Volunteer roles for the Youth and Children sector

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode.

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To represent Family Centre Services within local communities and help strengthen the link between families and the centre by promoting services and support available.

Key Responsibilities:

· Promote Hertfordshire Family Centres by attending toddler and parent groups and local activities.

· Distribute leaflets, posters, and other promotional materials in community venues (e.g. libraries, health centres, nurseries, shops).

· Talk to parents, carers, and professionals about the Family Centre offer, signposting them to services and activities.

· Share updates on Family Centre activities through word of mouth, local networks, and community noticeboards.

· Provide feedback to Family Centre staff about local needs, events, and opportunities for engagement.

· Represent the Family Centre in a positive and professional way at all times.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, approachable, and confident in talking to new people.

· Good communication skills.

· Reliable and able to work independently as well as part of a team.

· Enthusiasm for supporting children, families, and the local community.

· Respectful of diversity and inclusive of all families.

· Knowledge of the local area and networks

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support Public Health Nursing teams by helping parents use baby weighing equipment in a welcoming and safe environment.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome parents, carers, and babies to the self-weigh session in a friendly and approachable way.

· Explain how to use the weighing equipment safely and accurately (training provided).

· Support parents to record their baby’s weight on growth charts or apps as appropriate.

· Ensure the weighing area is safe, clean, and ready for families to use.

· Provide reassurance and encouragement to parents and carers.

· Signpost any questions or concerns about a baby’s health or development to a Family Centre staff member

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, patient, and approachable.

· Good communication and listening skills.

· Confident in supporting parents to use simple equipment (training given).

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work as part of a team.

· Respectful and non-judgemental towards all families.

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

We are looking for volunteers to support us at our exciting Play & Learn Toddler Sessions across Bedford however we are particularly keen for volunteers to support at the following sessions:

Wixams - 1st & 3rd Monday (Term Time Only) - 9.30-11am

Thurleigh - 2nd Monday (Term time Only) - 10-11.30am

Wootton - 3rd Thursday (Term Time Only) - 1.30-2.45pm

If you would like to volunteer and you are worried about childcare, please feel free to bring your other child/children to the session too! We are fully flexible with supporting parents in their volunteering journey. 

We want to ensure all families feel valued and welcome and some of the activities you will be doing include: 

• To support the engagement of parents in their child/ren’s development and learning.

• Setting up and tidying away activities

• Engage and play with the children 

• Engage with the parents/carers through conversation

• Lead on specific activities if desired

• Support the planning and evaluation of sessions with Children Centre staff

• To support Children Centre staff in registering families by handing our and supporting families completing our registration form

• To promote ECP/One YMCA values and ethos

• Knowledge and experience of working with young children and/or families would be preferred as this is a very hands on role!

Training and support will be provided throughout your journey, we look forward to welcoming you to the ECP family!

Please note, you will be required to undergo a DBS check and 2 references will be taken up. 

Trustees

Prout Bridge Project, 6 Prout Hill, Beaminster, DT8 3AY

We are expanding our Board of Trustees and looking for individuals with the following skillsets:

Fundraising

Marketing

Youth Services

Finance

The Prout Bridge Project offers youth, mental-health and community services. It was set up by the community in 2016 in response to cuts in youth and family provision. The scope of our work has evolved in response to our community’s needs through the Covid pandemic and cost-of-living crisis.

We operate from the town of Beaminster in West Dorset, supporting a wider area of villages and towns covering parts of Dorset, Somerset and Devon.

Our aim is to support children, young people and adults to participate, thrive and connect as part of an inclusive and resilient community. 

Multiple essential services are housed under one roof including:

• Safe and supportive youth clubs where our young people can thrive, in sports, music, art, outdoor and other activities. 
• Experienced youth worker mental health support in schools and one-to-one sessions for young people who are struggling + outreach in the town, skatepark and surrounding villages
• A community hub, bringing people together in local social, sports and craft groups + a baby and parent group, providing a safe warm space, and giving easy access to advice services.

We are a small but mighty charity with a dedicated and hard-working Board of Trustees and staff force looking to grow our Board. We would love you to get in touch to find out more.

The Board of Trustees meets around 4-6 times per year and is an unremunerated position.

