Children’s Activity Support (Young Carers Group)– Group Helper

Barnardo’s offers support and help to Young Carers and their families living on the Isle of Wight. Young carers are children and young people aged 5 to 18 whose lives are affected by caring for an unwell member of their family.

We are looking for enthusiastic and caring volunteers to help us run these activities, which can be anything from arts and crafts, cooking, walks, bowling and sometimes more energetic sports and even horse riding! To do this role you need to be confident to join in activities and support children and young people to get involved and take part. You will help Barnardo’s staff to set up and run activities and make sure that Young Carers feel safe and welcomed at all times. You can chose which activities you would like to support.

Activities generally run at weekends and during the school holidays at different venues across the Island.

More about this role

Why we want you

Barnardo's protects, supports and nurtures the UK's most vulnerable children. Barnardo's helps bring out the best in children – no matter who they are or what they have been through. Our volunteers help make this happen.

What you will be doing

• 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 Basis and Values.

What's in it for you

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

Skills

The skills you need

• 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.