Story Corner Volunteer

Job Title: Story Corner Volunteer

Location: Blackpool

Job Type: Volunteering role

Hours: Tuesdays 2:30 - 5:30pm

Closing Date: 16th June 2024

Please note that this is a Voluntary role and therefore will be unpaid.

As a Story Corner volunteer, you will provide engaging activities for children of varying age ranges and their families using the resources provided alongside another volunteer. You will also help manage the resources of the language library (books, games, toys) and ensure that resources are maintained, kept in safe working order and report back any items that need replacing.

You will play an important role in improving the wellbeing of children and their families as well as help reduce isolation. This role is crucial in complimenting existing Migrant Help services by facilitating in-person activities.

What will you do?

• Together with a team of volunteers, deliver weekly sessions for children and families
• Build trusting relationships with asylum seeking families
• Encourage children and families to engage in learning and creativity
• Provide opportunities for children and families to practice their English skills in a fun way (through games and songs)
• Provide encouragement to speak English and create a safe environment to make mistakes and build confidence
• Read stories that are age appropriate for the group
• Play games and run activities with the children and families
• Support children and families to maintain their cultural identity through sharing songs, stories, artwork
• Help facilitate free play/reading time
• Set up and pack away the language library resources
• Be empathetic and patient in sessions
• Provide ongoing feedback to volunteer supervisor throughout the duration of the project
• Uphold professional boundaries
• Report any safeguarding or confidentiality breach concerns to your volunteer supervisor as soon as possible

What do we expect from you?

• Complete relevant induction and training provided by Migrant Help
• Undergo a DBS check
• Commit to volunteering for a minimum of 6 months, at agreed times
• Attend volunteer support sessions as required
• Complete feedback forms when required; highlighting any growth opportunities and honestly communicating what is not working well
• Adhere to confidentiality and safeguarding procedures
• Uphold Migrant Help's values
• Start volunteering at an agreed time and be punctual
• Complete all relevant documentation as required by volunteer coordinator
• Be open and understanding of different customs, values, and beliefs
• Work closely with other volunteers as part of team

What will you not be able to do?

• ?Volunteer with us if you are under 18
• Exchange contact information with clients
• Buy gifts or food and lend/give/receive money
• Carry out casework tasks, such as, complete benefits applications, liaise with local authorities or refer to other services or provide immigration advice
• Take children and young people off site

You will be an excellent candidate for this role if you:

• Are fluent in English
• Have spare time and can make a regular commitment
• Have previous experience of working or volunteering with children
• Can be creative and come up with ideas for activities
• Are willing to work with diverse range of people
• Have non-judgmental and inclusive attitude
• Have friendly and approachable nature
• Are reliable and punctual
• Are patient and empathetic when listening to others
• Uphold personal values that are consistent with Migrant Help values of protection, diversity, equality, partnership, innovation, and excellence
• Are a keen learner
• Can use MS Office, Zoom and MS Teams platforms

About Migrant Help:

Migrant Help is a leading charity that has been established for over 50 years and delivers a range of support and advice services to migrants across the UK. Our vision is for a global society that protects vulnerable migrants, treats them with respect and enables them to reach their full potential.

We place a high value on employees in relation to the work that they do and the benefits the organisation offers, with an ethos of being a Great Place to Work.

We welcome applications from candidates regardless of their age, religion or belief, race, gender reassignment, disability, sexual orientation, sex, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity.

Migrant Help is committed to safeguarding those we provide a service to, applicants will have to undergo strict vetting procedures throughout different stages of the recruitment process.

Please click on the APPLY button to complete the application form for this role.

Candidates with the experience or relevant job titles of; Volunteer, Volunteering, Volunteer Assistant, Volunteering Assistant may also be considered for this role.