Volunteering with children is great way to help educate and inspire future generations. There are vulnerable babies and children from all corners of the world whose health, education or general well-being is suffering. With the right time and energy, you have the opportunity to make a real difference to these children’s lives.
Being slightly older, you can bring useful knowledge and life experience to supportive roles within children’s charities and services.
You can choose whether you’d like to do volunteering with children directly or whether you prefer to work behind the scenes for a children’s service or charity. This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire and nurture future generations, and there are hundreds of ways to volunteer your time.
It is likely that you will need to undergo a DBS or disclosure check before you get started, to find out whether you have any previous criminal offences. But the cost of this is usually covered by whoever is employing you as a volunteer.
Roles working directly with children
Organisations such as Coram Beanstalk provide one-to-one literacy support to children across England who struggle with their reading ability and confidence. Becoming a Coram Beanstalk Reading Helper is a great way to make a difference to a child’s life and enjoy a rewarding volunteering experience. With Coram Beanstalk’s volunteer programmes, you’ll help three children on a one-to-one basis, twice a week, for at least 1 year. With your support, you’ll help them improve their reading ability, confidence and learn to love reading.
As a Helpline Volunteer, you could be answering calls and emails from vulnerable young people who need a listening ear, some kind words and/or further help and support. Charities such as NSPCC (Childline) answer calls 24 hours a day and by giving just 4 hours a week as a helpline volunteer, you could make a difference to so many children’s lives. Full training is provided, so you don’t need to worry about not knowing how to help a child at the other end of the phone.
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 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.
Charities
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, Corem Beanstalk
Volunteering in your local community
If you’d like to focus your time on working with children in your local community, speak to your local primary schools, nurseries and youth clubs to understand the types of opportunities available and get information on how to apply.
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