Job Description

Volunteer Mentor / Advocate / Activities Buddy

Location:

Essex, Thurrock, London & surrounding areas

Organisation:

Green Harvest

Type:

Volunteer (5-10 hours per month, flexible)

Expenses:

Mileage/travel reimbursed and all agreed activity costs covered

About Us

Green Harvest provides high-quality residential care and supported accommodation for children and young people who are looked after or care leavers. Many of the young people we work with have faced significant challenges and benefit from having consistent, positive role models in their lives.

About the Role

We are seeking

Volunteer Mentors / Advocates / Activities Buddies

to support children and young people aged 8-21. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference by offering your time, encouragement, and life experience.As a volunteer, you'll:

Build trusting, positive relationships with a young person. Encourage their personal development, self-confidence, and independence. Support hobbies, activities, and new experiences in the community. Provide advocacy when needed to ensure their voice is heard. Occasionally act as an Appropriate Adult (training provided).
This role is flexible and can fit around your existing commitments -- just 5-10 hours a month can make a lasting impact.

What We're Looking For

Essential:

Empathy, patience, and good listening skills. Reliability and commitment to regular contact. Willingness to complete training and follow safeguarding policies. Have, or be willing to obtain, an Enhanced DBS check (cost covered by Green Harvest).

Desirable:

Experience working or volunteering with children, young people, or vulnerable groups. Understanding of the care system and challenges faced by care-experienced young people. Driving licence and access to a car (mileage reimbursed).

What We Offer

Full training, including safeguarding and trauma-informed practice. Ongoing support and supervision from Green Harvest staff. Reimbursement of all travel and agreed activity costs. Opportunities to gain skills in youth mentoring, advocacy, and personal development.

Safeguarding & Safer Recruitment

Green Harvest is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This role is subject to:

Enhanced DBS check (paid for by Green Harvest) References Completion of safeguarding training before starting
Job Types: Freelance, Volunteer

Pay: 97.68-165.71 per day

Benefits:

Flexitime Free or subsidised travel
Ability to commute/relocate:

Basildon SS14 2BX: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person