Support Worker Volunteer Roles in Home Based

We hope to provide our placement students with an insight into the daily internal workings of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. The student will have access to relevant in-house training and development opportunities during their placement. There also may be ad hoc opportunities to get involved in other areas of work where appropriate. You will be responsible for achieving specific work objectives, agreed with you, in a set length of time within one of the various departments across the UK. As you are recruited to support or complete particular objectives, you will have a real responsibility and place in the department, bringing some of your skills and experience to the role; you will also have the chance to develop workplace skills.

Do you want to make a difference to the lives of refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants? You could help them to draw on their own strengths to cope with crisis and to rebuild their lives.

The British Red Cross is a volunteer-led humanitarian organisation that helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We enable vulnerable people at home and overseas to prepare for and respond to emergencies in their own communities and when the crisis is over, we help people recover and move on with their lives.

Placement Volunteers at the British Red Cross are highly valued for the skills and energy they bring. We aim to provide our placement volunteers with an insight into the daily workings of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. The successful candidate will have access to relevant in-house training and development opportunities during their placement. There may be some ad hoc opportunities to get involved in other areas of activity.

Your role as a placement volunteer will help make a great contribution to the work of the British Red Cross. You will take responsibility for achieving specific objectives that are agreed with you within one of the various departments across the UK. You will have a real responsibility and place in the department, bringing some of your skills and experience to the role; you will also have the chance to develop workplace skills.

While we don’t offer voluntary internships, we are happy for you to describe yourself as an intern on your CV, if you feel that would be helpful.

PLEASE STATE YOUR EDUCATION, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE IN YOUR APPLICATION.

HOURS: This placement will be over 21 hours per week; Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tuesday and Thursday will be in the Sheffield office. The role will involve outreach support in Sheffield City Centre on alternate Wednesdays with some remote working. The volunteering hours are negotiable to balance your needs and what can be achieved in the role.

Bursary Scheme The British Red Cross offers a bursary scheme to those placement volunteers from low-income households. Eligibility will be determined through a separate application process open to all short-listed candidates. All British Red Cross volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket reasonable expenses.

For this scheme we are defining low-income households as:

• Inside London: Living with family or partner £25,000 or under. Living independently £22.500 or under
• Outside London: Living with family or partner £18,500 or under. Living independently £16,500 or under

Young People and this role Our placement volunteer opportunities are open to people at different stages of their career, aged 15 or above. Whether you’re student, a recent graduate or someone with more experience looking for a career change, we would be happy to hear from you.

Anyone can volunteer with the Red Cross from the age of 15. An individual risk assessment, parental consent and safeguarding considerations will be required for those aged 15 – 17. Due to the nature of the activities specific to this placement opportunity you need to be 18 years or older.

**Diversity **We welcome applications from people of different backgrounds, experience and circumstances. We seek to ensure that our organisation and our services are relevant and accessible to all, with equality, diversity and fairness at the core of what we do. We invite applications from individuals regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or political belief and are committed to promoting fair participation and equality of opportunity for all of our applicants.

The British Red Cross is committed to being inclusive, with a diverse workforce. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds, cultures and experiences – including disabled and ethnic minority candidates. We value fresh perspectives and insights gained by involving and welcoming people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture and experience. This is to contribute to the breadth of experience we need to respond to people in crisis.

Our Casework volunteers work one-to-one with refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants at a time which many will find difficult and distressing. We help to make sure people have choices and opportunities available to them to move forward with their lives in a new country. Diversity is something we celebrate. We want you to be able to bring your authentic self to the Red Cross and feel that you belong. We want to create an inclusive environment, and promote and spread the power of kindness.

Why we want you

The casework placement volunteer will work one-to-one with vulnerable asylum seekers and refugees to help them access suitable services. It will include but not limited to, undertaking sensitive and comprehensive interviews with service users to assess their needs and agreeing a plan of action with the beneficiary.

What you will be doing

• Support the beneficiary to access other services, for example from the NHS, legal representatives, and Social Services
• Maintaining effective client records using our data capture system including communicating effectively with the Home Office case owner
• Working effectively with interpreters
• Offering onward referral to relevant bodies as appropriate
• Providing one to one support to beneficiaries
• Undertaking sensitive and comprehensive interviews with service users to assess their needs
• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding and protection issues with vulnerable clients, including children and vulnerable adults.

