Barnardo's

Why we want you

Barnardo's protects, supports and nurtures the UK's most vulnerable children. Barnardo's helps bring out the best in children – no matter who they are or what they have been through. Our volunteers help make this happen.

What you will be doing

• Planning and organising group activities, which take into consideration age, abilities and interests of members.
• Setting up group activities in advance and clearing away afterwards. This might include preparing refreshments/snacks, organising the layout of the room, preparing resources and tidying the room after the group.
• Assisting children and young people to improve their self-confidence, develop social skills and build positive relationships.
• Role modelling positive behaviour and interactions during sessions.
• Collating and evaluating feedback from children, young people and parents.
• Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.
• Participating fully in training and supervision.
• Volunteering within Barnardo's Basis and Values.

The skills you need

• Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.
• Approachable and welcoming.
• Passion, enthusiasm, compassion, understanding and having an open minded approach.
• Being passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, young people and families.
• Preferably have some experience of working with children, young people and families.

What's in it for you

• Full induction and training.
• Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role.
• Regular supervision and support.
• Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance.
• Access to the Barnardo’s internal vacancy listing.
• Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children’s charity.

• We are looking for someone to help us support children and their parent/carers at a new Sensory Stay and Play session for children with additional needs. During term time the group will largely consist of children under 5 years old, but older siblings will be welcomed during the holidays (the group will run all year round). The group will be supported by a range of professionals from different services, so there will be ample opportunity to observe positive strategies and techniques for supporting communication and behaviour. We will also be arranging holiday activities for local families on Wednesday and Friday mornings during the school holidays. Other opportunities may arise as community engagement increases.

  Children’s Activity Support volunteers work across a range of groups, from Children’s Centre’s with pre-school children and Short Breaks services for children with disabilities, to Mental Health Support Groups and Young Carers Groups.

  We are looking for volunteers, with a passion for making a difference in children’s lives, a fun and approachable attitude and an ability to engage young people in worthwhile and enjoyable activities.

Disclaimer

We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles.

To apply for this role or to find further information, please fill in the Application form.