At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and young people in care through mentoring and befriending.
- Company: Birmingham Children’s Trust, dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Free training, DBS check, and ongoing support.
- Why this job: Make a genuine impact in a young person's life while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Reliable, approachable, and passionate about helping others.
- Other info: Flexible commitment of 1-2 hours per week for at least 12 months.
Volunteer at The Trust – Birmingham Children’s Trust
Birmingham Children’s Trust is looking for dedicated and compassionate volunteers to support children and young people in care and care leavers. Volunteers offer a positive, consistent presence, encouraging confidence, building trust and providing a safe space for conversation.
Program Areas
- Independent Visitors – Befriending Service (Ages 8-17) – match a visitor with a child to offer friendship, consistency and fun experiences such as parks, cinema, bowling, and new hobbies.
- Develop Me – Mentoring Programme (Ages 16-25) – match a mentor with a young person to help them set personal goals, explore education or work opportunities and build life skills.
- Next Step – Befriending Service (Ages 16-25) – support care experienced young people who may be socially isolated, offering friendship, companionship and practical skill development.
Volunteer Responsibilities
- Spend regular quality time together, building trust and rapport.
- Encourage the young person to try new activities and experiences.
- Support their personal goals in education, work, hobbies or wellbeing.
- Help develop essential life and social skills.
- Listen and offer encouragement during challenges or changes.
- Signpost to useful opportunities, services and resources.
- Celebrate achievements, big or small.
Commitment
We ask for 1–2 hours per week and a minimum commitment of 12 months to provide stability and consistency for the young person you support.
What We’re Looking For
- Reliable, trustworthy and approachable.
- Able to listen without judgement.
- Skilled at building rapport with young people.
- Passionate about supporting children and young adults to reach their potential.
What We Offer
- Free DBS check provided.
- Full training in mentoring, befriending, safeguarding, communication skills, relationship building and coaching.
- Opportunities to attend events and activities with young people.
- Ongoing support from our team.
- The chance to make a genuine, lasting difference in a young person’s life.
Additional Information
Interviews: Rolling, August – December 2025.
Closing date: Rolling – please apply early, as opportunities may close once enough applications are received.
Safeguarding
Depending on the role, you may be asked to undergo the appropriate level of Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to assess your suitability for working with children and young people. The level of check is determined by the specific responsibilities of the role and the level of contact with children and young people.
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Volunteer at The Trust employer: Birmingham Children's Trust
Contact Detail:
Birmingham Children's Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer at The Trust
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Birmingham Children’s Trust and its mission. Understanding their values will help you connect better during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former volunteers at The Trust. They can give you insider tips on what to expect and how to stand out in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for your interview by thinking about specific examples from your life where you've supported young people or built trust. This will help you demonstrate your skills and passion effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen and considered. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer at The Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for supporting young people and why you’re interested in volunteering with us.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that match what we’re looking for, like your ability to build rapport or your passion for helping others. This shows us you’ve done your homework!
Show Your Commitment: We’re looking for volunteers who can commit to 1-2 hours a week for at least 12 months. Make sure to mention your availability and willingness to stick around, as consistency is key in building trust with the young people we support.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! Our opportunities are rolling, and they may close once we have enough applications. Head over to our website and get your application in early to avoid missing out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham Children's Trust
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a volunteer at The Trust. Familiarise yourself with the different programmes like Independent Visitors and Develop Me. This will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with what they’re looking for.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine passion for supporting children and young people. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in their lives. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Practice Active Listening
Demonstrate your listening skills by engaging fully during the interview. Nod, maintain eye contact, and respond thoughtfully to questions. This shows that you can listen without judgement, which is crucial for building rapport with young people.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the training provided or how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the position is the right fit for you.