At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children’s wellbeing through weekly check-ins and build meaningful relationships.
- Company: Care to Grow, a charity focused on children's emotional literacy.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, ongoing training, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Ideal for students in social work or psychology; term-time commitment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for children's mental health and experience with young people.
The predicted salary is between 24867 - 31200 £ per year.
Volunteer Buddies provide weekly check-ins with children who need extra support, giving them a meaningful break from the classroom, helping them feel more regulated, and enabling them to return to learning ready to engage. “This isn’t about being an expert, it’s about showing up consistently, building a genuine relationship, and becoming a trusted adult in a child’s life.”
What we’re looking for:
- A genuine passion for improving children’s mental health and wellbeing.
- Experience caring for, working, or volunteering with children or young people formal or informal, including raising your own children.
- Commitment to one 2.15 hour session each week for at least one full term; sessions are flexible and can fit around school hours or other commitments. Term time only.
- Experience can take many forms - what matters is that you’ve had consistent, caring contact with children. This might include:
- Raising your own children
- Looking after younger family members
- Babysitting or childminding
- Youth club, Scouts, or Guides
- School reading volunteer or work placement
- Junior sports coaching
What we offer:
- The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children.
- Ongoing learning, training, and development opportunities.
- Half-termly reflective practice sessions with our training therapist - dedicated 30 minute zoom conversation to chat through your experiences and feel supported in the role.
- A welcoming community united by a shared mission.
If you’re passionate about helping children succeed emotionally and academically, we’d love to hear from you. Send a brief message explaining your interest to hello@caretogrow.org.uk.
Safeguarding checks (including online checks) will be undertaken as part of our safer recruitment procedures. Due to safeguarding requirements of working pastorally with children in a trusted adult capacity, applicants must be aged 18 or older.
Volunteer Buddy - Primary Schools (North Kensington) in London employer: Care To Grow
Care to Grow is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, dedicated to enhancing children's wellbeing in North Kensington. Volunteers benefit from flexible hours, ongoing training, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children, all while being part of a welcoming community united by a shared mission. This role not only offers valuable experience for those pursuing careers in social work or psychology but also provides personal growth through reflective practice sessions with trained professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Buddy - Primary Schools (North Kensington) in London
✨Connect with Local Charities
Get in touch with local charities and community centres — they're often looking for volunteers in social work. This not only gets your foot in the door but also helps you build that all-important network in the social work community.
✨Show Up at Community Events
Attend community events, workshops, or local forums focused on social issues. It's a great way to meet people who are already working in social work and can offer insights, advice, or even opportunities at organisations like Care To Grow.
✨Leverage Online Platforms
Check out platforms like VolunteerMatch or local Facebook groups dedicated to volunteering. Many organisations post their volunteer needs there, and it’s a prime way to connect with those who share your passion for social work.
✨Speak Directly to Organisations
Don’t shy away from approaching organisations you admire, like Care To Grow. Pop in for a chat or drop them an email expressing your interest in volunteering — sometimes, it’s the direct approach that stands out!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Buddy - Primary Schools (North Kensington) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:When writing your application, share your enthusiasm for social work. Talk about why you want to volunteer in this field and any personal experiences that have motivated you. It's all about demonstrating your genuine commitment to helping others, as we all know that passion can make a huge difference.
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences you have, like working with vulnerable populations or strong communication abilities. Mention your ability to handle challenging situations and your empathy—these are key traits in social work, and they should shine through in your application.
Explain Your Availability:Since this is a volunteer role, be transparent about when you can commit. Whether you’re available for a few hours a week or more flexible, let them know your schedule. This helps Care To Grow understand how you might fit into their needs and ensures you’re on the same page from the get-go.
Reflection on Learning Opportunities:In your application, reflect on what you’re hoping to learn from this volunteer experience. Discuss your desire to gain hands-on insight into social work, develop your skills, or understand the community better. This is a great way to show that you’re not just looking to give, but you’re also eager to grow, and that’s something we value at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Care To Grow
✨Showcase Your Compassion
For a social work volunteer role, it's all about demonstrating your empathy and understanding. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences where you’ve helped others or made a positive impact. This can show Care To Grow how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community Care To Grow serves. Whether it’s homelessness, mental health, or child welfare, understanding these challenges will not only impress during the interview but can also help you articulate how you can contribute to solutions.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario Questions
Social work often involves handling real-life situations. Expect questions that present you with hypothetical scenarios, asking how you would respond. Practising your answers to these can help us articulate our thought processes and decision-making skills effectively.
✨Demonstrate Your Willingness to Learn
As a volunteer, showcasing your eagerness to gain experience is crucial. Mention instances where you've actively sought out learning opportunities, whether through previous roles, workshops or courses related to social work. This highlights your commitment and readiness to grow with Care To Grow.
