Volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
- Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
A bit more information about this role and the team
This volunteering role will be for the new Harlow & Sawbridgeworth branch which will cover postcodes SG10, CM17, CM18, CM19, CM20 and CM21.
The branch are looking for indoor fosterers so applicants will need to have a suitable spare room.
What we need from you
- A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
- Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
- A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
- Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
- You can find out more about being a Fosterer on the Cats Protection website
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Childline is a vital service available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern. Childline Belfast currently have vacancies for Volunteer Counsellors
If you are interested in volunteering for Childline in Belfast and want to find out more about the roles available, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
- Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey
Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.
To book a place at one of our online Volunteer Information Meetings, please click 'Join Us' to register your interest.
Please note: You need to be at least 16 years old to apply for this role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Childline is a vital service available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern. Childline Manchester currently have vacancies for Volunteer Counsellors
If you are interested in volunteering for Childline in Manchester and want to find out more about the roles available, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
- Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey
Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.
To book a place at one of our online Volunteer Information Meetings, please click 'Join Us' to register your interest.
Please note: You need to be at least 16 years old to apply for this role
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Childline is a vital service available 365 days a year to support children and young people, whatever their worry or concern. Childline Glasgow currently have vacancies for Volunteer Counsellors
If you are interested in volunteering for Childline in Glasgow and want to find out more about the roles available, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
- Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey
Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.
To book a place at one of our online Volunteer Information Meetings, please click 'Join Us' to register your interest.
Please note: You need to be at least 16 years old to apply for this role
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want to be a part of something special? Do you believe that children should be safe and happy? You could join our amazing team of volunteers who strive to ensure children's voices are heard.
We are now recruiting in the following areas:
Aberdeenshire, Angus, Ayrshire, Clackmannanshire, Dundee, Fife, Inverclyde, Perth and Kinross, Renfrewshire, Stirling
Half a million UK children experience abuse every year, that's 7 children in every classroom before they turn 18. Together we can change this.
As one of our highly valued Speak out. Stay safe volunteers, you will play a vital role in protecting a generation of children, by helping them understand abuse and giving them the confidence to speak out if they need help. Last year in Scotland alone we spoke to more than 60 thousand children to share our vital safeguarding messages. With your help we can do more.
As a Speak out. Stay safe volunteer you will have the opportunity to:
- make a huge difference to children in Scotland;
- learn and develop valuable skills;
- be part of a friendly team of like-minded people.
The role
Alongside other volunteers you will visit primary schools twice a month to deliver classroom based Speak out. Stay safe workshops for children aged 5-7 and 7-11 years.
You will take pride in empowering children to speak out and stay safe. There will be training throughout your volunteer journey, and our team will be here to support you.
If you are:
- passionate about helping children and young people;
- excited about communicating with others;
- empathetic, perceptive and supportive;
- able to think on your feet;
- able to work well within a team;
you have the qualities that could make you a great fit for our volunteer team!
Next Steps
If you want to know more about this amazing opportunity, make sure to sign up for a Volunteer Information Meeting below?.
Additional Information
Some local travel will be required for the role. We understand that this can incur costs; you will be reimbursed for your travel expenses.
Successful volunteer candidates will undergo some routine safeguarding checks as part of our recruitment process. There is more information provided about this in the Volunteer Information Meeting.
For this role, we can only accept people over the age of 16.
Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for new volunteers all over the East of England to be Speak out. Stay Safe Volunteers. You would visit primary schools local to you to help us protect a generation of children from abuse and neglect.
In 2022 the NSPCC's Speak out. Stay safe volunteers returned to primary schools. As a Speak out. Stay safe. volunteer, you will visit primary schools to deliver Speak out. Stay safe. workshops that teach children about the different types of abuse and how they can speak out and stay safe. Our Speak out. Stay safe. workshops are age-appropriate and memorable and need an energetic and enthusiastic person to deliver them. You'll work alongside other Speak out. Stay safe. volunteers to make sure at the end of each session the children feel empowered and know who they can speak out to if they are worried.