The skills you need

• A good communicator and empathetic about the situation and needs of refugees
• Able to use emotional support skills in a calm and responsible manner
• Aware of conflict and migration issues and sensitive to cultural issues, including those relating to gender
• Personally resilient as you may need to deal with difficult or challenging situations
• Understanding of face-to-face client work and/or casework, demonstrating excellent communication and proven listening skills
• Able to speak good English; plus knowledge of a foreign language would be useful (particularly one used in the current local refugee population)
• Able to use emotional support skills in a calm and responsible manner
• Able to keep the beneficiary at the heart of what you do, supporting the Red Cross to understand service user needs and the difference our role makes
• Willing to adhere to BRC Casework Good Practice Standards
• Able to work alone with minimum supervision as well as part of a team
• Willing to uphold the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and adhere to the Society’s Equal Opportunities Policy
• Willing to complete a criminal record check

What's in it for you

• A full induction, with ongoing support and supervision throughout your placement
• Access to relevant in-house training and development opportunities, including British Red Cross intranet site, e-learning facility and one-to-one career sessions or career development workshops
• Valuable exposure to the work of the Red Cross in the UK and around the world
• A great opportunity to develop your existing skills and to gain new ones
• Reasonable travel and lunch expenses paid
• Being a volunteer for the British Red Cross means that you can proudly say you are part of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation, and one of our 13 million volunteers across the world.

Body & Soul is a charity dedicated to transforming the life-threatening effects of adverse childhood experiences. Whether someone has been neglected or abused, trafficked, attempted suicide, or stigmatised because of HIV – we have helped to liberate thousands of people from the trauma that controls them. Our community provides people of all ages with a wide range of innovative and creative programmes that support physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being. We have developed a ‘whole person’ model of care rooted in a strengths-based approach that nurtures connection, healing, and growth. Through building members’ protective factors, we promote and develop resiliency, interrupt latent vulnerability, and transform lives.

This internship will focus on supporting our children’s service which is unique in addressing the needs of our 0 – 12-year-olds who live in challenging circumstances or have experienced trauma in their early lives. Our approach brings us closely together with families to ensure our youngest members achieve personal and social growth and positive change through access to a uniquely nurturing and validating environment.

We are looking for a creative individual to join the children’s service with experience in photography, drama, music, dance/movement or spoken word. Ideally, this individual would have experience working with groups and delivering creative workshops for a therapeutic purpose. Their skills would be highly beneficial to our service as creativity has proven to be a great mechanism to facilitate healing and explore aspects of developmental trauma. Additionally, children who are non-verbal or reluctant to social interactions can participate in creative tasks freely, increasing their confidence. Currently in the team we have skills such as arts and crafts, Lego play and play therapy skills. We are looking for an individual with further creative skills to enhance the creative edge of our service and programming.

Our intern will be:

• Assisting with the research and planning of weekly children’s service evenings.
• Leading and supporting the delivery of the service evenings.
• Collecting outcomes of the service evenings.
• Evaluating programme impact and outcomes and reviewing if changes are needed. 

We are looking for an intern who:

• Is passionate about working with children.
• Has a creative, proactive, and adaptable approach.
• Has skills needed for facilitating groups in photography, drama, music, dance/movement and/or spoken word.
• Is looking to gain work experience in the field of children’s rights, programme development and social care.
• Is willing to take on responsibility and work independently.
• Able to commit to a Monday, Tuesday (evening), and Wednesday for 3-months.

This is an unpaid internship; with expenses covered if needed. 

We offer regular learning and development opportunities for interns; designed to give a deeper insight into Body & Soul’s unique approach.

This intern role is for our summer intake, running from June- Aug 2024. Interviews will be held on 20-24th May.

We have a new volunteer opportunity based at Coventry Probation Office supporting the Change Grow Live Dependency & Recovery team. You will be making a real difference to the lives of others and gaining experience of working with the Dependency & Recovery service and the Prison and Probation service.

We are looking for motivated people who have an understanding of the issues faced by the people we support. You'll be passionate about supporting people to change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.

As a Criminal Justice Dependency & Recovery Volunteer, you will work closely with Dependency and Recovery Coordinators to deliver a range of tailored activities to adult males who are on probation.

You will support in delivering psychosocial interventions to help the person on probation to achieve their goals around their substance misuse and offending behaviour.

