Youth Activity Volunteer Volunteer Roles

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. 

Do you have a passion to make a difference to the lives of children and families? Spurgeons Family Charity is seeking three or four new trustees to join our current Board in bringing prayerful wisdom and strategic guidance over the coming years.

Spurgeons is one of the UK’s leading children’s charities, supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families for 150 years. Inspired by Christian faith and our founder Charles Spurgeon, we’re here for all families. Together, we create Family Hubs in communities where we’re needed most, with counselling, early years and family support. We partner with local councils and churches to care for every family, putting children and young people first in everything we do. Our services also include helping young carers, providing parenting advice and working with families affected by domestic abuse, and imprisonment.

These services are needed more than ever, particularly as local authorities with tight budgets make difficult choices on where to spend their limited resources. As we prepare for the launch of our new five-year plan in 2025, we are ambitious and hopeful about how we can use our strong financial position and robust level of assets to make a significant impact on many more children’s lives in the future.

To support Board succession planning, we are seeking to appoint new trustees with experience and skills such as:

· Lived experience: we are particularly looking to hear the voice of young people on our Board and especially those with lived experience of children and young people’s support services. We will provide the necessary training, mentoring and support to fulfil the role.

· Fundraising/marketing: this trustee will bring a clear understanding of best practice in fundraising and/or marketing.

· Children’s services: we are looking for someone with senior management or leadership experience in the children’s services sector e.g. within social services/ the care sector, health, education, local authorities or charitable contexts.

· Counselling: this trustee will have understanding and/or experience in counselling, bringing wisdom and insight at a governance level.

· Digital: we seek a leader with experience of digital transformations and entrepreneurship, to provide a strategic view of how Spurgeons can thrive in a digital, audience-focused context.

Given an occupational requirement for these roles to be filled by Christians, we are seeking candidates with a personal and active Christian faith who are comfortable and aligned with the statement of faith outlined on our website.

Spurgeons values diversity, promotes inclusion, and encourages applications from a diverse range of candidates, including those with lived experience of children’s support services. We recognise the need to increase the diversity of the Board, for example in terms of age, ethnicity, disability, gender and LGBTQ+ representation. Our goal, and a key priority in this recruitment process, is for the Board to become more closely representative of our service user community.

The time commitment required of a trustee is likely to equate to approximately 12 days per year.

This is a hybrid role: at present, Board meetings take place in London and committee meetings take place virtually via Teams.

For further information, including full details of how to apply, please see our Appointment Details Pack which can be downloaded in the Application Resources section of this advert.

Application is by submission of CV and cover letter to Laura Bagley at Macaulay Search by the closing date of Friday 24th May 2024. Please contact Laura if you have any questions about this opportunity (please see appointment details pack for contact details).

Young People in supported housing age 16-24 - To provide social and practical support to customers.

Helping towards improving the life chances of people with experience of homelessness. Volunteers empower our customers to identify their existing strengths and skills so they can achieve their goals and aspirations. As a volunteer, you can support customers to achieve their full potential by developing new skills and accessing opportunities 

Activities:

• Building an empathic and person-centred relationship with a young person who may be socially isolated or lack confidence.
• Provide opportunities for young people to become more self-confident, maintain contact with important people in their lives and build-up their social networks.

Practical activities could also include:

• Support young people on a weekly basis by accompanying them to appointments
• Escort the young people to nearby shops, outdoor spaces and other places in their local area
• Accompany the young people to areas of interest e.g. the gym, art classes, places of worship etc.
• Help the young people to build their confidence engaging in the wider community

Support for Volunteers:

• To attend four half days of training, receive an induction and have access to any other relevant in house and external training
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed
• Volunteers will have a check in with the Volunteering Officer every 3 months to ensure they are happy with the role and to resolve any issues

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.

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.

Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.

Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.

About the role

We are looking for Volunteer Café Assistants to support our John Hall Wellness Gardens in Leek. You will be based at our new Cafe operation and, ideally, you will be able to commit 4 hours per week to volunteering.

You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. 

About the service

John Hall Gardens is a Community Education Garden & Café green space for the community of Leek, local schools, colleges, and social enterprises. With the aim of enabling the local community to work/learn and socialise with people with mental and physical health support needs. This includes adults of all ages and children and young people.

Assisting the Café Supervisor and your fellow volunteers, you will play an integral part of John Hall Wellness Garden’s future, by helping to deliver a café experience for the general public, Friends of the Garden, and guests.  If you think you can make a difference and commit some time on a regular on-going basis, we would love to hear from you!   This is a real opportunity to develop your current existing skills, learn new skills and network with other volunteers. We welcome anyone wishing to gain experience or have an interest in going into the hospitality sector.

