Volunteer with us!
If you are here, perhaps you already volunteer and provide great activities for young people in Essex. Or perhaps you’re considering volunteering? Either way, thank you. Without volunteers, the huge range of opportunities for young people in Essex wouldn’t be available.
As a Youth Service, we are extremely passionate about making sure all young people in Essex have access to good quality opportunities and activities. Places to take part in activities which will develop them as people. Working with people who believe they can bring out the best in them.
Volunteers make a massive difference to young people’s lives, whether they are running sports, opening a youth club, fundraising, sitting on a committee, helping young people be creative or making hot chocolate and having a chat. Volunteers in Essex brings enthusiasm and passion to their work with young people.
It’s important to us that our volunteers reflect the communities they live in. We welcome all ages, ethnicities and personal histories. Young people’s experiences are all unique and it’s helpful for them to talk to people from different backgrounds.
So how can we support your volunteering?
This is some of the ways we support volunteers:
- Providing a wide range of training, from introductions, safeguarding, mental health, or nationally recognised qualifications
- DBS checks
- Groop – online website, sample policies and guides, space for online activities and a database so you can email all your attendees easily
Volunteer opportunities
There’s a wide range of activities you could get involved in, such as:
- Running general activities in a youth club
You could be helping young people make decorations at Christmas, cards for Father’s Day, making drinks or toasties, playing table tennis or other games, or chatting with a young person about their day.
- Running activities for SEND young people.
The same as the above for young people with additional needs. Could also include developing independent living skills or organising a trip to the Panto.
- Detached youth work.
Much of our work with young people is out in the parks and towns where young people congregate. Providing them with someone to talk to and something for them to do.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award Programme
- Support young people on their Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE Award journey
Committees
Not everyone on a committee has to take notes or be responsible for the finances. Local knowledge, an interest in the wellbeing of young people and an ability to learn about the project are just as important.
We have opportunities across the whole of Essex, just contact youthvolunteers@essex.gov.uk
Training
We offer a short Introduction to Youth Work course, as well as a range of other training including First Aid, Safeguarding, Mental Health First Aid and nationally recognised qualifications.
Under 18 and interested in volunteering?
We have lots of opportunities available for you. Take a look at our webpage for young volunteers page or contact youthvolunteers@essex.gov.uk
We would love to hear from you.
Like us? Follow us
We like to let people know about the work we and our volunteers are doing.