Youth Activity Volunteer Roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Adult Casework Volunteer - Role description
Role: Adult Casework Volunteer
Team: Casework
Supervised by: Adult caseworker
Location: Tooting office on a Thursday afternoon (2-5.30pm)
Time commitment: 3.5 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months
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 CARAS casework:
CARAS works with adults and young people of a refugee and asylum seeker background to find solutions to their problems. There are two separate sub-teams within the Casework team; young people and adults. We support adults to navigate the asylum system, understand their options, access benefits, connect with services and realise their goals. We are a non-specialist casework and advocacy service, so we work in close partnership with other local organisations to whom we refer people with more complex issues.
Using the empowerment model, our casework service embodies CARAS’ values of ‘with not for’, always striving to ensure people are armed with the information and resources they need to make decisions and take action for themselves.
About the Role:
We are currently recruiting for 2 volunteers to join our Adult Casework team.
The purpose of the Adult Casework volunteer role is to support adults with a refugee or asylum seeking background to understand their rights, access information and services, and ultimately, take control of their own lives. You will work with individuals to address problems they may face relating to, among other issues, asylum support, accessing healthcare and education, access to legal advice and finding activities and opportunities.
You will start from an understanding that individuals are always best placed to solve their own problems, and often need nothing more than to talk out a problem and find the solution themselves. When helpful, you will provide information to clarify and support to take action.
The Adult Casework team hold a support session at our office in Tooting on Thursday afternoons from 2-5.30pm. Volunteer caseworkers have 1:1 appointments, either in person or by phone, with CARAS members. These can be related to a range of topics. Currently our biggest areas of work are around housing for people seeking asylum, access to college, nursery/school places for children, referrals to mental health providers, searches and signposting to activities, finding solicitors and supporting people to apply for bus passes and ID cards. Volunteers also support with administrative tasks such as updating our databases, collating resources and creating information guides.
Adult Casework Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities:
-
Working in an empowering way with individuals and promoting their independence through goal-setting.
-
Supporting people to develop their knowledge of rights and entitlements.
-
Assisting with filling out forms
-
Signposting and referring onto other services and organisations.
-
Gathering information from experts and disseminating information to people in an accessible manner.
-
Engaging in collaborative internet and phone research on services, organisations and grants.
-
Flagging safeguarding concerns and other issues where further support is required.
-
Keeping accurate casenotes
-
Supporting to maintain our signposting database
-
Researching and collating resources
-
Working collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the Adult Casework project.
-
Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
-
Experience of doing 1:1 advice work/casework.
-
Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English.
-
Confidence in using IT (Microsft office, outlook, zoom, Google search, online forms)
-
To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;
-
A commitment to confidentiality and data protection
-
Thorough with good attention to detail
-
Reliable
-
A high level of spoken and written English
-
Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way
-
A calm, friendly, kind and patient approach
-
Enjoyment in speaking to new people
-
A commitment to working in an empowering way
-
Able to maintain boundaries
-
Able to work autonomously
-
Currently resident in the UK
Desirable
-
Working knowledge or experience of relevant law and policy around asylum support, the asylum process, rights and entitlements for people seeking asylum
-
Experience of working with interpreters
-
Direct experience of the UK immigration system.
-
Past experience of working with people seeking asylum
-
Proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Bengali, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Somali, Tigrinya, Urdu or Vietnamese.
We will prioritise applicants with lived experience of the asylum process
Benefits to Volunteering:
-
Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
-
Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
-
Develop your skills and competencies;
-
Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
-
Obtain a reference from us relating to your volunteering
All volunteers must complete a basic DBS check for volunteers working with adults and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.
To Apply:
To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.
Applicants will have an informal meeting with the Adult caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP.
Successful applicants will undergo training and induction with our team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
After18 runs a weekly group for asylum seeking and refugee young women (including victims of trafficking) on a Friday evening at our Leicester city-centre hub. We aim to increase confidence and reduce isolation by encouraging young women to participate in a range of creative and wellbeing activities chosen and led by them. We also offer homework support for students taking Health and Social Care at college and access to opportunities to help them progress in this field.
We are looking for a volunteer to support this group and interact with the young people as they participate in the activities they have chosen each week. This could include cooking and baking or arts and crafts activities, as well as trips to venues in and around Leicester. This would be a great opportunity for someone who has previously worked or volunteered with young people and is passionate about supporting their wellbeing.
The volunteer must be available on a Friday evening (5-7pm) in Leicester city centre.