What you will be doing as a Volunteer Café​ Assistant

You will have the opportunity to assist with food preparation, presentation, cleaning and serving/selling high quality food and beverages.

Under the guidance of the Café Supervisor, you, together with other volunteers will ensure that the Café is compliant with all relevant health and safety legislation and pursuing an outstanding performance and food hygiene rating.

In addition, there will be further opportunities to support activity groups in the café, special events and input into event and menu planning.

The main tasks volunteer café assistants will support with are:

• Support Café staff, other volunteers and trainees in the smooth day to day running of the Café.
• Carry out basic catering tasks including food preparation, cleaning and serving food to customers.
• Operate the coffee machine (full training will be provided).
• Handle cash or card transactions and operate the till.
• Work with the Café Supervisor to ensure relevant paperwork is completed and checks are carried out ensuring compliance against relevant food safety and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure kitchen area and Café are clean and tidy (including equipment, walls, floors, tables, work surfaces), and waste is discarded safely.
• Provide good customer service, dealing with visitors and customers in a friendly and polite manner.

What will make you a great fit for this role?

• Eagerness to learn and train in all aspects of the café catering operation
• Cheerful nature, good interpersonal skills, can communicate confidently with a range of people of all ages
• Good customer care service skills

Although this is not essential - you may also have:

• Basic food safety knowledge or HACCP. Further training, will be provided including allergens
• Experience in food handling and basic preparation of foods

Who are we?

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”

Global Social Club (GSC) is the UK’s first Youth Club of Sanctuary. It’s a space of welcome for young people aged 14-25 from around the city and around the world.  GSC is centred on fun, friendship, creativity & celebrating diversity. It’s a warm and inclusive space for young people to connect and share experiences. 

We are looking for people who are happy to lend a hand and who are …

• Aged 23 and above.  
• Able to connect with young people with warmth and ease, forming positive relationships.
• Willing to participate fully in GSC sessions including games & activities.
   

We are striving to develop a team that is more representative of the young people we work with. This means we particularly welcome applications from people with lived experiences of racism, migration, forced displacement or being a refugee. 

To provide social and practical support to young people in supported housing age 16-24 

Helping towards improving the life chances of people with experience of homelessness. Volunteers empower our customers to identify their existing strengths and skills so they can achieve their goals and aspirations. As a volunteer, you can support customers to achieve their full potential by developing new skills and accessing opportunities.

Activities:

• Building an empathic and person-centred relationship with a young person who may be socially isolated or lack confidence.
• Provide opportunities for young people to become more self-confident, maintain contact with important people in their lives and build-up their social networks.
• This role requires us to carry out an enhanced DBS check

Practical activities could also include:

• Empowering young people to develop independent living skills and to access educational and employment opportunities
• Helping the young people to complete forms and paperwork including developing their CV and job applications
• Helping the young people to build important life skills e.g. cooking, cleaning and budgeting
• Organising activities within the schemes i.e. art/painting, games/quizzes, cooking

Support for Volunteers:

• To attend four half days of training, receive an induction and have access to any other relevant in house and external training
• Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed
• Volunteers will have a check in with the Volunteering Officer every 3 months to ensure they are happy with the role and to resolve any issues

Nova New Opportunities is a grassroots community charity operating in North Kensington – London, since 1983. Serving over 2k+ individuals per year, we help people to realise their potential through education and employment, offering life-affirming opportunities to families and children, and engaging over 2,000 people through social change events such as The School of Humanity and TEDx Ladbroke Grove, aimed to build human connections for a stronger, more cohesive society. 

We are currently evolving our brand positioning to amplify our reach and better demonstrate our impact to potential funders and supporters. For this, we need YOU, talented Volunteer Photographer, to create a fresh set of photos that authentically capture the spirit of Nova and the communities we serve.

Unleash Your Creative Spark for Social Change: Calling all photographers passionate about purpose and impact!

Are you: 

• An early photographer, eager to translate your passion into real-world experience? Craving to grow your portfolio while working with purpose for social impact.

• An experienced photographer, seeking to leverage your skills and lend your expertise to a cause that sparks your social conscience. 

If you answered "yes" to either, then get ready to: 

• Dive deep into our brand evolution, to develop a cohesive set of photos that reflect Nova's values and resonate with diverse target audiences. 

• Craft compelling images that can be used across print, digital, and social media platforms (from impactful campaign graphics to corporate branding and website revamps).