As a Change Grow Live volunteer you will be part of a supportive team, you will have a dedicated member of staff to support and supervise you.  All our volunteers receive comprehensive training and guidance to develop within the role.

Please note before applying

• The volunteer role is based at Coventry Probation office on either Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur (office hrs are 9 - 5pm)
• Some of the training for this role is elearning and so access to a laptop in order to complete this will be helpful
• This post is subject to a DBS check at an enhanced level and vetting enhanced level 1 by HMPPS 
• Please remember to complete the Personal Statement part of the application as this forms part of the shortlisting process

To find out more about this exciting opportunity please read the attached role description.

Ref VPW-243

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join us as a Volunteer Pantry Worker to support the daily running of our Pantry in Colwyn Bay.

The postholder will play a key role in the day to day running of the Pantry, learning key aspects of the Pantry which includes welcoming customers, stock rotation, placing deliveries away effectively in colour co-ordinated sections.

Welcoming clients in a polite and friendly manner will be an essential part of the role, as well as understanding the challenges they face in attending a social supermarket.

You will be expected to work closely with the Pantry team to ensure a full person-centred approach is available to all customers.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Set up/Set down, includes recording temperatures of fridge and freezer, completing paperwork to coincide with Health and safety records. Including Van temperatures when delivery arrives.
• Applicants will be required to accept deliveries into the Pantry and ensuring all relevant paperwork is collected from the delivery company and filed correctly.
• Once delivery has been accepted applicants will be required to participate in putting the delivery away, this will include stock rotation and cleaning duties following policies and procedures.
• Ensure delivery is put away, corresponding with the colour coded system always following all food hygiene processes.
• Cleaning duties as required in line with health and safety and food hygiene regulations.
• This is a customer facing post, and you will be required to operate our till system, using your own login details, and record information accurately in relation to client attendance and payment within the Pantry. Talk with customers, help them with nutritional advice, and offer ideas on recipes. You must know or seek knowledge of all food products, as we sometimes have exotic fruits/veg delivered.
• Training will be accessible via our skills centre. This will include mandatory training within our organisation. Food hygiene, Manual Handling and Health and Safety will be mandatory within this setting and will be provided. You will be offered training for our intranet system, where you can access the skills centre, and other great features.

You will have:

• Understanding or Experience of working positively with people affected by poverty and the local issues people face.
• Knowledge of the challenges and issues facing the client group using the Pantry (A).
• Understanding and demonstration of professional standards and accountability.
• Empathetic and understanding attitude toward customers' needs (A).
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills (A).
• Commitment to promoting inclusivity and equity.
• Outstanding organisational skills (A).
• Total commitment to excellent safeguarding practice and understanding of professional boundaries (A).
• Understanding of health and food safety legislation (A).
• Emotionally resilient.
• Commitment to upholding St Giles core values.

In your application, please demonstrate how you meet the person specification criteria marked with (A).

To apply visit our website via the apply button.

St Giles is committed to ensuring equal opportunities for all. We prohibit discrimination throughout all stages of the recruitment and compliance with this policy should be aligned with our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

Please note this role requires that successful candidates must undergo a Basic DBS check, on the basis that the post involves contact with vulnerable participants and colleagues.

Closing date: 05/05/2024, 11:00pm

We are seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Volunteers. As a Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others by providing support and assistance in various areas. This is an unpaid position that offers valuable experience and the chance to contribute to meaningful causes.

About the project and role

Prevention Matters help adults regain confidence, maintain independence and help them get out and about. The Community Support Workers support clients by finding help, signposting to other services, connect with others in the local community and provide encouragement to get involved in social events.

You can make a difference to people’s lives as a Prevention Matters volunteer by:

Increase or maintain social links such as attend local events, transport to coffee mornings

· Accompany clients on GP or hospital appointments

· Teach clients new digital skills such as email, Skype or how to search the web.

· Practical support in the garden or a spot of DIY in their home

· Assistance with hoarding disorder

· Support to a carer who is feeling isolated

Volunteers will have their traveling and out of pocket expenses covered. Opportunity to complete NVC National Volunteering Certificate and other in-house training.

At Connection Support we feel that nobody can do everything but everyone can do something so volunteering is flexible to suit you.

We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds to join our diverse team, if you have any disabilities or health conditions, we will do everything we can to help you access this opportunity.

