Become an adult volunteer with Essex Youth Service

Apply to be a volunteer

Volunteer with us - become an Adult Volunteer youth worker

Are you ready to be part of something enriching and rewarding working directly with young people? We're on the lookout for enthusiastic and engaging adult volunteers to help make our programmes happen for young people!

As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in creating an inspiring, energetic and supportive atmosphere helping bring our programmes to life for young people aged between 13 and 25 years old. You will contribute to the development and delivery of a programme of imaginative activities, encouraging young people to participate, develop their skills and understand others and the world around them.

To apply to be a volunteer you must be aged 18 years and over.

Available volunteer roles

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award - youth centre based sessions at either Brentwood, Chelmsford or Colchester. And/or expedition based at bronze, silver or gold level. Read more about DofE specific volunteer roles

BeMe Project – Wednesdays 5.45-8.15pm at Basildon Youth Hub (Town Centre) – BeMe is a project for young people from the Black, minority ethnic community. We engage in cooking, music-trending topics and cultural conversations

Queer Crusaders – Tuesdays 6-8.15pm at Basildon Youth Hub (Town Centre). Queer Crusaders is a group for young people from the LGBTQ+ Community. We engage in activities relating to LGBTQ+ as well as cooking and pool. A counsellor is available for young people to access funded by Basildon Pride.

Endeavour SEND Youth Group – Tuesdays 6.15-8.45pm at Brentwood Youth Centre. Endeavour SEND group is for young people aged 13-25 with special needs. We engage in cooking and arts and crafts.

Shine Youth Group – Thursdays 5.45-8.15pm at Rayleigh Youth Centre. Shine Youth Group is for young people at secondary school, they engage in various activities including cooking, pool and table tennis.

Who are we looking for?

Dynamic, curious and engaging personalities who are interested in, and enjoy spending time and talking with young people. Hard working and compassionate individuals who will get stuck in to activities with young people. And help support them during challenging times.

The skills you need

Enthusiasm and a smile
A can-do attitude
Responsibility and reliability
Good communication skills
Friendly and approachable
A collaborative spirit
Flexibility and adaptability to changing situations
Compassionate and empathetic to young people and their lives
Commitment to challenging prejudice and ignorance
Able to build relationships and relate well to young people
Able to motivate young people and facilitate young people’s learning - to achieve desired outcomes of the session
Facilitate young people to take self responsibility to make their own decisions
Willingness to dig deep and work hard when those around you are may need more support
Numerate and literate
DofE Award related - DofE/Outdoor/Expedition skills ideally, but these can be learnt

What's in it for you?

We want you to get the most out of your volunteering experience. We will ask you at the start of your journey what you want to get out of volunteering with us. You will experience:

Relevant year-round training opportunities
An enjoyable and supportive workplace
An environment where you are listened to and have a say
Working with young people
Being part of our core team
What being a youth worker is like - perhaps it's a way to see if its the career for you