• Collaborate closely with our brand manager and wider Nova team, ensuring your photos align with our mission and strategy. 

• For more information, read the Photography Briefing attached to this job post.

RELEVANT SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• To have access to a camera or equipment capable of taking high-quality pictures and with varied depth-of-field settings.

• Basic experience with photography skills such as portraits, event photography, group photos, light management.

• Flexible and able to adapt to different social settings and environments.

• Reliable and self-motivated to work autonomously, and as part of a supportive team working remotely.  

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Volunteering remotely: We'll agreed times and dates in which events would take place for you to attend and take photos, however meetings and post-production work can take place remotely, at a time that suits you. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in-person at strategic team meetings and activities. 

• Some expenses paid: travel expenses to-from an event will be covered with receipt upon mutual agreement of time/date/location, as well as meals and refreshments (T&Cs apply to all expenses claimed). While some events will also provide lunch to the staff, including volunteers. 

• Make a tangible difference: The satisfaction of knowing your creative spark ignites positive social change. 

• Hands-on experience managing shoots in various types of social settings, from concept to completion. Honing your project management and story-telling skills. 

• A platform to showcase your talent and enrich your portfolio with real-world impact. 

• Expand your network and boost your resume, showcase your commitment to social impact and stand out from the crowd. 

• Whether you're a junior photographer eager for hands-on experience or a seasoned pro, if you’re looking to flex your creative muscles for a good cause, we welcome you to join the Nova family.

Let's make a visual splash together. Ready to unleash your creative force for a cause that matters? 

Send your CV and/or portfolio with a short cover letter explaining why you're the perfect fit for Nova. No CV? No worries, a basic summary of previous experiences will suffice – We're an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at Nova. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates. We can't wait to meet you and embark on this transformative journey together! 

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. 

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 East Lothian project team, supporting the delivery of the fortnightly East Lothian Champions Board groups. The group allows Care Experienced children and young people to build connections with others and provides a platform for them to raise their views and experiences to promote change.

This role will involve interacting with young people aged 12-17 through supporting and leading on a variety of activities e.g. arts/crafts/sports/general youth work at our fortnightly sessions as well as at our National events that happen throughout the year. This role will help build connection and belonging for Care Experienced young people and provide a platform to allow them to influence positive change. Providing transport to young people to and from the fortnightly sessions is a key need for the group.

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. 

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

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in south-west London. We work primarily with people who are newly arrived in the UK, most of whom are living in temporary Home Office accommodation. Arriving as a refugee in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language barriers, accessing services, financial insecurity and ongoing uncertainty are extremely challenging and disempowering. CARAS is here to work collaboratively with community members to support them to build skills, connect meaningfully with their local community, and to build positive futures in the UK. 

CARAS offers a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background. For adults this currently includes: ESOL, digital skills and employability sessions; social and recreational activities and casework. All programs are interlinked and work hand-in-hand with one another. For example, community members can practice their spoken English in Coffee Afternoon, and casework issues might be picked up and referred into the team during an ESOL class. We design and develop our programs through consultation and ongoing conversations with our community members. We aim to have a strong volunteer presence across all our programs, fostering connections between asylum seekers and other Londoners! 

About CARAS’s Adult Programming and Coffee Afternoon:

CARAS has been providing support to adult refugee women since 2005, promoting skills and confidence development that helps women gain more power in their lives. In the aftermath of COVID, we have been able to expand our adult programmes, responding to the shifting demographics of those seeking asylum in the UK. We now run a range of mixed programmes for all genders, as well as some women-only spaces. Our coffee afternoon is a mixed group. 

Our coffee afternoon has been running since May 2022 and is one of our most popular groups. It takes place at TARA Theatre in Earlsfield from 1-2.30PM every Friday. Its primary aim is to reduce isolation amongst those we work with by providing a safe, friendly and welcoming space for people to have fun, learn about themselves and each other, and build connections.

In 2023, we have been running creative sessions during Coffee Afternoon, facilitated by freelance creative practitioners in partnership with TARA Theatre. These range from dance to drama, poetry to puppetry. For sessions without a creative practitioner, we sometimes host workshops on important topics such as healthcare rights or have an open and informal space for games and a chat. There is always coffee and a selection of baked goods! 

For more information on TARA Theatre, our partner and host, please visit their website.

Tasks and Responsibilities: 

• To attend CARAS coffee afternoon’s, every Friday between 1-2.30PM in Earlsfield, South-west London. They take place at TARA Theatre, right opposite Earlsfield Station. Location here- https://maps.app.goo.gl/rXwJiKHRj93YFtLG9 (356 Garratt Ln, London SW18 4ES). 
• If there is a week this is not possible, to tell CARAS staff as far in advance as you are able. 
• To welcome and connect with community members attending, working to ensure everyone at the group feels included. 

