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. **Barnardo’s Participation Volunteers** support our children and young people to feedback on their experiences of the services that they have access and shape future delivery of those services. We are looking for people who really believe in Barnardo’s work and would like to use their passion for good quality service delivery to support children, young people and families in the development of future service provision. You will be highly motivated, have great organisational skills, be able to communicate with people from a range of backgrounds. **Enabling Community Health Outcomes** You will be supporting a small, dedicated team who are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the community. Our team is driven by a shared vision to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people, and we believe every contribution matters. By joining us, you’ll be part of a collaborative effort to create lasting change, volunteering alongside like-minded individuals who are committed to making a difference. If you’re looking to contribute to something that truly matters, this role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a team that reflects its values in everything we do. We’re looking for volunteers who: - Are aged 13-19, or up to 25 for those with SEND - Are based in Tower Hamlets - Can volunteer some evenings (Monday to Friday) and occasional Saturdays - Willing to complete a DBS check (ages 16+ only) We are especially keen to engage Tower Hamlets residents in volunteering opportunities - from the community, for the community. As a volunteer, you’ll play a key role in supporting children and young people aged 5–19 (or up to 25 with SEND) to access health services, have their voices heard, and shape the support they receive. By reducing barriers to participation and building trusted relationships, you’ll help ensure their lived experiences, views, and ideas influence meaningful change. Your contribution will support the co-design of the new enhanced school nurse service, which includes sexual health and substance use support, for children and young people in Tower Hamlets, with the aim of tackling health inequalities and creating services that truly reflect the needs of the community. As a Participation Champion, activities will include: - Support children and young people to attend and engage with participation activities - Assist in the design, facilitation, and delivery of participation activities - Help capture and amplify children and young people’s views and experiences - Build trust and rapport to encourage open, confident participation - Contribute to a child and young person-led approach to co-designing services - Maintaining confidentiality - Representing the service in a positive and professional way - Following health & safety and safeguarding procedures
Could you support young people to have a voice in the design and evaluation of their service, to sit on interview panels and to deliver presentations to professionals and commissioners?
Tasks: Supporting young people to have a voice in the design and evaluation of their services.
Supporting young people to sit on interview panels for new members of staff.
Supporting young people to deliver presentations to professionals and commissioners.
Supporting young people’s participation group sessions.
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.
Ability to support young people to engage with professionals and feedback on their experiences.
A passion for making a difference to the way young people’s services are delivered.
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 role exactly, 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
[email protected] or call us on 0208 498 7320