Please note that this is an unpaid volunteer position. However, it offers valuable experience, the opportunity to give back to the community, and the chance to make a difference in the lives of others.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is an exciting opportunity to join IRMO and be part of the Latin American Youth Forum  (LAYF). LAYF is a youth-led group based at IRMO for migrant and refugee young people aged 13-19 where activities are offered in a trilingual space (Spanish, Portuguese and English). LAYF ensures that everyone can feel safe and supported to overcome barriers and find their feet in the UK. At LAYF young people can: ➔ Learn English through fun and engaging weekly ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes. ➔ Learn new skills and get inspired through weekly educational, art and theme-based workshops. ➔ Get support to access education, volunteer and employment opportunities through a targeted mentoring programme. ➔ Lead the LAYF Youth Steering Group, learn about leadership and inspire other Spanish and Portuguese-speaking young people. ➔ Explore London and its surrounding through cultural trips and residentials. The LAYF Volunteer Mentor will deliver a programme of 8-12 mentoring sessions focusing on the personal, educational and professional development of each mentee. They must be fluent in Spanish or Portuguese, and English and have availability to support young people on weekdays during out-of-school hours. The sessions can take place at IRMO or remotely as it’s most convenient for the mentee. 

MAIN TASKS

● Plan and deliver a targeted mentoring programme suited to the needs of each mentee.

● Write accurate mentoring notes during/after each session and discuss progress at regular supervision meetings.

● Allocate some time to research on the best way to support the mentee and any resources that might be beneficial for the session and for them to work on.

● Carry out regular monitoring & evaluation tasks.

● Meet regularly with the Youth Worker & Mentor to check on the progress of mentees

WE ARE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO IS/HAS:

● Fluent in English and Spanish, or English and Portuguese (essential).

● Some experience in mentoring young people in school or out-of-school setting.

● Aware of the issues facing migrants, especially children and young people, in the UK.

● A warm, friendly, patient and empathetic approach towards young people with complex needs.

● Good time management and organisational skills to be able to deliver regular mentoring sessions.

● Ability to set own work priorities, take initiative and work independently with the young people.

● Some knowledge of safeguarding and child protection in the UK.

● Non-judgemental, empathetic and committed to IRMO’s mission and values

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

● Two references from current/previous employers.

● Enhanced DBS Check (completed through IRMO).

● Safeguarding Level 1 certificate (completed through IRMO).

● One month trial period. 

As a METRO Youth Volunteer, you would be an integral member of the youth team in supporting the Lead and Support Workers in the delivery of the weekly groups. These are held in London boroughs and Medway, Kent. You would be responsible for tasks such as setting up the space and activities, chatting with young people and supporting the facilitation of activities. Your support would enable the lead worker to provide more one to one support as necessary and help in the overall management of some very vibrant groups as well as supporting future advertising and promotion to encourage more participants for some of the quieter groups.

Come and work in a vibrant and fun environment and support Caudwell Children to do whatever it takes to change the future of disabled and autistic children and support to help them lead a full and active life.

As a reception volunteer, roles and responsibilities may include:

• Communication with families and other organisations via telephone and email
• Meeting and greeting visitors (including visitor sign in)
• Providing practical and emotional support to children and their families across the country

• Processing and completing applications for specialist equipment, therapies and treatment
• Data inputting onto our metro system
• Providing an information and signposting service
• Answering telephone/email enquiries
• Monitoring our online chat service ensuring families receive the support that they need

Ref: V227 | Community Connector | Carmarthenshire, Wales. 

We’re looking for multiple Community Connectors over the age of 18 years old, based across various locations across Carmarthenshire.  

You’ll be volunteering : Dates and times to be agreed with volunteer.

The volunteers could be:

• Providing a valuable support to our teams based within the region.
• Build relationships with people, and organisations to raise awareness of stroke and the Stroke Association.
• Engaging with your local community to represent the Stroke Association, this could include the delivery of presentations or talks either face to face or digitally. 
• Sharing your knowledge and experience of stroke to others.
• Researching and gathering information relating to life after stroke services.
• Supporting the process of volunteer recruitment and training.
• Attending fundraising events, including donation collections.

*Whilst we would be delighted if you could perform all of these tasks, we will be happy to accept enquiries from you if you can provide suitable selective support.

What the role can offer you personally:

• Learning and developing new skills. 
• Meeting new people, building a network and engaging with your local community.
• An opportunity to get together (either face to face/digitally) with other volunteers from the East of England. 
• Invitations to join national volunteer events to network and share experiences.

Interested in this role?