• To take part if there is a creative activity happening in that session, and help liaise with CARAS staff and the creative practitioner to ensure the activity runs smoothly. 
• To encourage and inspire community members to feel confident and reach their full potential. 
• To share conversation, and chat informally with our community members.
• To assist community members to both recognise and celebrate their achievements. 
• To challenge negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manor. 
• To adhere to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant. 

Requirements:

• To have interest in working with refugees and asylum seekers. 
• To be non-judgemental, and able and willing to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and differing levels of English. 
• To be reliable and punctual. 
• To be a current resident in the UK. 
• To provide five years’ worth of addresses and be willing to undergo a UK DBS check.
• To attend CARAS General and Safeguarding Training, and any further training as necessary. 
• To be 18 years or older. 

Through volunteering with us you will:

• Meet new members of your local community 
• Learn about different cultures and life experiences from across the world 
• Learn about issues relating to refugee and asylum seekers 
• Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team 
• Develop your skills and competencies 
• Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding 

To Apply:

Please fill in the volunteer application form and email it to us. Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with the Head of Adult Inclusion and Adult Program Coordinator these meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP! 

Details for this role are in the description and not mentioned in the application form but please fill in your details in the Volunteer application form attached and send it back to us 

About CARAS: 

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and asylum-seekers living in South West London, and helps them to play their full part in the community. Arriving as an asylum seeker in the UK can be a terrifying and disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. We exist to help people seeking asylum overcome those challenges, and to help them rebuild their lives. 

We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a forced displacement background, providing them the tools they need to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for adults include currently include: ESOL classes; sports; women’s creative writing; women’s coffee morning, and casework. 

About the CARAS Adult Team: 

In the post-pandemic environment, CARAS is responding to the role of digital literacies in our programme delivery to learners of asylum-seeking and refugee background. In contrast to the UK essential Digital skills framework, we have built in language inclusion to create a participatory learning course for Essential Digital Literacies for learners who are new to reading and writing in English. The individuals joining CARAS are highly diverse, with different countries of origin, linguistic and educational backgrounds. We have observed over the last year that many CARAS community members have limited digital skills, particularly in regard to using computers. Community members have highlighted that computers are important for many individuals to achieve their educational and employment goals, whilst increasing confidence and independence. We have co-designed a digital skills program in partnership with CARAS community members to improve computer literacy and skills, focusing on basic computer literacy.

About the Role: 

We are seeking two volunteers based in London to teach our lively computer classes in Tooting every Monday 9:00-11:00. Volunteers will lead the sessions with guidance from the CARAS ESOL Teacher and will work closely with our community members to build their skills and confidence using computers. The Digital Literacies course at CARAS is built around Pre-entry to Entry 2 levels in English. Volunteers will be supporting individuals with tasks such as: getting to know how to use a computer, using the internet, setting up an email address, and using Microsoft office. We intend to fold employability sessions, including CV writing and job searching, into these sessions. 

Volunteer Tasks and responsibilities: 

· Lead on the delivery of sessions with support from CARAS’s Essential Digital Skills Teacher. 

· Assist with the logistical set up of the sessions, supporting CARAS staff where needed. 

· Work collaboratively as a team and assisting to shape the project. 

· Create class registers and records as required. 

· To attend and contribute to volunteer pre- and de-briefs at each session. 

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

· Support people to develop their knowledge and skills and encourage and inspire participants to reach their full potential. 

· To assist participants to both, recognise and celebrate their achievements. 

· To challenge negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manor. 

· Advocate for the rights of asylum seekers, refugees and migrants with not for them. 

· Adhering to CARAS Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant. 

Requirements: 

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

· To be female identifying. 

· Have a good understanding of how to use a computer. 

· To be reliable and punctual. 

· Excellent presentation and communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English. 

· Commitment to support people seeking asylum to take control of their asylum journey. 

· Ability to volunteer every Friday for a minimum of three months. 

· Current resident in the UK. 

· Ability to work in Tooting SW17. 

· To provide five years’ worth of addresses and be willing to undergo a DBS check. 

· To attend CARAS General and Safeguarding Training sessions. 

· To be 18 years or older. 

Through volunteering with us you will: 

· Meet new members of your local community 

· Learn about different cultures 

· Learn about issues relating to refugee and asylum seekers 

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team 

· Develop your skills and competencies 

· Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding 

To Apply: 

To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers.

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