At a Glance
- Tasks: Support and befriend young people, helping them grow through shared activities.
- Company: Volunteer Now and Be Collective, connecting volunteers with meaningful opportunities.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and make a real difference in young lives.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and reimbursement for expenses.
- Why this job: Be a positive influence and advocate for young people in need of support.
- Qualifications: Passion for youth support and commitment to regular meetings.
Volunteer Now has partnered with Be Collective to bring a dedicated online platform for volunteering to Northern Ireland. The platform supports volunteers through the volunteering process and helps connect more people with a wider range of opportunities.
Independent Visitors is a volunteer-led befriending and support service for young people with care experience in Belfast and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts, who have infrequent or poor-quality contact with a parent or guardian, are experiencing isolation or a significant transition in their lives. Each young person is matched with a volunteer for up to one year, with the possibility of extension which will be formally reviewed with your social worker.
Tasks and responsibilities
- To meet and befriend a young person aged up to 21 years, looked after by Health & Social Services Trusts.
- To act as a positive adult influence in the life of the young person, aiding their personal and social development through meeting them regularly and encouraging involvement in agreed shared activities.
- To keep brief records on visits with young people and return to the Project Worker.
- To feedback regularly to Senior Practitioner, giving priority to safeguarding children issues.
- Occasional attendance at group activity days.
- To operate as IV/IR volunteer in line with Niacro’s policies.
- To meet with the young person on a one-to-one basis and visit agreed public locations such as parks, sports centres and appropriate entertainment venues.
- The role will be a maximum commitment of 2-3 hours once a fortnight depending on the needs and wishes of the children/young people on the project.
- Must commit to attending training, group supervision and other scheduled required events as/when required.
- Be able to work with these young people to develop their agency and act as an advocate and positive influence in their lives.
- To attend “Looked After Children” (LAC) review meetings at various locations, if requested by the young person.
- Volunteers will be reimbursed out of pocket expenses incurred during their voluntary work.
Skills and experience gained
- Adaptability
- Advice & Guidance
- Advocacy
- Child Welfare
- Childcare
- Children's Support
- Communication Skills
- Community Development
- Mentoring
- Problem Solving
- Resilience
- Time Management
- Youth Services
Location: Bangor, UK. Flexible - hours are based on your availability and other factors.
Youth Befriending Volunteer — Mentoring & Support for Teens in Bangor employer: Volunteer Now
Volunteer Now, in partnership with Be Collective, offers a rewarding opportunity for individuals to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people in Belfast and South Eastern Health and Social Care Trusts. With a strong focus on community support, our volunteers benefit from a flexible commitment, comprehensive training, and the chance to develop valuable skills while fostering positive relationships that promote personal growth and social development. Join us in creating a supportive environment where every young person can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Befriending Volunteer — Mentoring & Support for Teens in Bangor
✨Tip Number 1
Get your profile sorted on Be Collective! Make sure it highlights your skills and experiences relevant to youth mentoring. A strong profile can catch the eye of those looking for volunteers like us.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you. Actively search for roles that resonate with your passion for supporting young people. The more you explore, the better your chances of finding the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Networking is key! Connect with other volunteers and professionals in the field. They might have insights or leads on opportunities that aren’t widely advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay engaged and follow up! If you’ve applied for a role, don’t hesitate to reach out and express your enthusiasm. A little persistence can go a long way in showing your commitment to making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Befriending Volunteer — Mentoring & Support for Teens in Bangor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through. We want to see why you care about making a difference in their lives and how your experiences have shaped that passion.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the Youth Befriending Volunteer role. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we’re looking for, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This helps us understand your qualifications quickly and easily.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you can check out other opportunities while you’re there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Now
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Youth Befriending Volunteer. Familiarise yourself with the Independent Visitor Scheme and think about how your skills can positively impact the lives of young people.
✨Share Personal Experiences
During the interview, don’t hesitate to share any relevant personal experiences or stories that demonstrate your ability to connect with young people. This could be from previous volunteering, mentoring, or even informal situations where you've supported someone in need.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can best contribute to the team and the young people you'll be working with.
✨Highlight Your Skills
Make sure to highlight key skills such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving during the interview. Relate these skills back to the tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job description to show you're a perfect fit for the role.