Find out more by downloading the role description for the Community Connector role.

If you are interested in this role please complete our application form and send it to  Carla Williams, Community Connector Coordinator on email.

We want to reduce barriers to inclusion. Help us understand who’s applying for and getting roles with us by completing our Equal Opportunities Form. This helps us continue to identify anything that’s getting in the way for people looking to join us. This information does not form part of your application.

If you would like further information please contact Carla Williams, Community Connector Coordinator on email.

About Us

Stroke Association. Rebuilding lives after stroke.

When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down. And so does a part of you. That’s because a stroke happens in the brain, the control centre for who we are and what we can do. It happens every five minutes in the UK and changes lives instantly. Recovery is tough, but with the right specialist support and a ton of courage and determination, the brain can adapt.

We believe everyone deserves to live the best life they can after stroke. And it’s a team effort to get there.

We provide specialist support, fund critical research and campaign to make sure people affected by stroke get the very best care and support to rebuild their lives.

We’re working to improve the diversity of our team.  Because we know that individuality leads to a richer experience for our people and better support for those affected by stroke. 

We strongly encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. And we’re particularly looking to increase the number of applications from those with lived experience of stroke and those from under-represented communities. 

Every five minutes, stroke destroys lives. Help us rebuild them and join our team.

In 2019, we developed a bold new corporate strategy so that we can rebuild more lives after stroke and make a bigger difference to people’s lives.  

To help us deliver our strategy and make a real difference, we are looking to recruit talented people to a number of new roles.

If you would like to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives, we want to hear from you!

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

A Wellbeing Buddy is a volunteer who is matched with someone who has been referred to us for support for a period of 12 weeks and volunteers with them in person.

Face-to-face Wellbeing Buddies meet their match each week with an overall aim of helping them to build confidence and improve their quality of life. This might involve going for walks with the person, going on public transport with them, assisting them with food shopping or just offering some company in their normal routine.

The time you give to volunteering can be decided by you, as long as you can commit to at least once a week for 12 weeks with one person.

Please note that at the moment, to become a volunteer with us you will need to have some availability during the working week (9-5 Monday-Friday). Wellbeing Volunteers are not able to do this role during evenings and weekends. This is so that there are staff members available for support. 

What do you need to become a Wellbeing Buddy?

You don't necessarily need to have experience in a role like this, but any experience in offering objective support to people would be beneficial. We are mainly looking for kind-hearted, personable, reliable individuals who love to chat and can give a small amount of time each week to help someone who needs it. You will be given training and support from the volunteer coordinator whenever needed.

To volunteer, you must:

- Be over the age of 18
- Be able to travel within your local area, whether by public transport, Beryl bike or driving
- Have access to the internet to use our volunteer database
- Undergo a DBS check (free to you)
- Complete the necessary training

What do you get out of it? 

Volunteering with us will give you a chance to develop your skills and experience in empathy and active listening, as well as supporting and safeguarding people. We can offer you a rewarding opportunity to help empower people to live their best possible lives, a way of meeting other volunteers and likeminded people and social events for volunteers. We also offer reimbursement for expenses, access to schemes such as free Beryl Bike minutes and opportunities to attend personalised and tailored training and workshops.

How to join us:

To become a Wellbeing Buddy you will need to complete the application form attached to this opportunity (you can also find this on our website). You will then be invited to a an informal meeting with the volunteer coordinator (in person or online). If successful, you will need to attend a short training session at Beech House in Poole. This opportunity requires you to undergo a DBS check (free of charge to you).

Do you love nature? Do you enjoy meeting people? Why not help support Cumbria Wildlife Trust events in South Cumbria, at Staveley Woodlands & Brown Robin nature reserves.

The role will be based at our Staveley Woodlands & Brown Robin nature reserves and predominantly outdoors. Our events at both locations are varied, so your duties will differ from event to event.

Wildlife Trust staff and volunteers often run events at nearby reserves and sometimes need an extra pair of hands.  We need someone who can help with fetching and carrying, supporting attendees, act as a backmarker on walks and generally help the event run smoothly.

Although no experience is necessary, being able to get along with people from all walks of life is essential, as is an ability to deal with uneven ground.  The benefits are great company and feeling that you’re helping people discover the natural world.

This is a very flexible role. Choose which events you’d like to help with.

Travel costs will be reimbursed and lift sharing can often be arranged on request.

