Job Description

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. We have an exciting opportunity to support Marlborough Griffin youth club, an evening youth club where young people with special educational needs (SEND) can make new friends, socialise, and have fun. The club's activities are worked around the young people's interests and hobbies wherever possible. The club supports individuals and groups, in personal development and developing skills to make positive life choices. The club involves a range of activities such as cooking, playing board games, movie nights and crafts. If you have skills or interests in particular areas, these can be used at the club to teach attendees and encourage group learning. This youth club operates weekly during term-time on Mondays in Marlborough. The children and young people attend the youth club from 6:30-8:30pm. Successful volunteers need to be available for 2.5 hours to account for setting up and packing away time. 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. This role may involve a level of personal care.

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.



Engaging children, young people and families in fun activities during groups, which may include messy play, outdoor activities and positive play.



Ensuring the personal care needs of the children or young people are met; which may include toileting, feeding or dressing.



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 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 volunteering@barnardos.org.uk or call us on 0208 498 7320