Volunteer Children and Young People's - Staffordshire

Change Grow Live; England; On-site; GBP 10,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Staffordshire seeks volunteers to mentor and engage with children and young people. Activities may include outings like cinema or sports. No prior experience is needed, just a commitment to support development. Full training and ongoing assistance are provided.

Qualifications

• Interest in the development and welfare of children and young people.
• Commitment to volunteer 2 to 4 hours per month for at least 24 months.

Responsibilities

• Support a child or young person in planning activities.
• Build a long-term relationship with a young person.

Job description

Overview

Our Independent Visiting service is looking for volunteers in or near to Staffordshire.

Volunteer profile

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided.

Responsibilities

• Support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority by spending regular time together and planning age-appropriate activities, such as going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, visiting a restaurant, cycling, or walking in a park.
• Decide with your young person what to do; you will be matched with a child who shares common interests.
• Be reliable, enthusiastic and committed to a long-term relationship with a young person.

Qualifications / What we’re looking for

• No previous experience required; you should have an interest in the development and welfare of children and young people.
• Full training and ongoing support are provided.
• Be prepared to volunteer 2 to 4 hours per month, and make a long-term commitment.

Example of young people waiting

Here are a few of the young people waiting for a volunteer (names changed):

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer and would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her.
• Brad (13) lives in residential care; he would like someone to take him out and have fun.
• Cassie (16) lives in a new town and wants help with confidence and going out; she loves hot chocolate and cake.
• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school; he would like help becoming more independent.
• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a busy household and would like to try different activities together.

Application process

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours when young people are usually in school.
• The role requires a commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month to ensure stability for the child or young person.
• Complete the Personal Statement in the application form fully; it forms part of the shortlisting process.

Our values are to be Compassionate, Open and Bold. If this sounds like you, please click the apply button. Alternatively, call or email us to discuss the role in more detail.

Read our volunteer stories here: Stories - Staffordshire Children\'s Rights Service (changegrowlive.org)

Rachel Turner | [e-mail] | 07912 120158

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.