If you are interested in volunteering as a Speak out. Stay safe. volunteer and want to find out more about the role, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:
• Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
• Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey
Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.
For this role, we can only accept people over the age of 16.
Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Hysbyseb ddwyieithog. sgrolio i lawr i'r Gymraeg / Bilingual advert - scroll down for Welsh
We are looking for new volunteers from all over Wales to be Speak out. Stay Safe Volunteers. You would visit primary schools local to you to help us protect a generation of children from abuse and neglect.
In 2022 the NSPCC's Speak out. Stay safe volunteers returned to primary schools. As a Speak out. Stay safe. volunteer, you will visit primary schools to deliver Speak out. Stay safe. workshops that teach children about the different types of abuse and how they can speak out and stay safe. Our Speak out. Stay safe. workshops are age-appropriate and memorable and need an energetic and enthusiastic person to deliver them. You'll work alongside other Speak out. Stay safe. volunteers to make sure at the end of each session the children feel empowered and know who they can speak out to if they are worried.
If you are interested in volunteering as a Speak out. Stay safe. volunteer and want to find out more about the role, the next step is to attend a Volunteer Information Meeting, which is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Meet with staff as well as volunteers to ask any questions you may have
- Learn more about the application process and your volunteer journey
Our meetings are designed to help you decide whether you want to apply – there's no obligation or expectation that you'll apply if you attend one. At the meeting, you'll also receive information on other ways you can become a supporter of the NSPCC.
For this role, we can only accept people over the age of 16.
Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.
Yn 2022 bydd gwirfoddolwyr Cofia ddweud. Cadwa'n Ddiogel. yr NSPCC yn dychwelyd i ysgolion cynradd. Rydym yn chwilio am wirfoddolwyr newydd i amddiffyn cenhedlaeth o blant rhag cael eu cam-drin a'u hesgeuluso. Fel un o wirfoddolwyr Cofia Ddweud. Cadwa'n ddiogel., byddwch chi'n ymweld ag ysgolion cynradd i ddarparu gweithdai Cofia ddweud. Cadwa'n ddiogel. i addysgu plant am y gwahanol fathau o gam-drin a sut gallant ddweud a chadw'n ddiogel.
Mae ein gweithdai Cofia ddweud. Cadwa'n ddiogel. yn addas i wahanol oedrannau ac yn hawdd i'w cofio. Mae angen person egnïol a brwdfrydig i'w darparu. Byddwch chi'n gweithio ochr yn ochr â gwirfoddolwyr eraill ar gyfer Cofia ddweud. Cadwa'n ddiogel. i wneud yn siŵr fod y plant, ar ddiwedd y sesiwn, yn teimlo eu bod wedi cael eu grymuso a'u bod yn gwybod gyda phwy y dylent siarad os ydynt yn poeni am rywbeth.
Os oes gennych ddiddordeb mewn gwirfoddoli fel Gwirfoddolwr Cofia ddweud. Cadwa'n ddiogel. ac eisiau gwybod mwy am y rôl, y cam nesaf yw mynd i Gyfarfod Gwybodaeth i Wirfoddolwyr, sy'n gyfle gwych i:
- Cwrdd â'r staff yn ogystal â gwirfoddolwyr i ofyn unrhyw gwestiynau sydd gennych
- Dysgu mwy am y broses ymgeisio a'ch taith wirfoddoli
Nod ein cyfarfodydd yw eich helpu i benderfynu a ydych am wneud cais – does dim rheidrwydd na disgwyliad y byddwch yn ymgeisio os ydych yn mynychu un. Yn y cyfarfod, byddwch hefyd yn derbyn gwybodaeth am ffyrdd eraill y gallwch ddod yn gefnogwr i'r NSPCC.
