Children's Activity Support - Group Helper (Supporting 8-25 year olds, based in Newport South Wales)

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. Newport Young Carers service exists to provide support for children and young people with a caring role for a family member. They might be looking after siblings, parents or grandparents who may be affected by health issues, disability or substance misuse. We support by providing respite trips and activities. Here they can meet other young carers, make friends and enjoy new experiences to give them time out and a chance to just have fun together. Groups are generally one or two per week during term time, roughly 1.5 – 2 hours from 5-7pm. Trips and activities during the school holidays and occasional residential trips, staying overnight. Experience working with the below age range would be a great support for us at Barnardo's Our age range is 8-25 yes. We break it up into three distinct groups though – primary school aged, high school aged and 16+ / Young Adult Carers 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.
Our groups need support with a range of tasks to help them run smoothly. Could you help with tasks such as planning activities, setting up and packing away, making refreshments, collecting feedback, and much more?

• 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 Values and Behaviours

• 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 [email protected] or call us on 0208 498 7320