At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and manage fun activities for autistic individuals, helping them build confidence and connections.
- Company: Lifeworks North Staffs, a supportive community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, travel expenses covered, and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Other info: Flexible volunteering schedule with opportunities to introduce new activities.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help autistic people thrive through engaging community activities.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, with experience in managing groups and strong communication skills.
Help make a life-changing difference for autistic people. Lifeworks North Staffs is looking for passionate volunteers aged 18+ to help run activities for autistic people across North Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands. Many of our clients are bright and capable but can experience isolation due to difficulties with social interaction and interpretation. Our activities provide a safe, friendly environment where people can build confidence, make connections, and spend time with others who understand the challenges they face.
What the Role Involves
As an Activity Volunteer, you will help support and manage group activities for our clients. Activities take place Monday to Saturday during the daytime and are held throughout North Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands. Typically, volunteers support around two outings per month, with each activity lasting approximately half a day. Recent activities have included:
- Archery
- Cycling at Westport Lake
- Mini golf
- Pool
- Activities at Kidsgrove Sports Centre
Most activities take place in Newcastle-under-Lyme, where our office is based. We are always keen to explore new ideas and welcome volunteers who would like to introduce new activities and venues once they become familiar with the role. Travel and reasonable role expenses will be reimbursed.
Who We're Looking For
- Aged 18 or over
- Confident managing and supporting groups of people
- Friendly, reliable, and patient
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Interested in helping autistic people become more connected within their communities
Previous experience of managing people is required for this role.
About Lifeworks North Staffs
Established in 2006, Lifeworks supports over 1,000 clients and 400 carers across North Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands. We support people aged 14+ living with:
- Autism
- ADHD
- Dyspraxia
- Tourette's Syndrome
Many of the people we support also experience mental health challenges. Our services include:
- Social interpretation (advocacy)
- One-to-one appointments
- Life coaching
- Activities and drop-ins
- Carers' groups
- Befriending services
If you'd like to help autistic people build confidence, friendships, and independence through enjoyable community activities, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact us for more information.
Activities Volunteer employer: Vast Services: Investing in communities
Lifeworks North Staffs is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a life-changing difference for autistic individuals in North Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands. With a supportive and friendly work culture, volunteers are encouraged to bring their ideas to life while gaining valuable experience in community engagement and personal development. The organisation offers flexible volunteering opportunities, reimburses travel expenses, and fosters a sense of belonging akin to a family, making it a rewarding place to contribute and grow.
Contact Details:
Vast Services: Investing in communities Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Activities Volunteer
✨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 Activities Volunteer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like Vast Services: Investing in communities, 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 Vast Services: Investing in communities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vast Services: Investing in communities
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of Vast Services: Investing in communities 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!
