At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide creative counselling and therapy to children and families using innovative approaches.
- Company: Cocoon Kids, a community-focused organisation dedicated to mental health support.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, meaningful work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop outreach initiatives and enhance your professional skills.
- Why this job: Join a friendly team and help under-resourced communities thrive through creative therapy.
- Qualifications: Relevant qualifications in counselling or therapy and experience with children and families.
Overview
Volunteer Creative Counsellor and Play Therapist (or similar) for Cocoon Kids - Creative Counselling and Play Therapy CIC. You will support priority, under-resourced children and young people and their families to access fully-funded, longer-term counselling/therapy sessions as appropriate.
Responsibilities
- Provide face-to-face and/or remote counselling/therapy with children and young people aged 3-19 and their families using a holistic, person-centred or humanistic approach.
- Develop outreach provision at nurseries, schools, colleges, and organisations to meet increased demand.
- Build strong therapeutic relationships with families and support long-term mental health equity.
- Apply Trauma-Informed approaches and understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including any lived experience if applicable.
- Utilise creative interventions (play, art, drama, movement, dance, music, sand, etc.) alongside talk-based approaches.
- Work with priority and socio-economically under-resourced communities; understand barriers they may face.
- Keep children and families central in counselling and therapy; ensure accessibility and inclusivity; contribute ideas to service improvement.
- Adhere to safeguarding and child-protection requirements and maintain up-to-date practice.
Qualifications
- Skills/registrations: BACP, BAPT, PTUK, BAAT or other membership/registration; or equivalent.
- Up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding and child protection; ability to work independently and communicate clearly.
- Experience with mental health and wellbeing challenges, socio-economic deprivation, and marginalised communities; understanding housing insecurity impact.
- Experience of face-to-face and remote working with children, young people and families.
Why apply?
Join a small, friendly team, organise your time around your schedule, and contribute to a community-focused service that supports priority groups during challenging times.
Volunteer Creative Counsellor and Play Therapist (or similar) | Cocoon Kids - Creative Counsell[...] employer: Cocoon Kids - Creative Counselling and Play Therapy CIC
Cocoon Kids is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of both its employees and the communities they serve. With a strong focus on mental health equity, our friendly team fosters a supportive work culture where creativity and compassion thrive, offering flexible scheduling to accommodate your personal commitments. As a volunteer, you will have the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of under-resourced children and families while developing your skills in a nurturing environment.
Contact Details:
Cocoon Kids - Creative Counselling and Play Therapy CIC Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Creative Counsellor and Play Therapist (or similar) | Cocoon Kids - Creative Counsell[...]
✨Get Involved in Local Mental Health Initiatives
Dive into your community by volunteering with local mental health organisations or support groups. It’s a fantastic way to build connections, gain hands-on experience, and show your dedication to the field.
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you're a student, tap into your university career services to find volunteering opportunities in therapy and counselling. Many universities have partnerships with local clinics and organisations looking for volunteers who are passionate about helping others.
✨Join Online Therapy Communities
Hop onto platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn to find groups dedicated to therapy and counselling. Engaging in discussions and sharing insights can make you more visible to those looking for volunteers, plus you’ll learn a ton along the way.
✨Keep an Eye on Local Events
Watch out for mental health awareness days or workshops happening in your area. These events can be goldmines for meeting professionals in the field, plus you might find out about volunteering openings directly from the organisers. Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there!
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Creative Counsellor and Play Therapist (or similar) | Cocoon Kids - Creative Counsell[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the therapy and counselling fields, it’s super important to showcase any volunteer work or practical experience you've had. Whether it's work at a helpline, internship at a clinic, or even informal support roles, make sure to detail the skills you've gained that are relevant to the role at Cocoon Kids - Creative Counselling and Play Therapy CIC.
Show Your Passion for Helping Others:In your application, let your genuine motivation for wanting to help others come through. Share personal stories or anecdotes that illustrate why you’re interested in volunteering in therapy and counselling—this helps us see your heart for it and connects your experiences to what Cocoon Kids - Creative Counselling and Play Therapy CIC does.
Include Relevant Qualifications or Coursework:If you've completed any relevant courses, certifications, or even workshops related to counselling or therapy, don’t forget to mention them! Listing these in your CV can set you apart and shows that you're committed to developing your skills further, which is crucial in a volunteering role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Organisation:When crafting your cover letter for the volunteer position at Cocoon Kids - Creative Counselling and Play Therapy CIC, make sure to address why you specifically want to volunteer with us. Research our values, mission, and any current initiatives we’re involved in to create a personalised letter that demonstrates your fit and enthusiasm for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cocoon Kids - Creative Counselling and Play Therapy CIC
✨Know Your Techniques
Brush up on the specific therapy techniques or approaches you've studied. Whether it's CBT, person-centred therapy, or another method, being able to discuss these in the interview will show your understanding and preparation for the role at Cocoon Kids - Creative Counselling and Play Therapy CIC.
✨Show Your Empathy
Since we’re aiming for a volunteer role in therapy or counselling, be prepared to showcase your interpersonal skills and empathy. Consider having examples ready that demonstrate how you've supported others in past situations, even in non-professional contexts. This can really resonate with the interviewers.
✨Discuss Your Motivation
With volunteer roles, employers at Cocoon Kids - Creative Counselling and Play Therapy CIC will be keen to hear about your motivation. Be honest about why you want to volunteer in therapy and how this experience fits into your personal or career goals. This openness can make a strong impression!
✨Reflect on Ethical Dilemmas
Be ready to tackle questions about ethical dilemmas in therapy. The interview might involve scenario-based questions where they want to see how you prioritize client welfare and confidentiality. Think through a few examples so you can respond confidently during the chat!
