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. Group Activity Helper volunteers work alongside staff to provide adult groups, which focus on a common issue or need. We are looking for volunteers with a fun and approachable attitude, and an ability to engage adults in worthwhile and enjoyable activities, which increase their confidence and coping mechanisms. Within the Virtual Family Spaces, volunteers help staff to provide adult courses or workshops to support their children. Our courses cover a range of topics, such as parents with a child who has ADHD or Autism, or wanting parenting support through some of our workshops. Some of our courses include: - Barnardo's Cygnet Parenting Autism Support course over 7 weeks. - Parent Factor Parenting ADHD Support course over 8 weeks - Some of our workshops include: - Sleep - Starting Solids - Minor Illnesses & Prevention - Potty Training - Child and Family Safety In the Home - Child and Family Safety Outside the Home - Healthy Smiles - Oral Health - Balanced Mind, Balanced Home, for Male carers - Toddler Talk - School Readiness Group Helpers support adult only groups via Microsoft Teams and have no contact with children. To be eligible to volunteer in this role, you must live and have the right to work in the UK. We cannot accept applications from outside the UK. We would welcome volunteers from African, Asian and Caribbean heritage who may also speak an additional language.
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: Working alongside staff, to support group activities with adults only around a common need/issue.
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.
Participating in group discussions and activities.
Sharing knowledge and solutions about specific issues.
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.
The ability to communicate and engage with adult parents and carers.
Being non-judgmental and positive in their attitude to working with parents and carers from different backgrounds.
Experience or knowledge relevant to the specific group.
The ability to empathise with parents and carers, who may be facing difficult times in their lives.
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
[email protected] or call us on 0208 498 7320
