Children's Activity Support - Group Helper (Aberdeen Young Carers)

Barnardo’s are committed to providing ‘Better Outcomes for More Children’. Our 2,000 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 volunteers, who make a real difference to children, young people and their families. A young carer is someone up to the age of 18 who provides unpaid help and support to a relative, friend or neighbour who due to illness or disability cannot manage to live independently without the carer’s help. It may involve practical support like cooking, housework, or emotional support. A group volunteer with Aberdeen Young Carers will assist staff members in delivering any planned activities e.g. cooking, dancing, arts & crafts etc. They will actively participate with the activity, encourage young people to join in and have fun and build up positive relationships with the children and young people by being friendly and non-judgemental. They will also have the opportunity to lead groups if they wish to. At this time we have 2 opportunities – our Saturday groups which run on the 1st Saturday of every month, and Sports Groups which run in partnership with Sport Aberdeen weekly during term-time. Hours expected can be discussed at application stage. There will also be the opportunity for volunteers to help with our school holiday programmes, on an ad-hoc basis or at events. Events typically include summer outings, Christmas parties and Young Carers’ festivals. Further opportunities are available to assist in promoting our events e.g. putting up posters and spreading the word, in helping us at recruitment events, or in fundraising.
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.

• 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.
  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.

• 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