The Opportunity
A flexible, exciting and rewarding volunteer opportunity that fits around your current lifestyle and other commitments, where you will make a positive difference to the life of an ‘at risk’ young person, contributing to their development and confidence.
We Are Looking For Volunteers To
Establish a long‑term, trusting and nurturing relationship with a vulnerable child or young person from Barnsley, typically between the ages of 8 and 18 years old. By helping to motivate them, develop their social skills, ensuring they feel valued and encouraging them to reach their full potential.
Meet regularly with the child or young person on a monthly basis, offering friendship, support and advice. Engage in visits, positive activities and outings that are led by the young person, depending on their interests. Children and young people are matched with volunteers who share similar interests and hobbies.
Support children and young people to ensure that their voice is heard. Work in partnership with the local authority while maintaining the independence necessary to this role, promoting the child’s or young person’s social and emotional development.
Complete all paperwork required and attend supervision meetings as directed by the scheme. Be willing to undertake any training relevant to the role and commit to safeguarding and protecting children and young people at all times.
Skills And Qualifications Required
- Must be over 21 years of age
- Ability to work independently and use own initiative
- Ability to communicate effectively with children and young people
- Be a good listener
- Be reliable and punctual
- Ability to receive and accept support and guidance
- Able to provide a long‑term commitment by ‘just being there’
- Commitment to promoting the safety and welfare of young people
- Have an understanding of the challenges of vulnerable children/young people
- An understanding of the issues children and young people face in society
- Ability to deal with sensitive, confidential and potentially distressing information
- Sensitivity to the needs and wishes of the child / young person
- Have a commitment to children’s rights and welfare
- An understanding of the impact of discrimination on individuals
- Be able to abide by confidentiality and professional boundaries within organisational policies and procedures
- Operate at all times within the Health and Safety, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities policies of Barnsley Metropolitan Borough council
- Be willing to undergo an enhanced DBS check required for this role
On successful application, the volunteer will be supported to attend training and development opportunities to further their skills, knowledge and personal development.
Hours
There are no set times or hours. Each volunteer is expected to meet with a young person at least once per month for a minimum of a couple of hours, excluding travel time.
Duration of the Opportunity
Placement matches between young people and adult volunteers are ideally long‑term unless there is a breakdown in the relationship. Matches will support a young person through key transition points in their life.
Location
Independent volunteers will not have a formal base as the role involves meeting with young people at a time/place convenient to them and organising activities together. A small budget will be available for the volunteer and the mentee to pursue activities and interests, as well as covering the cost of mileage and expenses.
For more information and an application pack please email: independentvisitorsinfo@barnsley.gov.uk
The headquarters for supervision, training and support of the volunteers is the Wombwell IKIC Young People’s Centre, Barnsley Road, Wombwell, Barnsley, S73 8HT.
EEO and Safeguarding Statement
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults and expects that volunteers share this commitment. Volunteer opportunities are provided in line with the Council’s "Working with Volunteers" policy and procedure. Due to safeguarding implications, volunteering opportunities for this project are not available to those aged 21 and under.
