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 skills, make a difference, and have your expenses covered.
- Other info: Flexible hours, training provided, and a chance to develop your social CV.
- Why this job: Be a positive influence in a young person's life and help them thrive.
- 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’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!
Youth Befriender - Independent Visitor Scheme - Newcastle
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 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 Newcastle. With a strong focus on community support and personal development, volunteers benefit from flexible hours, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to develop valuable skills while fostering positive relationships with those in need. Join us in creating a supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth Befriender & Mentor — Flexible Volunteer Role
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before you apply, spend some time researching NIACRO and their Independent Visitor Scheme. Understanding their mission and values will help you tailor your approach and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or past volunteers through social media or community groups. They can provide insider tips on what it’s really like to be a Youth Befriender and might even give you a heads-up on upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Be yourself during interviews! When you get the chance to chat with the team, let your personality shine through. They’re looking for someone who can connect with young people, so showing your authentic self is key.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview or any interaction, drop a quick thank-you message. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Youth Befriender & Mentor — Flexible Volunteer Role
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for helping young people shine through. We want to see why you care about making a difference in their lives and how your experiences align with the role.
Be Personal:Make sure to personalise your application. Share specific examples from your life that demonstrate your skills and experiences relevant to mentoring and befriending. This helps us get to know the real you!
Keep It Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. This makes it easier for us to understand your message and appreciate your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you can easily track your application status and find more opportunities that might interest you.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Now
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you understand what being a Youth Befriender & Mentor entails. Familiarise yourself with the Independent Visitor Scheme and think about how your experiences align with the responsibilities 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 challenges faced by 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
Think about the skills mentioned in the job description, like communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. Prepare examples from your past experiences that showcase these skills in action, especially in situations involving young people or community work.