The volunteer may be involved in:
- Supporting the activity lead to set up the materials needed for the session
- Helping to demonstrate how to do the activities and encouraging the young women
- Talking to the young women and answering questions they may have about Leicester
- Going on trips or visits in and around Leicester with the group
Volunteer specifications:
- Previous work or volunteering with young people, preferably with young women or girls
- Spoken and written fluency in English
- Compassion and sensitivity to asylum-seeking young people
- Ability to work within After18’s policies and procedures
- Able to commit for at least six months
- Commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children and young people they come into contact with
After18 is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young people we work with. All staff and volunteers are required to undertake an enhanced criminal record check before joining us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role: Referral volunteer (laptops)
Team: Casework
Supervised by: Adult caseworker
Location: Tooting office on a Thursday afternoon (2-5pm) for period of training/induction. Remote or in person once induction is complete.
Time commitment: 3 hours a week, we ask that volunteers commit for a minimum of 6 months
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 the Role:
CARAS offers advocacy casework integrated into all of its projects, ensuring that people who attend our groups can access support to address issues in a friendly and timely manner. A key part of the casework service is to help connect people to resources and activities that they need.
A key areas of need is digital access, either by smart phone or laptop.
People living in asylum accommodation receive £9/week making saving for items impossible.
Whilst many activities have returned to face-to-face delivery many have stayed online, not having a laptop impedes people’s ability to join English classes and social activities. People attending college face difficulties in completing college work without access to computers in the evenings, access to a laptop means people are able to take greater control over their independent learning. Smart phones make a huge difference in people’s ability to have contact with family and community across the world.
To meet this need we have built a partnership with a grant giving organisation, Acts435, to support people to get personal laptops.
We are able to refer 5 people at a time for grants to buy new laptops/phones. Once the grant money is received we purchase the devices for community members to collect.
We are looking for a volunteer to do these referrals each month and support people to purchase and receive their laptops and phones. This is an extremely rewarding role, interacting with lots of the CARAS community members and making a very tangible positive impact on people’s lives.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
- contacting community members who are on our waiting lists by phone to explain the scheme to them
- complete grant applications with community members
- monitoring the grant platform to see when grants have been made
- purchasing laptops online and liaising with community members to arrange collection
- completing monitoring forms with community members once grants are recieved and uploading to grant platform
- recording all referrals and work done on our case management system (lamplight)
Person specification:
Essential
· Confidence in using IT (online forms, online shopping, google maps, email, DocuSign)
· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;
· A commitment to confidentiality and data protection
· Thorough with good attention to detail
· Reliable
· A high level of spoken and written English
· Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
· Ability to gather information from people in a sensitive way
· A calm, friendly, kind and patient approach
· Enjoyment in speaking to new people
· A commitment to working in an empowering way
· Able to maintain boundaries
· Able to work autonomously
· Currently resident in the UK
Desirable
· Experience working with refugees and asylum seekers
· Fluent in one or more of: Pashtu, Farsi, Tigrinya, Somali, Arabic or Dari, Russian, Ukrainian, Albanian, Amharic, Kurdish Sorani, Spanish, French
· Experience of working with interpreters
Benefits to Volunteering:
Through volunteering with us you will:
· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
· Develop your skills and competencies;
· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
All volunteers must complete a DBS check and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.
To Apply:
To Apply To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form, using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.
Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with the Adult caseworker, and one with community members, to assess compatibility to the role. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become an Independent Visitor to be matched one to one with a young person in care in Eastbourne. You will meet once or twice a month to take them out to do fun activities together. This is an opportunity for our young people to develop a healthy relationship with a trusted adult, have fun and share their worries and feelings if they are ready to do so.
We'll provide full training, all your expenses and ongoing support from dedicated staff. You provide the commitment and time. Together we will make a difference for young people.
This is an opportunity to build skills and knowledge within social care and test yourself with real life experience of a young person in care.
About Croydon Children's Quality Assurance Unit and Safeguarding Services:
As part of Croydon Council we support our social care colleagues in safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of young people from the borough. We want young people in care to have the chance to explore their interests and hobbies, to have a say in issues that affect them, to engage in activities of their choice and to have fun. We aim to improve their quality of life for today and for the future.
We're looking for enthusiastic, committed people to bring their experience, skills and positivity to the lives of young people who have been through tough times.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bright Futures UK works with young people who have been forced to take time out from education due to chronic illness. We provide programmes to help stimulate learning in addition to having a social aspect that offers respite to isolation these young people face due to their unfortunate circumstances.