Mae'n rhaid bod dros 16 oed ar gyfer y rôl hon
Eisiau cymryd rhan? Gwirfoddolwch heddiw ac ymuno yn ein brwydr dros bob plentyn
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
What we're looking for
We're looking for enthusiastic, creative and organised people across Bedfordshire to be a Community Fundraising Volunteer. Around 90 per cent of our income comes from our supporters and we couldn't continue doing what we do without them. That means, our community fundraising volunteers play a really important part in rallying people together to raise vital funds which help to protect children and prevent abuse.
What you'll do
You'll volunteer without regular time commitments, ‘as and when' volunteering! Engage with the public, organisations and local communities – promoting a positive image of the NSPCC! You'll be a valued part of one of our Volunteer Community Fundraising Teams across the UK, raising awareness and funds. We appreciate that work, family and friends come first and, with that in mind, this role offers flexibility to fit in with your lifestyle. You only need to commit to a couple of hours a month, but if you want to do more that would be great.
What you'll get
We'll support you with advice, skills and tools to help you fundraise and spread the word of the NSPCC. You'll learn more about how you're helping to protect children across the UK, and you'll have the opportunity to grow your skills and inspire others to support us. It's also a chance to spend time with like-minded people and make new friends.
Who's right for the role?
While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experiences.
- Passionate about helping young people and children
- Enthusiastic and personable
- Strong organisational skills
- Able to think on your feet
- You work well within a team
- Great communication and social skills
We are currently unable to accept applications from under 18's to this role, please view our other volunteering opportunities.
Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Discover Volunteering! Virtual Information Session
- Wednesday 16th July 12.30-1.15pm (on MS Teams)
- Thursday 25th September 6.30-7.15pm (on MS Teams)
- Thursday 16th October 12.30-1.15pm (on MS Teams)
- Friday 7th November 12.30-1.15pm (on MS Teams)
- Tuesday 2nd December 6.30-7.15pm - (on MS Teams)
Come along to one of our Discover Volunteering! virtual information sessions to find out how we help children in the Southwest and across the UK & Channel Islands, and how you can volunteer with us to make a difference.
We've got lots of rewarding volunteer roles for everyone. Whether you have occasional free time or want to volunteer more regularly, prefer supporting children and young people directly, helping at community events, or taking on virtual roles from home, we'll find the perfect opportunity for you.
Our volunteers:
- Help deliver key safety messages in local schools
- Raise vital funds for our services
- Support children and young people when they need us most, through important services like Childline
- Help keep children safe in sport
- Support our community events and raise awareness
Bring a cuppa and learn more about the incredible impact our volunteers have on children's lives, the support and benefits we offer, and what's next if you're interested in any of our roles.
Don't worry, there's no obligation to apply — just come along, ask questions and chat with our friendly staff.
Get involved, volunteer today, and help keep children safe in the Southwest & Channel Islands.
We look forward to seeing you there!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Time commitment: Flexible (at least 2-4 hrs a month during active months)
What we're looking for
We're looking for enthusiastic, approachable and fun-loving people to be event volunteers, linked to our Sudbury Team. Around 90 per cent of our income comes from our supporters and we couldn't continue doing what we do without them. That means, our community fundraising volunteers play a really important part in rallying people together to raise vital funds which help to protect children and prevent abuse.
What you'll do
You'll kindly volunteer your time at Sudbury's fundraising events to help raise vital funds for the NSPCC. You could be selling raffle tickets, supporting a collection, making tea and coffee at a lunch or coffee morning or providing support to one of Sudbury's annual
events. You will engage with the public, organisations and the local community – promoting a positive image of the NSPCC! We'd particularly like to hear from you if your workplace run a matched funding scheme alongside your attendance at a fundraising event.
You'll work closely with your regional Community Fundraising Manager and the Sudbury Team who can provide you with a choice of events to attend. This role offers the opportunity to build your personal skills and raise your profile in your community. It is flexible, you only need to commit to a couple of hours a month but you can do more if you would like to.
