Volunteering Opportunities

About the Role

A Child/Young Person Volunteer is someone who makes a commitment to Children or Young People facing significant challenges in their lives. This could include experiences of social isolation, disengagement from education, caring responsibilities at home and issues relating to physical and mental wellbeing. As a Volunteer you will attend a weekly group and spend around 2-3 hours engaging in activities that promote wellbeing, including but not limited to arts/crafts, baking, and employability support. Working with a Facilitator and other Volunteers you will help the Children/Young People develop confidence, resilience and communication skills, equipping them to lead a more fulfilled life. Your volunteer relationship with Children/Young People may fluctuate depending on circumstance. You might find yourself acting as a Befriender (offering connection and companionship), a Mentor (supporting goal setting and achievement through sharing advice), and/or a Peer Mentor (considered a mix of both, using your lived experience and shared interests to support the Participant towards setting and achieving their goals). Your sessions are supported and supervised by COVEY staff in line with COVEY policies and procedures.

How to Apply

Submit an Expression of Interest Form HERE You can also contact COVEY’s Volunteering Team at volunteering@coveybefriending.org.uk or on 07502 929076 (Volunteer Engagement Managers Mobile – Rita Neale).

Key Role Requirements

The ability to get to various Group locations each week A full driver’s licence and access to a car for volunteering use is advantageous in supporting Participants accessing groups where travel is otherwise limited. Regular availability of around 2-3 hours a week (weekdays only) Active Listening skills Empathy for Children/Young People facing significant challenges in their lives Two positive character references

Key Skill Requirements

To offer time to Children/Young People on a weekly basis for around 2-3 hours, engaging them in outings and activities. To build a trusting supportive relationship (understanding & non-judgemental) with Children/Young People. To establish and maintain appropriate boundaries within the volunteering relationship. [For Drivers] To provide transport for designated young people to Group no more than 30mins from home. To be reliable and maintain close communication with COVEY staff where your availability changes or something disrupts your planned volunteering. To inform COVEY Staff promptly of any issues/concerns/safeguarding about a Child/Young Person. To be aware of and work within COVEY policy, procedure and best practice. Including respecting confidentiality and supporting with an anti-discriminatory approach. To submit expense claims monthly.