We are urgently looking for a warm and energetic Befriender to provide social support and a fun, safe space for these young people. We need someone who is able to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way, helping them overcome their experiences and not feel defined by their illness. You would play a key role in boosting a young person’s confidence by being an extra person in their support circle, and providing a distraction from their illness to enable them to feel a sense of normality.
We like to tailor programmes to the young person’s individual needs, so we will ensure that we match you in a programme with someone you have common ground with. Sessions can involve activities such as crafting, gaming, music, book clubs or just general chat. Our sessions are all currently online.
Volunteering with Bright Futures UK is something that can easily fit into your working day or a busy schedule with commitment starting from as little as 1 hour per week. We are so grateful for any support you might be able to provide, as are our young people.
We’re looking forward to working with you to help our young people reach their true potential!
Practical Considerations:
We cover all expenses and materials used.
We are asking for one hour online a week.
DBS will be provided where needed.
Safeguarding training provided with certification.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Sport and Advice Hub Volunteer
Young Roots aims to improve the wellbeing and life chances of young refugees and asylum seekers. We work directly with young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK and operate through trusted community-based partners in Lebanon.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
We are looking for volunteers to join our weekly Sport and Advice Hub in Brent. The Sport and Advice Hub is a space where 11-25 year old refugees and asylum seekers come to play football, cricket and other sports and also seek support with issues in their lives. It runs in Willesden every Wednesday from 4.45pm to 8pm.
The role would be a floating role between sports, board games and English class or on reception. So it is a chance to get involved in different activities!
You will be available to start w/c 20th May 2024.
In this role you will:
1. Provide a safe and welcoming environment for young asylum seekers and refugees
2. Help at the reception table with registration and finding out what kind of support the young people need (casework, mental health, immigration, social activities).
3. Help the Youth Development Worker and Coordinator to set up and run games and other activities at the youth club such as table tennis, cooking, board games, group discussions, feedback sessions.
4. Run a table where young people can practice English informally, contribute to sports activity, or support young people applying for jobs/volunteering
5. Assist the project staff to effectively deliver, monitor and evaluate the project.
6. Respect confidentiality and contribute to debriefs after the session.
7. If interested, to help on occasional trips locally and in central London (weekdays and/ or Saturdays).
PERSON SPECIFICATION
You will need to be able to demonstrate the following:
Essential • Enthusiasm and commitment to supporting young refugees and asylum seekers and to take part in activities
• Willingness to take part in safeguarding training (online)
• Experience of working or volunteering with young people
• Understanding and commitment to youth participation principles, as outlined in the attached document • Good communication skills
• Good team working and interpersonal skills
• A flexible approach
• Some understanding of the challenges faced by refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in the UK
• Be able to commit for at least 8 weeks.
• Be interested in youthwork and young people’s participation in decision making.
• Be interested in either doing sports, English or job applications with young people Desirable
• Ability to speak the following language(s): Pashto, Dari, Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Vietnamese
• Experience of working or volunteering with refugees and asylum seekers or direct experience of the asylum system in the UK.
TO APPLY If you would like to apply for this position, please email your CV and a cover letter to us.
Interviews will take place online. Young Roots is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Successful applicants will be required to undertake a criminal record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service. A criminal record will not automatically prevent you from being considered for this role. Young Roots recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. As an organisation that supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, we particularly welcome applications from those within these communities
If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network. Advice on how to contact can be found on our website.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Can you lead the way by helping to set up a new Wildlife Watch club for young people in your local area?
Help us engage the next generation in taking action for wildlife!. We are looking for people to help with our existing groups in Barrow, Cockermouth, Gosling Sikes (Carlisle), and Grange. We are also looking for a Watch leader and helpers for our Penrith group.
What is a Wildlife Watch Leader Volunteer?
Wildlife Watch is the junior branch of the Wildlife Trusts and is the UK's leading club for young environmentalists. Our local Wildlife Watch clubs across Cumbria run a varied programme of fun environmental and wildlife focused activities, aimed at 6–12 year-olds and their families.
As a Wildlife Watch Leader you will be a key player in Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s work with young people. You will have the opportunity to engage with a group of young people on a regular basis, to getting to know them and helping to shape their learning and understanding about the environment. This role can extremely rewarding for you.
What’s in it for you?
