minimum of six months;

· Current resident of the UK;

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon - 2pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC)
Location: On-site – Wolverhampton
Reports to: Executive Director / Operations Manager
Contract Type: Volunteer Part-Time
 

About Us

The Women & Families Resource Centre (WFRC) is a registered charity based in Wolverhampton. We support, empower, and advocate for women and children facing crisis or challenging circumstances.

Our aim is to actively encourage women to become self-reliant by helping them identify their needs, make informed choices, and create their own solutions.

The Wolverhampton Baby Bank, our flagship service, provides essential items and support to families with children aged 0–3. Through donated essentials and community engagement, we offer:

• Nappies, wipes, clothing, toys, and bedding

• Support services for new parents, including drop-in groups

• Befriending support for pregnant women and new mothers

• Referrals and connections to additional community services

As WFRC stabilises and restructures following recent operational challenges, we are seeking a strong, structured, and compassionate Baby Bank Manager to lead the service forward.

The Role

The Baby Bank Manager will lead the operational delivery and structured rebuild of WFRC’s flagship Baby Bank service.

This is a critical leadership role combining operational management, volunteer coordination, stock oversight, client support, compliance, and reporting.

WFRC operates as a not-for-profit organisation but must function with business-level accountability and sustainability. The successful candidate will embed systems and processes that ensure continuity beyond individuals.

Key Responsibilities

Supporting Daily Operations

• Help organise baby items and prepare packs for families

• Assist with appointments and referrals

• Create a warm and welcoming environment

Volunteer & Team Support

• Work alongside other volunteers

• Help keep the rota organised

• Attend occasional team meetings

Stock & Organisation

• Sort and organise donated items

• Keep storage areas tidy and safe

• Help monitor stock levels

Administration

• Keep simple digital records up to date

• Support basic reporting and documentation

Time Commitment

We ask volunteers to commit to:

• Up to 3 days per week

• Around 4 hours per day

• Minimum 12 hours per week

We review placements after 6 weeks to ensure the role is a good fit for everyone.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience in service coordination, charity, or community services but not required

• Experience managing volunteers or small teams

• Strong administrative and record-keeping skills

• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital systems

• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality principles

Skills & Attributes:

• Strong leadership and organisational skills

• High attention to detail

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Empathy and sensitivity when working with vulnerable families

• Ability to build structure in previously unstructured environments

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making ability

• Ability to manage multiple priorities during a rebuilding phase

• Accountability and reliability

Why Join WFRC?

This is an opportunity to lead and shape a flagship community service during a critical rebuilding phase. You will play a direct role in supporting vulnerable families and creating structured, sustainable systems that will strengthen the organisation long-term.

If you are operationally strong, structured, compassionate, and ready to lead meaningful change, we would love to hear from you.

The International Youth Federation is an international non-profit youth organizations network governed by the present Statutes and the Swiss Civil Code. It is neutral politically and non-denominational, aiming to empower youth worldwide.

The core function of the IYF Executive Office (ExO) is to provide the support services needed to enable the IYF Senior Management Team (SMT) to perform their leadership roles effectively. The IYFEO tasked with the responsibility to provide policy and programmatic support to IYF's activities across HQ Bureaux and Regional Administrations.

The Office of the IYF Secretary-General (OSG) is an integral part of the Executive Office established to inspire and cultivate the next generation of innovative leaders. The OSG serves as an instrumental unit, where the strategic decisions and operational oversight of the IYF are made, including its various operational and programme oversight.

Under the guidance of the OSG Deputy Director, the Senior Communications Manager will be required to interpret programmatic priorities and complex material into clear, contextually relevant language that is accessible to targeted audiences and accurately reflects the position of the IYF. He/she will research, write and edit speeches, video messages, talking points, forewords, editorials and other materials to position the Secretary-General and the IYF as a global and trusted voice on youth development.

Mission Statement
To voluntarily represent, positively promote, and uphold the mission of “Empowering youth for a better world” in various programs and opportunities throughout the IYF interventions across member countries.

