Children's Activity Support

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. **Opportunity to support Kingfisher youth club service**, a Saturday bi-weekly club where young people with Autism can make new friends, socialise, and have fun. The youth club’s activities are worked around the young people’s interests and hobbies wherever possible. This involves a range of activities such as cooking, arts and crafts, plus we encourage everyday life skills with support from a team of play workers and volunteers. 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 runs twice per month on a Saturday from 10:00am -12:00pm in Chippenham. Where possible we ask that volunteers can cover a variety of youth clubs across Wiltshire on other days to help with volunteer staffing during busy periods 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.
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.