• Becoming part of a friendly and dedicated team of volunteers and staff at Cumbria Wildlife Trust
• Getting out and about in nature
• Health and wellbeing benefits
• Passing on your wildlife knowledge and enthusiasm to our next generation environmentalists
• Learning new conservation, administration and life skills that will help your future career/learning opportunities.
• Access to support and resources from Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Materials and training will be provided. Helpers will also support you with planning, preparation, delivering and administration of activities
What’s involved?
As a Wildlife Watch Leader you will:
• Publicise the presence of the group to local children, young people and their families
• Plan and organise a fun programme of activities throughout the year with, and for, the group, using themes relevant to Cumbria Wildlife Trust. You will deliver regular, hands on, informal outdoor activities, enabling young people to explore the wildlife around them more closely
• Adopt guidelines to assist you in running safe and enjoyable meetings. These include safeguarding, H&S, risk assessments and participation registration
• Promote Wildlife Watch and Cumbria Wildlife Trust, using templates and posters provided
• Keep in regular contact with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, young people and their families
• Support young people gaining Wildlife Watch awards, celebrating their activities and achievements
Who would suit this role?
This role will suit anyone interested in volunteering with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, who loves wildlife and wants to make a real difference in their local community. It would especially suit those who:
• Are keen and confident working with young people
• Have a natural enthusiasm for wildlife and nature of Cumbria (You DON’T need to be an expert)
• Are full of creative and fun activity ideas
• Are willing to learn how to organise and plan the leadership of safe sessions
• Able to work well with other volunteers and share tasks as a team
• Eager to have a real impact to support our next generation environmentalists
• Enjoy working in an outdoor environment (in all weathers!)
This is a very flexible volunteer role. As a leader you can decide with your helpers how often - and when - you wish to run sessions
Volunteer handbook and Trust induction.
Health and safety and safeguarding training will be mandatory.Risk assessment, participant registration, Wildlife Watch templates, posters, email etc.. will all be provided
Volunteers are able to receive travel expenses of 0.45p per mile agreed in advanced with their staff contact.
First aid training will be provided for volunteer leaders.
The Trust will apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for volunteers undertaking this role because it involves working with children and young people or vulnerable adults.
In the second stage of the volunteer recruitment process, we will take up two references.
Is this for you? Want to learn more about this role? We'd love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
This role involves working directly with 11 – 18yr olds through our NEST bereavement support programme which uses craft, activities and group talk to explore grief. Group work volunteers will be part of a team supporting a lead worker to run the programme. There is scope to develop leadership roles, should volunteers like to take this route.
The role includes building trusting relationships with young people and encouraging them to take part in activities. Volunteers will support young people to explore their grief by supporting them to take part in activities themed around memories, feelings, coping strategies and support networks. The role will also include general tasks such as setting up, clearing up, and making refreshments.
This role is within a small team which consists of paid staff, volunteers and trustees all of whom are passionate about the work we do.
This is an exciting opportunity within an expanding charity. Volunteers should have an interest in working with children, young people and families within a group setting and have a deep empathy for the objectives of the charity.
All volunteers are subject to an enhanced DBS check, at the expense of the charity. Reasonable out of pocket expenses can also be paid, for example travel costs. You will need to be at least 18 years old to carry out this role.
Wiltshire Treehouse (registered charity no. 1159719) is a small charity based in Swindon which supports bereaved children and young people. We provide a range of support services including advice and guidance to families and professionals, a family programme (for primary aged children and their parents/guardians), and a group for young people (11-18yrs old).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
After18 works with local artists and arts organisations to provide a broad range of experiences for young refugees. Our weekly art and photography club provides young people with a safe space to express themselves and have their views heard. Young people tell us that having a regular opportunity to participate in arts groups distracts them from their worries and bad experiences and helps to keep them busy.
We are looking for a volunteer to the club and interact with the young people as they work on their projects each week. This would be a great opportunity for someone who is passionate about creative arts and supporting the wellbeing of young people.
The volunteer must be available on a Monday evening (5:30-7pm) in Leicester city centre.
The volunteer may be involved in:
- Supporting the activity lead to set up the art materials
- Helping to demonstrate skills and techniques
- Talking with the young people one-to-one about their work
Volunteer specifications:
- Passion for the creative arts
- Spoken and written fluency in English
- Compassion and sensitivity to asylum-seeking young people
- Ability to work within After18’s policies and procedures
- Able to commit for at least six months
- Commitment to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of the children and young people they come into contact with
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
At YMCA Fairthorne Group, our vision is to be a leader in transforming communities so that all children, young people and families can truly belong, contribute and thrive.