As a small charity our Trustees play an active and hands on role across a broad spectrum of responsibilities and work closely with the staff team to deliver our charitable objectives.

The Prout Bridge Project is committed to creating an inclusive environment, promoting equality, valuing diversity, and combating unfair treatment.

As we work with young people and are fully committed to ensuring their safeguarding and welfare is always a priority. As part of our Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, all of our employees, contractors and volunteers will be expected to comply, all employees will also be required to satisfy our pre-employment screening process.

For further information please click the apply button.

Hertfordshire’s Family Centre Service brings children’s centres, health visiting and school nursing together, to provide a more joined-up service for children, young people, and their families.

The centres deliver a range of support groups and activities for children and their families to help them be healthy, grow and develop. To make it easy for families to fit sessions and services around their busy lives, access is available from any Hertfordshire Family centre. We have locations across the entire county so please do enquire ensuring you have provided your postcode. 

Main Tasks/ Responsibilities/ Activities

To support early years sessions for families with children aged 0–5, including those with SEND and emerging needs, by promoting engagement and child development through group activities.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome and engage families in a warm, friendly manner

· Support the delivery of structured and free-play indoor and outdoor activities

· Encourage participation and interaction between parents/carers and children

· Promote children’s development through praise and positive reinforcement

· Work collaboratively with staff to support inclusive practice

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Enjoy working with children and families.

· Interest in child development

· Warm, approachable, and good at communicating with people of all ages.

· Reliable, punctual, and able to work well in a team.

· Respectful, inclusive, and sensitive to the needs of diverse families.

· Able to follow guidance and instructions from session leads

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including Socials, Conferences and Training opportunities. 

Additional Information

· Undergo enhanced DBS check

· X2 References required

· Undertake additional training as and when required

· We offer to pay volunteers’ “out of pocket” expenses within agreed guidelines

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)

Summary

Can you inspire, energise and motivate young people aged 12-18 years?
Do you enjoy making a real difference to the lives of young people?

Detailed description

Mentoring within One YMCA is delivered through the youth team and volunteers. Young people aged 13-19 years can access the service which provides support and encouragement for young people to work towards their goals.

Mentors and mentees are paired based on experience, expertise and support needed.

This project will last for up to a year with each young person, with an average of 3-4 hours per month being given to the young person and their support.

Training for this role is due to commence on 22nd January 2025 (Time and Location TBC)

Pay: This is a voluntary role; however, expenses will be covered.

Key Responsibilities:

·To attend full induction training and complete all relevant child protection checks

·To arrange to meet with your mentee for 1-3 hours a month over a period of 12 months, in a public place.

·To prepare for your mentoring sessions with the purpose of progressing with their mutually agreed goals.

·To offer tailored support to your Mentee in areas such as confidence and resilience building, accessing services, careers focus and development. You may be working on a number of areas as the needs of your Mentee present themselves.

·To safeguard and promote the wellbeing of your Mentee.

·To complete feedback, monitoring and evaluation forms.

·To liaise with the mentoring coordinator for support in delivery of sessions where needed.

·To help identify the support that your Mentee requires, reporting any concerns you have to the mentoring coordinator.

·Completing regular reviews with your Mentee and mentoring coordinator.

·Any other reasonable task that is associated with the role.

Personal Specification:

Experience:

• Experience of working with young people
• Experience of working with young people from a variety of backgrounds

Skills:

• Ability to work on own initiative and a willingness to prepare for each session
• Ability to use online video platforms such as Microsoft Teams
• Ability to think creatively and problem solve
• Good communication skills
• Good organisational skills
• Ability to work as a part of a team
• A willingness to meet the young person in a public space

Personal Qualities:

• An interest in working with young people
• Ability to engage with a young person
• The willingness to have an open mind and non-judgemental approach to supporting a young person in their mentoring journey
• Ability to cope with potentially difficult conversations or situations
• Commitment to the mentoring project and to the Mentee
• Motivated by promoting the wellbeing of young people
• Commitment to and ability to work in accordance with ethos of One YMCA, their polices and boundaries

Other:

• Willing to undertake and induction and training
• Willing to provide 2 references
• Willing to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check (DBS)

Summary

Supporting young people in leading activities and mentoring support by providing a listening ear and practical support and guidance.