What you'll get
At the event, we'll support you with guidance, advice, and tools to help you fundraise and spread the word of the NSPCC. You'll learn more about how you're helping to protect children across the UK, and you'll have the opportunity to grow your skills and inspire others to support us.
It's also a chance to take on new challenges and make new friends.
Who's right for the role?
While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experiences.
- Passionate about helping young people and children
- Enthusiastic and personable
- Strong organisational skills
- Able to think on your feet
- You work well within a team
- Great communication and social skills
- Confident in making fundraising asks
We are currently unable to accept applications from under 18's to this role, please view our other volunteering opportunities.
Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role title: Collection volunteer Braehead Shopping Centre, Renfrewshire
Time commitment: 2 - 4 hours a day
What we're looking for
We're looking for enthusiastic, creative and organised people to be an NSPCC Collection Volunteer in your local community. Around 90 per cent of our income comes from our supporters and we couldn't continue doing what we do without them. That means, our collection volunteers play a important part in rallying people together to raise vital funds which help to protect children and prevent abuse.
What you'll do
You'll be working together with the rest of the team to raise awareness and funds. you'll be collecting for the vital work the NSPCC does, engaging with the public- promoting a positive image for the NSPCC!
We appreciate that work, family and friends come first and, with that in mind, this role offers flexibility to fit in with your lifestyle.
- Distribute collection boxes to locations such as cafes, shops, bars, restaurants and small businesses in your local area
- Replace full boxes, counting and banking funds, liaising with your local community team and organising receipts and thank you cards for supporters
- Represent NSPCC in a professional manner
- Share news about our work in the local community and help promote fundraising events and initiatives
What you'll get
We'll support you with advice, skills and tools to help you fundraise and spread the word about the NSPCC. You'll be given a designated point of contact and we'll cover reasonable mileage expenses. You'll learn more about how you're helping to protect children in your local area and across the UK.
It's also a chance to spend time with like-minded people and make new friends.
Who's right for the role?
While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experience.
- passionate about helping young people and children
- enthusiastic and personable
- strong organisational skills
- you work well within a team
- great communication and social skills
We are currently unable to accept applications from under 18's to this role, please view our other volunteering opportunities.
Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role title: Community Fundraising Volunteer - Event on Friday 1 August 2023 evening
Location: Concert Hall Edinburgh with Music Service
Time commitment: Flexible (at least 2-3 hrs a month)
What we're looking for
We're looking for enthusiastic, creative and organised people across the nation to be a Community Fundraising Volunteer. Around 90 per cent of our income comes from our supporters and we couldn't continue doing what we do without them. That means, our community fundraising volunteers play a really important part in rallying people together to raise vital funds which help to protect children and prevent abuse.
What you'll do
To volunteer at a Christmas NSPCC event to support the NSPCC in various ways such as co-ordinating of raffle tickets; orgnanising prizes; helping on the evening such as supporting the NSPCC Christmas stall and merchandise.
You'll volunteer without regular time commitments, ‘as and when' volunteering! Engage with the public, organisations and local communities – promoting a positive image of the NSPCC! You'll be a valued part of one of our Volunteer Community Fundraising Teams across the UK, raising awareness and funds. We appreciate that work, family and friends come first and, with that in mind, this role offers flexibility to fit in with your lifestyle. You only need to commit to a couple of hours a month, but if you want to do more that would be great.
What you'll get
We'll support you with advice, skills and tools to help you fundraise and spread the word of the NSPCC. You'll learn more about how you're helping to protect children across the UK, and you'll have the opportunity to grow your skills and inspire others to support us. It's also a chance to spend time with like-minded people and make new friends.
Who's right for the role?
While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experiences.
- Passionate about helping young people and children
- Enthusiastic and personable
- Strong organisational skills
- Able to think on your feet
- You work well within a team
- Great communication and social skills
We are currently unable to accept applications from under 18's to this role, please view our other volunteering opportunities.
Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role title: Friends of Dunbartonshire
Location: Dunbartonshire
Time commitment: Flexible (at least 2-3 hrs a month)
What we're looking for
We're looking for enthusiastic, creative and organised people across the nation to be a Community Fundraising Volunteer. Around 90 per cent of our income comes from our supporters and we couldn't continue doing what we do without them. That means, our community fundraising volunteers play a really important part in rallying people together to raise vital funds which help to protect children and prevent abuse.
What you'll do
You'll volunteer without regular time commitments, ‘as and when' volunteering! Engage with the public, organisations and local communities – promoting a positive image of the NSPCC! You'll be a valued part of one of our Volunteer Community Fundraising Teams across the UK, raising awareness and funds. We appreciate that work, family and friends come first and, with that in mind, this role offers flexibility to fit in with your lifestyle. You only need to commit to a couple of hours a month, but if you want to do more that would be great.
What you'll get
We'll support you with advice, skills and tools to help you fundraise and spread the word of the NSPCC. You'll learn more about how you're helping to protect children across the UK, and you'll have the opportunity to grow your skills and inspire others to support us. It's also a chance to spend time with like-minded people and make new friends.
Who's right for the role?
While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experiences.
- Passionate about helping young people and children
- Enthusiastic and personable
- Strong organisational skills
- Able to think on your feet
- You work well within a team
- Great communication and social skills
We are currently unable to accept applications from under 18's to this role, please view our other volunteering opportunities.
Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role title: Community Fundraising Volunteer
Location: Scotland
Time commitment: Flexible (at least 2-3 hrs a month)
What we're looking for
We're looking for enthusiastic, creative and organised people across the nation to be a Community Fundraising Volunteer. Around 90 per cent of our income comes from our supporters and we couldn't continue doing what we do without them. That means, our community fundraising volunteers play a really important part in rallying people together to raise vital funds which help to protect children and prevent abuse.
What you'll do
You'll volunteer without regular time commitments, ‘as and when' volunteering! Engage with the public, organisations and local communities – promoting a positive image of the NSPCC! You'll be a valued part of one of our Volunteer Community Fundraising Teams across the UK, raising awareness and funds. We appreciate that work, family and friends come first and, with that in mind, this role offers flexibility to fit in with your lifestyle. You only need to commit to a couple of hours a month, but if you want to do more that would be great.
What you'll get
We'll support you with advice, skills and tools to help you fundraise and spread the word of the NSPCC. You'll learn more about how you're helping to protect children across the UK, and you'll have the opportunity to grow your skills and inspire others to support us. It's also a chance to spend time with like-minded people and make new friends.
Who's right for the role?
While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experiences.
- Passionate about helping young people and children
- Enthusiastic and personable
- Strong organisational skills
- Able to think on your feet
- You work well within a team
- Great communication and social skills
We are currently unable to accept applications from under 18's to this role, please view our other volunteering opportunities.
Interested in getting involved? Volunteer today and join our fight for every childhood.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE)
CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings
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 Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
The reading group is in Streatham and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education. The timings of the reading group sessions are as follows:
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Monday afternoons 2pm to 3pm
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Wednesday mornings 11am to 1pm.
Volunteers are required to attend either one of both sessions. Volunteers are also welcome to stay and support the more traditional English language classes either before the reading session on Mondays or after the reading session on Wednesdays.
Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.
Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:
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Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions;
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Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;
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Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;
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Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;
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Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;
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Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;
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Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;
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Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;
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Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom;
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Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
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To be 18 years or older;
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An interest in education and English language teaching;
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Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status
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* 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.
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Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role
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Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed);
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To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds;
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To be reliable and punctual;
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Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
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An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry
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The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;
Desirable:
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Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish;
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Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics.
Through volunteering with us you will:
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Gain experience of English language teaching;
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Meet new members of your local community;
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Learn about different cultures;
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Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
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Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
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Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English;
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Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
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Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.
We provide firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.