Set up in 1981, we provide a broad range of services across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight for children and young people. These services include; early years facilities, day and residential camps, youth services, housing and supported services for vulnerable adults, family activities and community services.
YMCA Fairthorne Group
Trustees
Unremunerated
You would be joining the YMCA Fairthorne Group at a critical time in our development. After a challenging post-Covid period, the charity has delivered a strong first year in its turnaround plan and now the Board are exploring what opportunities exist to further extend and expand the social impact of the charity through its core operational workstreams.
We are seeking Trustees to join us at a crucial time in our development and are looking for individuals who bring skills/experience in one or more of the following areas;
· Youth services
· Digital marketing, PR and Communications
· Transformation and Strategy
For further information and to apply, please visit the role on our website using the link provided.
Deadline for applications – 16 June
Daring Diadems is a charity that cares for children and young people, ensuring and supporting physical, educational, emotional and mental well being. We organise a variety of activities such as outdoor / indoor games, career events, community service, competitions and much more.
We need two vibrant Team Members to join us in planning and carrying out our mission. This will involve (but not limited to) attending team meetings, reaching out to young people and families, supervising weekly activities, mentoring (if you are able) a small group of young people and generally being a part of everything we do.
We are a lively bunch and you will be joining a family. We will look out for you, provide training in areas you need it and pay your expenses. Above all, you get to make a difference!
A DBS check and good references are a must for this role; your commitment can be flexible – we will discuss this in detail.
Please apply with a cv and cover letter stating why you want to do this and what kind of commitment you are able to make.
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.
The Family Bereavement sessions - What we do
We run sessions for bereaved families, offering three different age groups which are tailored around different developmental needs for 4-7-, 8-12- and 13–18-year-olds.
These Family Bereavement sessions currently have four components:
- An assessment with an allocated support worker to provide information and assess eligibility.
- An online parent information session for parent/carers to provide guidance and support in preparation for attendance at the bereavement session and to answer any questions or concerns.
- A social activity for families to meet and engage prior to the bereavement session.
- One Saturday Family Bereavement Session bringing families together (typically from 9am-3.30pm). These sessions will mostly be delivered as a family, with an hour in the afternoon where children and parents meet separately.
The Family Bereavement Sessions currently take place in Reigate but could be run from other locations in our catchment area across Surrey, parts of West Sussex and Kent.
The Social Event will be at a convenient location for the participating families which will be agreed with them. This is usually held on a Tuesday or Wednesday after school for the 8-12 and 13-18 groups and on a Saturday for the 4–7-year-olds.
How we ask you to help with groups:
We ask that volunteers can commit to the following aspects of the family bereavement session delivery – online session, social activity and Family Bereavement Session.
During delivery, you will be required to assist the Support Workers in the delivery of the activities and to support the children, young people and parents/carers to engage. Various activities are run at the family bereavement sessions - such as making salt jars, memory boxes and other craft activities, etc.
Additionally, volunteers would be expected to serve teas and coffees, wash up and support the setting up and delivery of the activities.,
Social events- What we do
We provide different social events and activities throughout the year to help bring children and young people in a similar situation together. This helps bereaved families and those facing the death of a loved one to have an opportunity to connect as a family and create special memories.
It also allows children and young people to know that they are not alone and to meet with others who are grieving or facing the death of a loved one. Research shows that social connections and social support is important for health and well-being.
How we ask you to help with social events:
To help the Support Workers in the delivery of the events and to connect and engage with children, young people and their families in attendance.
Training – before supporting families
We will provide you with all of the information and training you need and you will join a vibrant and committed group of volunteers ensuring that children and young people across our communities will not be alone during their bereavement journey.
Jigsaw South East is committed to the wellbeing of our volunteers and we will provide you with the information and support you need to fulfil your volunteering role. You will have a named member of staff as a central point of contact, access to supervision where relevant and the opportunity to meet other Jigsaw South East volunteers on, at least, a quarterly basis.
We provide our group volunteers with some comprehensive training to prepare them for the role – but it is worth noting, volunteers are always working alongside professional Support Workers at the groups and are not expected to ‘go it alone’.
Who we need.
Jigsaw South East believes in the value of voluntary activity as an important component of the organisation in supporting children, young people and their families when facing or following the death of a loved one.
Jigsaw South East takes responsibility for ensuring that volunteers within its own organisation are appropriately involved, respected and valued for their contribution.
