If you want to support a charity for children or young people, why not volunteer to work directly with them? It’s a great way to help educate and inspire future generations. There are vulnerable babies, children and young adults from all corners of the world whose health, education or general well-being can be improved. With the right time and energy, you have the opportunity to make a real difference to these children’s lives.
When young people are going through a difficult time, they may not have anywhere to turn – not everyone has families to support them. Charities can give young people a place to turn, offering them kindness and hope. But, they can’t do this without support from volunteers – whether its through fundraising or direct contact with children and young people in need. Being slightly older, you can bring useful knowledge and life experience to supportive roles within children and young people’s charities.
There are hundreds of ways to volunteer your time.
Organisations such as Beanstalk enable volunteers to support children one-to-one with their literacy in Reading Helper roles. Training is provided and the role aims to give confidence to young children who may be due to start school, or who are school-age and struggling with reading. Teaching often requires you to commit to a minimum number of hours a week, for an agreed period to create a stable environment to unleash a child’s learning potential.
This role comes with a huge amount of responsibility but can be deeply rewarding. By becoming a foster carer, you could change and influence a child’s life for the better by giving them a safe, stable, loving environment while they await a permanent home. There are numerous agencies and charities who can assist you on your journey to becoming a foster parent, including The National Fostering Agency and UK Fostering. Give them a call to discuss your options, to help you decide if fostering is right for you.
As an Independent Visitor, you will befriend a young person in care and help them develop new hobbies, skills and interests. You’ll also accompany them on outings e.g. to the cinema, shopping, or to a museum. Independent Visitors are exactly that – they are completely independent of the care system, offering a young person time and care purely out of the goodness of their heart (as there’s no pay involved). The National Youth Advocacy Service is always looking for volunteers, as are local councils – contact yours today to find out more about available opportunities and how to apply.
With Home Start, you can support parents and children to have happier, more fulfilled lives. You will help families who are struggling in some way with their home life due to things such as bereavement, mental health, or single parenting. In most circumstances, you’ll spend a few hours a week engaging a family in positive activities e.g. a trip to the park or a painting session, to strengthen the bond between parent or child and/or give parents a break from the usual stresses and strains of everyday life. You may also provide emotional support if needed. By volunteering your time to help a family in need, you could change their lives for the better.
Are you an outgoing individual who is passionate about the welfare of children? Then consider volunteering your time in schools – giving assemblies and workshops that encourage children speak out against abuse. Charities such as NSPCC will equip you with all the information you need for the role, and you will usually deliver workshops and/or assemblies to at least two schools a month. Sign up today and you could make a huge difference to the lives of many children.
For more information on supporting children and young people in ‘behind the scenes’ roles, please click through to our, Charity Shop Work, Office & Admin and Fundraising pages or explore the range of charities below.
Save the Children, NSPCC, Barnardo’s, Plan International, Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, Teenage Cancer Trust, Children with Cancer UK, BBC Children in Need, Compassion UK, Beanstalk, Reach Out, UK Youth, Centre Point
If you’d like to focus your time on working with children and young people in your local community, speak to your local health services and youth clubs to understand the types of charity-run opportunities available and get information on how to apply.
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