Responsibilities
• Take the lead in strategy, planning, research and production of a wide range of communications materials, including speeches, lectures, statements, articles, op-eds, and other major written contributions.
• Develop and implement a communication work plan for the President/SG, aligned with the IYF Global Strategy and related communications plans, in order to maximize media coverage of the activities of IYF.
• Research and analyze information gathered from diverse sources, including in close coordination with the Department of Public Information, for use in written materials and communications products.
• Seek input and information from senior staff, review relevant material, project documents and reports with a view to drafting and editing speeches, statements and talking points while ensuring policy coherence and accuracy.
• Write opinion pieces and articles on behalf of the President/SG for high-profile media in order to maximize the impact of IYF activities by identifying and developing newsworthy ideas/topics and identifying possible high-profile media for placement.
• Perform other media work-related duties as assigned.

Skills Required:

Executive Speechwriting & Messaging

• Draft speeches, talking points, video messages, forewords, and statements for Senior Management
• Translate complex policy and programmatic priorities into clear, compelling narratives
• Ensure alignment with organizational strategy and policy coherence

Speaking Engagements & Global Event Sourcing

• Identify and secure high-level speaking opportunities at international conferences and forums
• Proactively research global events aligned with organizational priorities
• Position senior leaders as keynote speakers, panelists, or thought leaders

Media Relations & Press Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets
• Pitch op-eds, articles, and interviews to high-profile media platforms
• Maximize media coverage and visibility of senior leadership activities

Strategic Executive Communications Planning

• Develop and implement communications work plans for Senior Management
• Align executive visibility efforts with the Global Strategy and communications objectives
• Monitor opportunities to enhance public positioning and influence

Stakeholder Coordination & Advisory Support

Liaise with internal departments to gather accurate, up-to-date information

• Advise senior leaders on messaging approach and audience positioning
• Ensure consistency across speeches, media engagements, and public appearances

Experience 
Experience within an NGO, INGO (such as the United Nations), charity, government, non-profit, not-for-profit, international relations, international development (such as USAID) or youth empowerment or similar organization is advantageous but not essential. 

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Network Volunteering Services Lead who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As Network Volunteering Services Lead, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, and to attend regular network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 14/03.2026

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Community First Aid Network Leader who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

 As Network Events Services Lead, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

 We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, and to attend regular network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

 If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 28/03/2026.

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below

YES is seeking a Trustee with fundraising expertise to join our Board and support the
long-term sustainability and growth of our charity, which is dedicated to improving the
mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for the charity’s governance,
strategic direction, and public benefit. As the Board’s lead Trustee for fundraising, you
will provide insight, oversight, and constructive challenge, drawing on your professional
fundraising experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the Board’s lead Trustee for fundraising.
• Support the development and oversight of YES’s fundraising strategy.
• Provide guidance and challenge in relation to funding applications and income generation activity.
• Keep the Board informed of fundraising regulation, compliance, and best practice.
• Contribute a fundraising perspective to policy and strategic decision-making.

About You

You will bring relevant fundraising experience, strong communication skills, and a
commitment to good governance. You will be confident providing constructive
challenge and able to work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and the executive team.
Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential.

Inclusion

YES values the insight that lived experience brings to effective governance. We
particularly welcome applications from people with diverse lived experience,
including LGBTQ+ communities, global majority backgrounds, and lived experience of
mental health challenges.
 

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Network Volunteering Services Lead who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As Network Volunteering Services Lead, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, and to attend regular network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 14/03/2026

Supporting Chapter Manager - Volunteer Role

About Make A Smile

Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Trustees and Officers are essential to keeping the charity running smoothly across the UK, helping us “bring smiles to the faces of so many children.” 

About the Role

The Supporting Chapter Manager plays a vital role in strengthening Make A Smile’s chapters across the UK. You will identify chapters that are struggling, assess their needs, and provide hands‑on support to help them rebuild, grow, and thrive. This role directly protects the continuity of the charity in key areas and ensures no chapter is left behind.

Key Responsibilities

You will take a proactive, leadership‑focused role in supporting and revitalising chapters. Responsibilities include:

● Assessing chapters regularly to understand their challenges and support needs.

● Providing hands‑on intervention for struggling chapters, focusing on recruitment, events, and wardrobe.

● Leading chapter overhauls when needed, including stepping in as temporary President if required.

● Supporting committee members, rebuilding enthusiasm, and setting clear action plans.

● Monitoring committee engagement and escalating concerns to the Chair when necessary.

