At a Glance
- Tasks: Be a positive influence and mentor for young people in care, meeting regularly for fun activities.
- Company: Volunteer Now and NIACRO, dedicated to supporting youth through volunteering.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, make a difference, and have your expenses covered.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Empower young people while developing your own skills and making lifelong connections.
- 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. There are many great features to Be Collective like messaging, making a profile, and compiling all your experiences, training and roles as well as the skills gained within a social CV. You can search and apply for volunteer roles below. If you can’t find anything you like at the moment – register now, then check back soon – new opportunities are added all the time!
NIACRO WHAT IS THE INDEPENDENT VISITOR SCHEME?
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
NIACRO Belfast, UK Flexible - hours are based on your availability and other factors.
Youth Mentor & Befriender — Flexible Volunteer Role in Belfast employer: Volunteer Now
NIACRO is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people in Belfast. With a strong commitment to volunteer support and development, NIACRO fosters a collaborative work culture that values adaptability and personal growth. Volunteers benefit from flexible hours, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to develop vital skills while making a positive difference in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Mentor & Befriender — Flexible Volunteer Role in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Get your profile sorted on Be Collective! Make sure it highlights your skills and experiences that relate to mentoring and youth support. A strong profile can really catch the eye of those looking for volunteers.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t just wait for opportunities to come to you. Regularly check the platform for new roles and apply as soon as you see something that fits. The sooner you apply, the better your chances!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with other volunteers and mentors! Join discussions or forums on Be Collective to connect with like-minded people. They might have tips or know about roles that aren’t widely advertised.
✨Tip Number 4
Be proactive in your approach. If you find a role that interests you, don’t hesitate to reach out to the project coordinators for more info. Showing enthusiasm can set you apart from other applicants!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Mentor & Befriender — Flexible Volunteer Role in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for mentoring shine through! We want to see why you care about supporting young people and how you can make a positive impact in their lives.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have that relates to youth work or volunteering. We love seeing how your background can contribute to the role, so don’t hold back on sharing those stories!
Be Yourself:We’re looking for genuine individuals who can connect with young people. So, don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for a smooth process. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to see your application come through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Now
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Youth Mentor & Befriender. Familiarise yourself with the Independent Visitor Scheme and think about how your experiences align with the tasks outlined in the job description.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a positive impact on young people's lives. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to youth support and advocacy. Let your passion shine through!
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation, the team, and the specific needs of the young people you'll be working with. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Make sure to emphasise skills like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving during the interview. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully used these skills, especially in mentoring or support roles.
