Outreach Volunteer

**About us**

Founded in 1989, akt was set up in Manchester by ally Cath Hall, a foster carer who found that many gay, lesbian and bisexual young people were not receiving the care and support they need and deserve. akt supports LGBTQ+ young people aged 16-25 in the UK who are facing or experiencing homelessness or living in a hostile environment. We support young people into safe homes and employment, education or training, in a welcoming and open environment that celebrates LGBTQ+ identities. Coming out, or being outed as LGBTQ+, can lead to young people being made homeless. 24% of homeless young people identify as LGBTQ+. Once homeless, LGBTQ+ young people are more likely to face violence and discrimination than young people who aren’t LGBTQ+. 77% of the LGBTQ+ young people we work with believe coming out at home was the main factor in causing their homelessness and so it's vital that they are supported in an environment that is inclusive and celebrates their identities in order to improve their life outcomes.

**About the role**:
The akt Outreach Programme aims to spread the word about akt far and wide with the goal of letting as many LGBTQ+ young people as possible know we’re here to support them if or when they need us. We are looking to recruit outreach volunteers who will be responsible for working with the North East services team and our outreach support volunteers to approach a wide range of organisations across the North East and Yorkshire, for example youth agencies, schools and college with information about our services and the support we can offer. We will also train you in how to deliver outreach activities to different groups for example, in person presentations or online workshops.

You will be supervised in the role by a member of the North East services team and will join a team of other outreach volunteers who come into the Newcastle office weekly.

**Suggested activities**:

- Using your existing networks to spread the word about akt to young LGBTQ+ people who may be experiencing homelessness or living vulnerably
- Accessing online spaces or LGBTQ+ groups
- Researching organisations to approach for outreach activities and working with other outreach volunteers and the Services team to coordinate these
- Delivering outreach activities (training will be provided)

**Skills/experience required**
- Confidence speaking in front of groups of various sizes
- An understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ homeless young people
- Some knowledge of the North East/Yorkshire region and local organisations would be an advantage
- The responsibility of the fundraising team at akt is to engage people in a variety of ways and encourage them to donate to or fundraise for our work supporting young people. Our Fundraising Event Volunteers will be instrumental in helping us raise awareness and funding for our work at events, particularly during Pride season. These events can include performances in pubs and clubs, special appearances at theatres and galleries where the Volunteers’ responsibilities will include interacting with patrons/customers/audience members and explaining how their support can help the charity. Information leaflets and resources will also be on hand for you to give out.

**Time Commitment**:

- Wednesdays only (11-3pm)

**Location**:

- This role is based at our Newcastle service centre Mea House, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8XS with occasional visits to other services and events in the North East.

**Expenses**:

- Travel will be reimbursed and lunch expenses if volunteering for 4 hours on one day

**Application**:
**Job Type**: Volunteer

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- No weekends

Work Location: One location