● Ensuring struggling chapters focus on the “Golden Triangle”: wardrobe, trained volunteers, and events.

● Collaborating with the Wardrobe Manager, Recruitment Manager, and Events Manager for specialist support.

● Encouraging an “upwards spiral” of volunteer engagement, recruitment, and event quality.

● Reporting chapter progress and concerns at monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

This role suits someone who is proactive, organised, and passionate about helping teams succeed. You’ll thrive if you bring:

● Strong leadership and people‑management skills.

● Confidence in motivating and supporting volunteers.

● A solution‑focused mindset. 

● The ability to stay calm and structured when chapters are under pressure.

● Willingness to step in hands‑on when needed. Posting on social media, organising events, messaging volunteers, etc.

● Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Act in the best interests of Make a Smile… Enjoy it!”). 

Time Commitment

Trustees and Officers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week to their role. This includes chapter assessments, communication, meetings, and hands‑on support.

Training and Support

You will receive:

● Full Trustee Training (online).

● A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).

● Guidance from the Chair and other Trustees.

● Access to the Supporting Chapter Guide and President training materials.

● Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity-funded training.

What You’ll Gain

● Leadership experience in a national charity.

● Skills in team support, crisis management, and organisational development.

● A meaningful role where your work directly keeps chapters alive and thriving.

● The chance to shape the future of Make A Smile and support volunteers across the UK.

● The joy of knowing your efforts help bring magical experiences to children.

Safeguarding and Eligibility

Trustees and Officers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please send across your CV along with a short message outlining your experience and why you’d like to support our chapters.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping children smile.

We are currently offering an exciting honorary placement opportunity for a trainee or newly qualified counsellors/psychotherapists working towards BACP registration or accreditation.

About the Role:

Survivor Service

Honorary therapists work within the Psychotherapy Service team to provide emotional and therapeutic support to young people and children with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced abuse or trauma. The post will entail jointly assessing and providing individual therapy and having weekly supervision with our therapists.

Requirements:

· Availability for in-person clinical work on Tuesdays

· Capacity to hold a caseload of up to 3 clients

· Attendance at online clinical supervision on Mondays, either 9.00-11.00am or 11.30am-1.30pm

· Attendance at in-person team meetings on the third Monday of each month (helpful but not mandatory)

· Currently enrolled in (or recently completed) a Level 4 or above counselling/psychotherapy course

· Student member of the BACP, UKCP, HCPC (or equivalent professional body) and adhere to ethical framework of awarding professional body

· Minimum of 50 supervised client hours completed

· Minimum commitment of 1 year

Through our commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and inclusivity we offer:

• Ongoing clinical supervision

• Valuable experience in delivering Trauma-Informed counselling support to a diverse client base

• Supportive and collaborative team environment

• Opportunities for further training and psychoeducational workshops

How to Apply: 
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest and availability to Cindie Nielsen, Psychotherapy Services Manager

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community. 

Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives. 

We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.

Our values are at the centre of all our work: 

• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests. 

• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society. 

• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes. 

• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do. 

About Youth ESOL: 

Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.

About the Role: 

CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’

This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Streatham on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.

We also run Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon classes open to all existing CARAS youth community members, 4:30pm to 6pm. These classes tend to be larger and have a large range of language levels. 

Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:

• Monday 10 am to 3pm

• Tuesday 2pm to 6pm 

• Wednesday 11am to 6pm

Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.

Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;

• Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;

• Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;

• Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.

• Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;

• Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;

• Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;

• Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;

• Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;

• Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;

• Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.  

Requirements 

Essential: 

• To be 18 years or older;

• Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel and food expenses can be reimbursed);

• An interest in education and English language teaching;

• To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;

• To be reliable and punctual. We ask volunteers to commit to at least one class every week for a minimum of 4 months. If you are unable to attend a class due to a planned holiday, you must inform the program lead in advance. 

• Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;

• The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;

• Currently resident in the UK; has asylum seeker or refugee status

• *Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check (DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);

• Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role 

*DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK. 

Desirable: 

• Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

• Gain experience of English language teaching; 

• Meet new members of your local community; 

• Learn about different cultures; 

• Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum; 

• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team; 

• Develop your skills and competencies; 

• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training. 

• Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering 
   

To Apply: 

Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 
 

 All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.