Volunteer with NYAS: Independent Visitor & Side by Side Volunteer in Guildford

Volunteer with NYAS: Independent Visitor & Side by Side Volunteer in Guildford

Guildford Volunteer 30078 - 36762 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The National Youth Advocacy Service

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children and young people by building positive relationships and providing emotional guidance.
  • Company: Join the National Youth Advocacy Service, a leading children's rights charity.
  • Benefits: Gain valuable experience, receive training, and make a real difference in someone's life.
  • Other info: Flexible hours, supportive community, and opportunities for personal growth.
  • Why this job: Be a trusted friend and mentor, helping young people navigate life's challenges.
  • Qualifications: No specific qualifications needed, just compassion and commitment.

The predicted salary is between 30078 - 36762 £ per year.

Opportunities across Hertfordshire, Luton, Bedfordshire and Solihull

If you think you are the right match for the following opportunity, apply after reading the complete description.

Make a real difference to the life of a child or young person

The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) is a leading children's rights charity dedicated to supporting and empowering children, young people and care leavers.

  • We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our
  • Independent Visitor and

Side by Side services, helping children and young people build confidence, reduce isolation and achieve positive outcomes.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in someone's life while gaining valuable experience and becoming part of a supportive volunteer community.

Which volunteering opportunity is right for you?

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Children and young people in care deserve the opportunity to build trusted, positive relationships with adults who can offer consistency, encouragement and support.

As an Independent Visitor, you'll spend quality one-to-one time with a child or young person, taking part in activities, sharing experiences and building a meaningful friendship.

Young Person Quote

\"It gives you a friend that you can spend time with doing the things you like to do.\"

We ask for a commitment of a few hours each month for a minimum of two years .

Side by Side Volunteer

Many care leavers face adulthood without the support network that many young people rely on.

Leaving care can be an exciting but challenging time, with some young people experiencing loneliness, isolation and uncertainty about the future.

As a Side by Side Volunteer, you will provide practical and emotional support to a care leaver, helping them build confidence, develop independence and navigate life's challenges.

Whether it's helping them access services, supporting them in achieving their goals, or simply being someone they can trust and talk to, your support can make a lasting difference.

We ask for a commitment of a few hours each month for a minimum of

12 months .

What you'll do

Depending on the role, you could

  • Build a trusted, positive relationship with a child, young person or care leaver.
  • Meet regularly for activities, outings and conversations.
  • Offer emotional support and encouragement.
  • Support young people to build confidence and independence.
  • Help young people access opportunities, services and support.
  • Promote their rights, wellbeing and aspirations.
  • Maintain brief records of meetings and activities. You don't need specific qualifications or previous experience.

We're looking for people who are

  • Good communicators.
  • Compassionate, reliable and non-judgemental.
  • Committed to supporting children and young people.
  • Able to respect and value individual wishes and feelings.
  • Comfortable completing basic online records and reports.
  • Willing to participate in training and ongoing support.
  • What you'll receive
  • Full training and ongoing support from a dedicated coordinator.
  • Regular supervision and volunteer support meetings.
  • Reimbursement of reasonable travel and activity expenses.
  • Opportunities to develop new skills and gain valuable experience.
  • The chance to make a lasting difference to the life of a vulnerable child or young person.

Requirements

  • Based in the UK.
  • Enhanced DBS check.
  • References and Digital Risk Assessment.
  • Completion of relevant training.
  • Ability to complete online tasks and reports.
  • Applicants for Side by Side must be aged

25+ .

Volunteer Quote

\"Volunteering with NYAS has reinforced my belief in the crucial role of community support in empowering the next generation.

Witnessing the positive changes and growth in the young person I support highlights the tangible impact that dedicated volunteers can have on building a brighter future for vulnerable individuals.\"

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We would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help ensure that children, young people and care leavers have someone by their side when they need it most.

Volunteer with NYAS: Independent Visitor & Side by Side Volunteer in Guildford employer: The National Youth Advocacy Service

At NYAS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. Our Birkenhead office offers a supportive work culture with flexible hybrid working arrangements, fostering employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values your contributions and is committed to compliance and excellence in legal services.

The National Youth Advocacy Service

Contact Details:

The National Youth Advocacy Service Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Volunteer with NYAS: Independent Visitor & Side by Side Volunteer in Guildford

Get Involved with Local Causes

Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.

Leverage Social Media for Social Impact

Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!

Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms

Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.

Apply Directly Through Our Website

When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!

We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer with NYAS: Independent Visitor & Side by Side Volunteer in Guildford

Good Communication Skills
Compassion
Reliability
Non-judgemental Attitude
Commitment to Supporting Children and Young People
Respect for Individual Wishes and Feelings
Ability to Complete Basic Online Records and Reports

Some tips for your application 🫡

Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like The National Youth Advocacy Service, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.

Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!

Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!

Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at The National Youth Advocacy Service.

How to prepare for a job interview at The National Youth Advocacy Service

Know Your Passion

Dive deep into the mission of The National Youth Advocacy Service and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.

Bring Your Skills to the Table

Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.

Get Ready for Scenario Questions

In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.

Show Your Commitment

Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!