General Volunteer for Youth and Community Work

Join Our Youth and Community Team at Southend YMCA!

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people? Southend YMCA’s Youth and Community Team provides a safe and nurturing space for young people in Southend and Leigh to grow, express their concerns, and explore their passions. We focus on empowering young individuals to turn their ideas into reality, helping them voice their thoughts, develop essential skills, and enhance their well-being through awareness and support. Our youth clubs offer safe environments where young people can thrive.

Role Title: Volunteer for Youth and Community Work Department: Youth and Community Work Location: Southend & surrounding area Hours: 3-10 hours a week

Main Tasks / Responsibilities / Activities

As a Volunteer Youth Worker, you will:

• Support the provision of youth work activities in Southend and the surrounding areas, including youth clubs, workshops, local events, and creating an environment where young people can be heard.
• Develop relationships with young people in a relaxed and informal environment.
• Supervise young people during youth club activities, workshops, and discussion sessions.
• Assist with the registration of young people, track their progress and development, and provide mentoring support.
• Collaborate with other staff members to plan and evaluate youth sessions.
• Support the delivery of engaging activities.
• Perform data entry tasks as needed.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

We are looking for individuals who possess:

• Strong communication skills.
• A genuine interest in working with young people.
• The ability to engage effectively with youth.
• An open-minded and non-judgmental approach to supporting young people in their journey toward making informed decisions.
• The ability to use initiative and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Practical skills to assist with various activities.

Training / Support

• As a Volunteer Youth Worker, you will receive:
• A comprehensive Southend YMCA induction upon starting, including a tour of the department, team, and facilities.
• Induction training related to health and safety and safeguarding.
• Additional specialist training as required for the role.
• Ongoing support from your Supervisor and the rest of the team, with regular catch-up meetings to address any questions you may have.
• Opportunities to meet and network with staff and fellow volunteers throughout the year.

Additional Information

This role involves working with children, young people, and vulnerable adults and is therefore subject to an Enhanced Disclosure under the Disclosure and Barring Service. A risk assessment will be conducted before commencing volunteering with the YMCA.

We will require two references for this role. You will need to provide any relevant medical information. To learn more about our work in Youth Work, please visit:

• https://www.southendymca.org.uk/ • https://www.fyv-southend.org.uk

Join us in making a positive impact on the lives of young people!