This volunteer role is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Duration: Sessions will be ad hoc but will be planned well in advance, giving you plenty of notice, and may last from two hours to a full day. 

Want to learn more about this Role?

Interested in volunteering with Cumbria Wildlife Trust on the ‘The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery’ project? The Bay is a nature and wellbeing programme of events, offering people living around Morecambe Bay area, the opportunity to get outdoors, connect with nature, and take part in a range of activities. Barrow-in-Furness is at the northernmost point of the Bay project area.

Do you love wildlife? Experience and share the joy of the rich variety of habitats and wild plants and animals that live in The Bay, with event visitors.

Are you a people person? An approachable and friendly manner. Have confidence in talking to members of public, of varying ages and backgrounds.

Becoming a community events volunteer, is a unique opportunity to learn new conservation and people skills. Community event volunteers help to connect people to nature and also help people take action to protect wildlife.

We are looking for volunteers to help set up and support the delivery of events which may include coastal stargazing, UV rock pooling, guided walks, codebreaking, egg case hunts, and craft activities. We also go into organisations such as care homes with our ‘portable rockpool’ to bring a little bit of nature to people who would struggle to get outdoors.

You don’t need to be a wading bird or starfish expert, just have a natural enthusiasm for the all the wildlife that you and event visitors will encounter.

This community focused role is based indoors or outdoors.

This is a very flexible role.

You can choose the events you’d like to help with.

Training, hot brews and support will be provided.

Travel costs will be reimbursed and lift sharing can often be arranged on request.

 Please note DBS (paid by Cumbria Wildlife Trust) may be required. Safeguarding training will also be provided.

Is this for you? Want to learn more about this role? We'd love to hear from you.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The role of the Volunteer Barber is an important one to the charity as part of our confidence-building and resettlement efforts.

The role will suit someone who is a trainee or qualified barber or hairdresser, who can commit to 6 hours per month at our Health and Wellbeing days across South West London.

The volunteer will be mindful of how much a new appearance can increase the self-esteem of someone who is experiencing homelessness or is being resettled by SPEAR. They will enjoy developing positive relationships with new people and will be willing to work outside of their own comfort zone providing haircuts at no charge to SPEAR clients.

LOCATION/S: Our Health and Wellbeing days are held across Richmond, Kingston, Wandsworth, Merton and Sutton Boroughs. We hold approximately one Health and Well-being day per month in one of the above locations.

The volunteer must have an enhanced DBS background check (SPEAR will apply for this on your behalf.)

For more information about this volunteering opportunity, please see the role description.

SPEAR welcomes and encourages applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation.

Purpose and Aims of the role: 

We are looking for volunteers who can provide a strong foundation to help strengthen their communities by helping Care Experienced children and young people engage in activities to build their skills and confidence and to be included, understood, respected, and valued in their communities.

The Group Work Volunteer role will work alongside our innovative and energetic Edinburgh project team, supporting to raise awareness of Care Experience and supporting activities for young people, providing supportive adults to ensure all children and young people can thrive, bringing communities together.

This role will involve interacting with young people aged 5-17 through supporting and leading on a variety of activities e.g. arts/crafts/sports/general youth work at our fortnightly/monthly sessions as well as at our National events that happen throughout the year. This role will help build community strengths for Care Experienced people and provide social networks to help build resilience and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Who Cares? Scotland is a people organisation. We invest in our people, our relationships and in a positive working culture. It’s important to us that our volunteer team is included, involved and motivated to change society. 

We aim to recruit people with excellent qualities from a wide variety of backgrounds who share in our mission. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with care experience. 

What will I be doing? 

• Supporting staff to undertake activities 

• Leading on activities 

• Supporting young people’s sense of belonging and connection 

• Building community ties, ensuring Care Experienced people are welcomed within communities.

• Helping children and young people to have fun 

• Building children and young people’s confidence and self esteem 

• Being a positive role model 

What skills can I bring to this role? 

• A knowledge and understanding of issues affecting Care Experienced people. 

• Ability to work well in a team. 

• Good communication and listening skills. 

• Ability to encourage and motivate others to participate in activities. 

What qualities do I need? 

• To have a non-judgemental approach to people, have empathy. 

• Be enthusiastic, flexible and committed. 

• Reliable and approachable. 

• Friendly, helpful and understanding. 

• A commitment to treat all information in a confidential manner. 

• To have a good value base, be open minded and level-headed.