Barnardo's is committed to providing 'Better Outcomes for More Children'. Our children's services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children's services and help make a real difference. **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. Acorn Activities runs fun indoor and outdoor play sessions every week for families with children under 6 years old living on the Jackmans. We also welcome children attending Garden City Academy or local childminders. Your help will contribute to providing a safe and welcoming space where children can learn new skills, play with others and make friends. Create a space for for parents and carers to meet and build a support network in the local community. You will be welcoming people, helping them join in with group activities and working with staff and volunteers to keep things running smoothly. We would be particularly interested in hearing from you if you are available to support morning sessions and after-school and school holidays 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.
Our groups need support with a range of tasks to help them run smoothly. Could you help with tasks such as planning activities, setting up and packing away, making refreshments, collecting feedback, and much more?
* Tasks: 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 Values and Behaviours
* Skills: 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.
* Benefits: 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.
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. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on or call us on