At a Glance
- Tasks: Represent Aquarius, raise awareness on mental health and substance use in your community.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading charity making a difference in mental health support.
- Benefits: Gain leadership skills, confidence, and valuable experience for your future.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and expenses reimbursed.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your voice and supporting peers.
- Qualifications: Must be 16+, studying in sixth form, with an interest in youth wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 29642 £ per year.
Please note this role will be based across Bedford.
About Waythrough: Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services - and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community. Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
Purpose / Summary of the Role: Aquarius is a national charity working to reduce harm caused by drugs, alcohol, and gambling. We support children, young people, adults, and families through prevention, early intervention, and recovery-focused services. The Youth Ambassador role offers aged 16+ students the opportunity to represent Aquarius within their school and local community. You will help raise awareness of substance use, mental health, and wellbeing in a way that feels relevant to young people. As a Youth Ambassador, you will use your voice to support positive change. You will help challenge stigma, promote healthy choices, and encourage young people to seek support early. The role supports leadership development, confidence, and real world experience in a respected charity setting.
Responsibilities:
- Act as a positive and visible representative of Aquarius
- Help raise awareness of drug, alcohol, and wellbeing issues among young people
- Support campaigns focused on prevention, harm reduction, and early support
- Encourage open, respectful conversations within your school or college
- Share information accurately and responsibly
- Signpost peers to appropriate support and trusted adults
- Follow Aquarius safeguarding and confidentiality guidance at all times
Description of Tasks:
- Promote Aquarius messages through school events, campaigns, or assemblies
- Support awareness days and wellbeing activities
- Take part in peer led discussions or youth voice opportunities
- Share approved information through school or local channels
- Attend training sessions and check‑ins with Aquarius staff
- Maintain clear boundaries and understand your role limits
Time commitment: Minimum 2 hours per month - Flexible around school and study commitments.
Training and support:
- Mandatory volunteer induction
- Youth Ambassador training
- Safeguarding guidance
- Named staff contact
- Ongoing support and supervision
Skills and qualities:
- Currently studying in sixth form or equivalent
- Interest in wellbeing, social issues, or youth voice
- Confident or developing confidence in communication
- Reliable and organised
- Respectful and non‑judgemental
- Able to maintain confidentiality
- Willingness to learn and develop new skills
Benefits to the volunteer:
- Opportunity to represent a national charity in your community
- Development of leadership, communication, and teamwork skills
- Experience valued by universities and employers
- Increased confidence and responsibility
- Training and development opportunities
- Contribution to meaningful social change
Reimbursement of expenses: Agreed out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed. Public transport mileage costs at 0.45p per mile.
Local Information:
- Service Name – Aquarius
- Service Model / Project – Young People’s Prevention and Early Intervention Services
- Responsible Manager / Supervisor – To be confirmed
- Location – School or college settings and local community venues
- Contact – 0121 622 8181
- Email – volunteering@aquarius.org.uk
Additional Information:
Application procedure: Application form, informal assessment meeting, parental consent where required, induction and training.
Person Criteria:
- Approachable and professional
- Reliable and organised - Essential
- Able to communicate respectfully with peers and adults - Essential
- Able to maintain confidentiality - Essential
- Able to understand and maintain boundaries - Essential
- Interest in youth wellbeing and social issues - Essential
- Ability to work with guidance and supervision - Essential
- Good level of self‑awareness - Essential
- All activities carried out in line with Aquarius policies and procedures - Essential
What We Offer:
- Discounts from various schemes
- Training and personal development
- A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives
- Free induction and role‑specific training
- Support from experienced staff and regular supervision
- Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence
- Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses
- Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development
Inclusion and accessibility: Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk.
How to apply: If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click 'Apply via company website' to view the full job description and submit your application. Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications. Closing date 2026-04-14.
Youth Ambassador Bedford employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
Waythrough is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact in their communities. As a Youth Ambassador in Bedford, you will not only gain invaluable experience and skills in leadership and communication but also contribute to vital social change while receiving comprehensive training and ongoing support from experienced staff. With a commitment to personal development and a focus on wellbeing, Waythrough offers a unique opportunity to be part of a respected charity that values your voice and perspective.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Ambassador Bedford
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co.
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co. 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 Youth Ambassador Bedford
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 Dormont Manufacturing Co 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co how you relate to different communities.
✨Know the Key Issues
Familiarise yourself with the current social issues relevant to the community Dormont Manufacturing Co 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 Dormont Manufacturing Co.
