Volunteer at Independent People

Independent People support 16- to 25-year-olds who have faced or are facing homelessness in the South West. We house and support young people to build independent lives.

All our Volunteers are looked after as part of the VIP scheme. Our aim is to make sure everyone gets something out of your volunteering experience; you, us and the people we support.

Group Activities Volunteer – up to 4 hours a week

We have established a range of groups for young people to meet new people, build confidence, learn skills, get advice and socialise. This is an opportunity for individuals who have experience or interest in working with groups of young people aged 16-25 to volunteer their time to help support the running of a group alongside a colleague.

Supporting group activities involves taking part in activities, supporting young people to engage, including those who may be struggling during the session, and offering opportunities for young people to talk.

If you are looking to get into youth work, support work, social care, training and education then this is the perfect opportunity to get hands-on experience. We encourage opportunities for volunteers to co-produce/lead sessions, especially if you have skills or interests you are willing to share. 

We are seeking volunteers to support the following groups (please note in your application if there is a specific group you are interested in):

• “Circle of Sistas” – every Tuesday 5pm – 8pm (times can vary depending on activity) – women only. This is a Women-only group that was started by the young women we work with. The group offers a space to support the individual life experiences as young homeless women and encourages youth voice through confidence-building. It is young people led, and activities have included: theatre, attending Bristol Women’s Voice, yoga, arts & craft, seeing ballet performance.
• “Conversation Club” – Tuesdays 3:30pm – 5pm. Specifically to develop conversation skills for young people seeking asylum and refugee status. The group supports young people to become more familiar with speaking English as a second language. Topic of conversations help prepare young people for growth, independence and to find connection with the community e.g. talking about sport, starting college, cooking and meals. There is always something to eat together at the group.

Volunteers will be working closely and supervised by the Participation Team. Groups are based in our offices in Bristol, and some activities will require travelling in the community. 

Requirements:

• Interest in working with young people aged 16-25.
• A desire to support others who have faced challenges with mental health and wellbeing, and a willingness to engage with these topics.
• Able to commit for at least three months, usually once a week.
• Completion of an enhanced DBS check, two references, and a commitment to safeguarding (training will be given).
• Enjoys being in group environments.
• A commitment to liaising with 1625ip colleague/facilitator. This includes setting-up and feedback / debrief (which will add approx. 30mins each side of the group time).
• A commitment to adhering to 1625ip’s volunteering, equal opportunities and data protection policies, including following the code of conduct, retaining boundaries, and confidentiality.

Key skills:

• Ability to communicate well, empathise with others, and encourage engagement.
• An open and non-judgemental attitude.
• Ability to listen to youth voice and advocate for young people’s experiences.
• Enjoys teamwork and working alongside others.
• Good timekeeping and is reliable and consistent.
• Ability to share ideas without pushing personal agenda.
• Ability to use initiative.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Organised.

Desirable:

• Creative and have skills to share.
• Lots of ideas (or experience) for encouraging young people to engage.

• Similar lived experiences as the young people we support:
  • Homelessness
  • Substance misuse
  • Mental health challenges
  • Being a care-leaver, or involvement with social care
  • Offending
  • The benefits system
  • Barriers to accessing education and training
  • Young parenthood/pregnancy
  • Being a refugee or asylum seeker

We find that lived experience gives the young people we work with the opportunity to engage with others that are able to identify with them and share how they have managed in similar situations.

We offer:

• An Enhanced DBS check.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel, will be available.
• Full training and induction at the start of your volunteering and regular supervision is offered throughout to support you in the role.
• The opportunity to grow your skills by working alongside an experienced colleague and attending other training offered by 1625ip.
• An opportunity to enhance your CV with experience of working with young people.
• References available for future employment (after six months of volunteering).