Detailed description

You’ll find plenty of ways to use your listening skills as well as being a first point of advice for practical concerns that young people face or for supporting them in fun and exciting activities and games. We have our Youth Sessions based in Watford, Hatfield and Cheshunt.

Tuesdays (Watford, Orbital Community Centre)

4.30pm to 6.30pm (Juniors)

6.30pm to 8pm (Seniors)

Wednesdays

The Hive @ Jim McDonald Centre

Seniors - 4.30pm to 6pm

Thursdays

St John' Youth Centre

Juniors - 4.30pm to 6pm

Project Group - 6.30 to 7.30

You will be:

Supporting youth work activities and workshops

Supervising young people in discussion sessions

Building positive relationships with young people

Working with other staff to plan and evaluate activities by gaining feedback

The application process is simple - please submit an initial enquiries form by clicking on the below link with your details and ensure you let us know that you saw our advert on the CharityJob website and we will get in touch to discuss next steps. Following a brief discussion we will ask you to fill in a few more details, carry out an informal interview and apply for a DBS check as well as requesting details of two referees.

We also provide full training and support throughout your journey and you will have access to events and celebrations throughout the year!

We look forward to welcoming you to be a part of the One YMCA Family!

Be part of something exciting as Vault opens its doors to young people in Preston. We’re looking for friendly, positive volunteers to help us create a safe, fun and inclusive space where young people can belong, try new things and thrive.

As a Youth Work Volunteer, you’ll:

• Support youth sessions and activities (sports, arts, music, games, cooking, STEM and more)

• Help create a welcoming, supportive environment

• Build positive relationships with young people

• Encourage participation and confidence

• Assist with simple setup and tidy-up

• Uphold safeguarding, equality and inclusion (training provided)

We’ll match your role to your interests and comfort level, and you’ll have fun along the way.

The impact you’ll make:

• Help young people feel safe, confident and included

• Reduce isolation and boost wellbeing

• Support young people to reach their potential

You’ll be great for this role if you have:

• Good communication and listening skills

• Empathy, patience and respect for others

• The ability to engage with young people

• Reliability and a team mindset

(Experience with young people is helpful but not essential.)

Easy to get to

• <1 minute walk from Preston Bus Station

• <15 minutes walk from Preston Train Station

• Parking available at Preston Bus Station (RingGo)

If you’re passionate about supporting young people and want to make a real difference, we’d love you on the team.

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Location

Multiple locations available across:

· Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)

· Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)

· Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)

· Wales (RAF Valley)

· Wiltshire (MOD Boscombe Down)

· Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

· Cornwall (RAF St Mawgan)

· West Midlands (RAF Cosford)

· Shropshire (RAF Shawbury)

·       Hampshire (RAF Odiham)​

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Multiple locations available across:

· Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)

· Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)

· Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)

· Wales (RAF Valley)

· Wiltshire (MOD Boscombe Down)

· Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

· Cornwall (RAF St Mawgan)

· West Midlands (RAF Cosford)

· Shropshire (RAF Shawbury)

·       Hampshire (RAF Odiham)​

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required
 

About Us

Cherry Trees is a charity. located in East Clandon (near Guildford, Surrey), providing home-from-home short breaks for children aged 0–19 with a range of complex disabilities, including learning, physical, and sensory impairments.

We are rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and care for more than 100 children and young people in a safe, stimulating, and fun environment. At Cherry Trees, we see the child first and the disability second, valuing every child for who they are. We are a dedicated community, enabling children to spend time with friends and enjoy new experiences while their families have a much-needed break from care.

It’s an exciting time to join Cherry Trees. We have recently recruited a new Head of Fundraising and Communications who will be building the team as we invest in a programme of service growth in conjunction with a new 5-year strategy which will be publicised in 2026.

What difference will you make?

Cherry Trees offers a lifeline to vulnerable children and their families. As a Trustee, you will play a key role in helping us to grow and develop and to enable us to continue to provide support and a critical lifeline to even more vulnerable children and their families in great need. Alongside a team of 8 trustees you will play a key role in ensuring we have the maximum impact we can for our community.

Role Description

The treasurer is an officer of the trustee board and not a paid worker. The role of the treasurer is to ensure that all the finances and the supporting financial control systems are kept in order.

