At a Glance
- Tasks: Be a positive influence for young people, supporting their personal and social development.
- Company: Volunteer Now, partnered with Be Collective, connecting volunteers in Northern Ireland.
- Benefits: Gain valuable skills, make a difference, and have your expenses reimbursed.
- Other info: Flexible hours, great for students looking to make an impact.
- Why this job: Empower young people while developing your own skills and making lasting connections.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for helping others.
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’s lots of great features to Be Collective like messaging, making a profile, and being able to compile 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!
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
Location & Hours
NIACRO Newcastle, UK Flexible - hours are based on your availability and other factors.
Youth Befriender & Mentor — Flexible Volunteer Role in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Volunteer Now
Volunteer Now, in partnership with Be Collective, offers a rewarding volunteering experience that empowers individuals to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people in Northern Ireland. With a strong focus on community support and personal development, volunteers benefit from a flexible commitment, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to develop valuable skills while fostering positive relationships. The inclusive work culture encourages collaboration and growth, making it an excellent choice for those looking to contribute to their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Befriender & Mentor — Flexible Volunteer Role in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Get your profile sorted on Be Collective! Make sure it highlights your skills and experiences that relate to youth work. A strong profile can really catch the eye of those looking for volunteers like us.
✨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 we act, the better our chances!
✨Tip Number 3
Networking is key! Reach out to other volunteers or organisations in the area. They might have insights or leads on roles that aren’t widely advertised yet. Plus, it’s a great way to build connections in the community.
✨Tip Number 4
When you get an interview or meeting, be yourself! Show your passion for supporting young people and share any relevant experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in making a positive impression.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Befriender & Mentor — Flexible Volunteer Role in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through. We want to see why you’re excited about becoming a Youth Befriender and how you can make a positive impact in their lives.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it’s volunteering, mentoring, or working with young people. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back!
Be Authentic:We’re looking for genuine individuals who can connect with young people. Be yourself in your application – share your story and what motivates you to volunteer. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:To make the process smooth, we encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. Plus, new opportunities pop up all the time, so keep checking back!
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Now
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand the Youth Befriender & Mentor role inside out. Familiarise yourself with the Independent Visitor Scheme and think about how your experiences align with the tasks and responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Show Your Passion for Volunteering
During the interview, express your genuine enthusiasm for working with young people and making a positive impact in their lives. Share any relevant experiences you've had in mentoring or supporting others, as this will demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving young people. Think of examples from your past where you've shown adaptability, problem-solving, or effective communication skills. This will help you illustrate your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, group supervision, or how success is measured in the role. This shows that you're engaged and serious about contributing to the team.