We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate volunteers over the age of 18 (we will be looking to recruit under 18 Young Ambassadors shortly).
We are looking for volunteers with the following essential/desirable credentials and who can commit to at least one Family Bereavement Session (and associated online and social components) and two Social Activities per year. The volunteer agreement and commitment to Jigsaw SE will be reviewed after 18 months as we know that people’s circumstances change.
Essential:
Excellent listening skills
Ability to empathise
Experience of bereavement (personal and/or professional)
Ability to work in a team activities
Use of a car (our venues are not easily accessible via public transport)
Ability to adhere to JSE’s policies and protocols for safeguarding and confidentiality
Desirable, but not essential:
Ability to commit to a minimum of one Family Bereavement Session and associated elements per year and two additional social activity per year
Experience with children and young people
Knowledge of different religious and cultural beliefs around death and dying
As an engager of volunteers Jigsaw South East is committed to a policy of equal opportunities. This principle will apply to service delivery, recruitment, promotion, training, facilities, procedures and all terms and conditions.
Volunteers will be expected to adhere to Jigsaw South East’s Equal Opportunities Policy, a copy of which can be found within the Jigsaw South East’s Volunteer Pack.
The children’s health and wellbeing are of paramount to us, therefore we are looking for very special people to help us provide the support they deserve and ask that you can meet the above criteria.
We will also require an enhanced DBS check and two references.
We look forward to hearing from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Develop your fitness, practical skills, and improve your mental health while participating in conservation of habitats and green space. Gain valuable work experience, where you can choose to work towards an AQA certificate.
Grow Wild volunteers have been called the ‘next generation of naturalists’ in the Richmond area. We go weekly into the local green spaces at Ham Avenues / The Copse, and maintain the green spaces so that humans and wildlife can share them.
We particularly welcome young people and those who experience barriers in accessing green spaces and volunteering opportunities. The two-hour-long sessions are accessible, and are an energising, communal way of connecting with others and nature.
We provide support, induction, and are happy to make the activities more accessible for you. Let us know what you need to make the most of this opportunity.
We engage with local green spaces and nature to support and enhance the lives of our communities in Richmond, Hounslow, and the Crane Valley.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Get Out There groups are a growing division of Sense that cater for children between 6 and 16 with complex needs. We provide a 4 hour social setting which caters for children and families who need respite. We offer activities such as games, puzzles, arts and crafts, experiments, cookery and sensory play. We aim to tailor sessions to the needs, interests and abilities of the children we support and put pupil voice at the center of all we do.
As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck in to a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together.
What your role will involve
- Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out in to the local community or seasonal themed activities.
- Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
- Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.
A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role.
Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:
- Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
- Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
- Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
- Reliable and punctual.
- Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
- We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who are able to create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group.
What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?
- Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
- Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
- The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together
- To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment
- To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people are able to get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
- If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information.
About us
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.
At Sense we know that it's not easy being a young carer or sibling of a disabled child. Their wellbeing and happiness are just as important. That’s why Sense supports activities and sessions specifically for young people aged 5-18 who have a caring role for a parent, carer, or sibling.
We run a range of virtual and in person activities throughout the month. Our sessions are based on what the young people tell us they like doing, giving them a break, and also providing opportunities to meet and develop friendships with other young people in a similar situation.
Our Siblings and Young Carers in person activity group sessions take place once a month. Activities include picnics, bowling, arts and crafts and rock climbing, enabling the young people to spend time doing fun things with other siblings and young carers with similar experiences.
You do not need to have any previous experience working with siblings or young carers as we will provide you with training and ongoing support to equip you for your role.
About Sense
Sense is a national disability charity that supports people with complex communication needs and their families to be understood, connected, and valued. We are here for every person who faces communication barriers in a world that relies on being able to see and hear well to be connected.
Will the role suit me?
Yes, if you have:
- ·Willingness to develop or learn new skills
- Reliability and good communication skills
- A sense of fun and adventure!
- Respect for others and their diversity
- An interest in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind and their families
Practical Considerations
This project is based in Loughborough, either at our Sense College or out in the community . Our activity group runs once per month, for 3.5 hours on a Saturday. Ideally you would be able to commit to at least 6 months of volunteering.
An essential part of getting ready to volunteer is attending a training session where you'll learn more about your volunteer role, the specific needs of children and young carers and how to keep young people on the project safe.
Your travel expenses will be covered by Sense.
You must be 18 or over to volunteer. We collect two references for this role as well as complete a Child and Adult Enhanced DBS.