Key objectives of the role:

• To provide strategic advice to the Trustees on financial matters as regards the operation and development of Cherry Trees within the direction set by the Chairman of the Trustees.
• To oversee the financial affairs of the Charity and ensure that they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.
• To ensure that proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place.
• To monitor and report on the financial health of the Charity.
• To oversee the production of necessary financial reports, returns, accounts and audits.
• The role requires active participation in board meetings and collaboration with fellow trustees and the executive team to support Cherry Trees’ mission.
• The will be a minimum of 8 board and committee meetings to attend

Principal Tasks

The responsibilities of the treasurer are essential for maintaining the financial stability and integrity of the charity, ensuring that it can continue to fulfil its mission and objectives. Specifically, these include:

Financial oversight

• Ensure that all financial records are accurate, up to date and compliant with legal and accounting standards.
• Ensure that effective financial procedures and controls are in place.
• Appraise the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.
• Chair the Management and Finance Committee (M&F) quarterly, monitor performance against budgets and ensure that Capital Expenditure is properly controlled in line with the latest Capex Policy approved by the Trustees.
• Attend half-yearly meetings of the Investment Committee at which the Charity’s investment brokers report on their management of the Cherry Trees investments and measure performance against their benchmark.
• Liaise with the investment brokers as necessary to ensure that adequate liquidity (cash flow) is available and that Cherry Trees is able to meet its liabilities.
• Assist the trustees and management in ensuring that the financial reserves of Cherry Trees are maintained at an appropriate level.

Budget Management

• Oversee the production of the annual budget and propose its adoption by the board.

Financial reporting

• Work closely as necessary with the CEO and COO to appoint appropriate external auditors and to ensure that any audit recommendations are implemented in a timely manner.
• Oversee the production of necessary financial reports and accounts and present them, along with any audit recommendations, to the board.

Strategic advisory

• Provide strategic advice to the board on financial matters and help shape the charity's financial strategy.
• Work closely with the CEO and COO to ensure that a long-term financial strategy is in place, which can guide the organisation in achieving its objectives.

Board liaison

• Regularly report the financial position and ongoing financial viability of the charity at board meetings.
• Make fellow trustees aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data.
• Assist the trustees in ensuring that appropriate steps are taken to manage financial risks that could impact significantly upon Cherry Trees.

Personal skills and qualities

• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management.
• Good financial analysis skills with the ability to think about the future as well as the present.
• Strong working knowledge of Excel.
• Be methodical, organised and consistent.
• Ability to communicate clearly.
• Have a strong commitment to the organisation.
• Some experience or knowledge of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes would be an advantage.

Qualifications

• Strong skills and experience in Financial Statements and Accounting
• Proficiency in Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Finance
• An understanding of charitable organisations and nonprofit financial management is a plus
• Good communication and teamwork abilities
• A commitment to the vision and values of the Cherry Trees Charity
• Professional qualifications in accounting or finance are desirable

Safer Recruitment

Due to the vulnerability of our children and young adults, applicants will be required to complete a short application form and will require an Enhanced DBS check, which the charity will facilitate.

We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.

We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling. 

Job Description
Are you ready to put your digital marketing skills into practice and make a real impact? As a Volunteer Digital Marketing Manager with TESYouth, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience while helping us grow our online presence and reach.

In this role, you’ll be part of a team that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. You’ll play a key role in developing and implementing strategies that strengthen our brand message, boost engagement, and drive traffic to our digital platforms.

Responsibilities

• Increase traffic and visibility across TESYouth’s digital channels.

• Grow our brand message, vision, and online presence.

• Develop and manage digital marketing campaigns.

• Monitor and analyse performance using SEO, Google Analytics, and other tools.

• Collaborate with the creative and communications teams to align marketing activities.

Requirements

• Experience in digital marketing and social media management.

• Working knowledge of SEO, Google Analytics, and related tools.

• Strong communication and organisational skills.

• Proactive, dedicated, and willing to learn.

Additional Information

• This is a voluntary role and can be carried out entirely remotely.

• All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

• Flexible hours – ideal for those looking to gain professional experience while contributing to a meaningful cause.

About TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a social enterprise and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing youth unemployment. Through training programmes, work experience, interactive workshops, and volunteering opportunities, we support young people in developing their skills and achieving their career aspirations.

Together with our collaborators and partners, we aim to make a lasting positive impact in the community.