Volunteering Vacancies

Volunteers will be working within our North East Pathway which specialises in working in communities where poverty and long-term unemployment have resulted in generations of social exclusion and high levels of homelessness.  Our supported accommodation consists of shared homes where support staff provide a safe environment for young people to stay in and develop skills for independent living.  We also provide support to young people in their own properties to help them maintain their tenancy.

All our young people are supported in accessing training, employment, education and opportunities to volunteer.

To offer support to young people to build their independent living skills, develop their confidence, and to provide support in day-to-day activities if required.  The role is varied and could involve various activities such as attending appointments with young people, helping them learn a new skill or simply going for a walk along the beach with them.  If you have any particular passion or skills that you would like to share, we will welcome your expertise.

Main Tasks:

• To support young people to identify their goals and aspirations
• Help support young people to develop their independent living skills
• Help young people with documentation e.g. form filling
• Accompany young people to appointments
• Support to plan and attend activities
• Share your expertise and put your existing skills and experience to beneficial use
• Regular liaison with staff to record and discuss your volunteering experience
• Provide feedback, updates and handovers on activity and share insights
• To attend Induction and support sessions
• To adhere to the terms of Depaul UK’s policies

This list is by no means exhaustive and is dependent upon our young people’s needs and requirements. There is no ‘one size fits all’ and we are sure you will have lots of fun meeting some fantastic young people whilst supporting our charity.

• Excellent communication skills and a friendly approach are essential and you must be reliable and committed to the work and values of Depaul UK. You must be respectful, empathetic, and patient.
• You must be able to travel independently within the North Tyneside area.
• Experience with MS Office is desirable as is previous experience working with young people although not essential.

Once you have applied to be a volunteer, you may need an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check and reference checks. We will then invite you to an interview.

All volunteers with receive an induction and an induction to specific roles and projects. Volunteers will be given access to learning and development opportunities in line with their role.

Activities and interactions with our young people would take place between Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, and we would expect you to be able to commit to at least one morning or afternoon per week, depending upon your availability.

If you have not been an active in your volunteering for 3 months, we will contact you to see if you wish to continue and if you have not been active for 6 months your volunteering role will be ended.  You could then re-apply for any volunteering at Depaul again going through the full volunteer recruitment process.

• Travel expenses to and from the project, travel between projects, and all genuine out-of-pocket expenses, are reimbursed.
• While volunteering at the project, volunteers have full liability insurance cover.
• There are appreciation events to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make
• Personal & professional development through training, support and ongoing evaluation
• Depaul can provide a reference after 6 months active continuous volunteering
• Contribute to a project that really does make a difference to the lives of young people.

• Project planning – work alongside Depaul UK staff to identify gardening projects that align with the needs and priorities of our accommodation facilities. Support with the development of project plans, including timelines, material and costings lists and safety protocols.
• Skills training – provide guidance and support to corporate volunteers, including briefing them on gardening techniques, safety procedures and project expectations. Ensure that volunteers have the necessary tools and resources to carry out their tasks effectively.
• Supervision and support – Oversee volunteers during the gardening activities, offering assistance and guidance as needed. Ensure that projects are completed to a high standard and in accordance with Depaul UK’s quality standards.
• Contribution and adherence – to attend all inductions and support sessions as necessary and to adhere to the term of Depaul UK’s policies. To contribute positively to the continuous development of the project/team and to observe clear professional boundaries with the young people living in Depaul UK supported accommodation services.

• Qualified or proven time served as a gardener with significant experience in the field
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to plan effectively
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and motivate volunteers from diverse backgrounds
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations, manual handling, working at height and COSHH certified, with a commitment to ensuring a safe working environment for volunteers
• Flexibility and adaptability to work with different corporate groups and accommodate varying schedules and preferences.

• Commitment for this role is fully flexible for the volunteer, we are very grateful for what can be offered. This volunteer will work with the fundraising team to decide the best way of planning volunteering sessions. e.g volunteer to give availability every month or to give certain days when can be contacted to organise an agreed volunteering session. Please state on the application form what days and times you are able to offer and what your flexibility is. The hours are not guaranteed every week as the hours depend on what tasks are needed as they arise.
• We ask that this volunteer has the skills and knowledge to complete jobs safely, is able to share this skill and knowledge with clients and other volunteers.
• If you have not been active in your volunteering for 3 months we will contact you to see if you wish to continue and if you have not been active for 6 months your volunteering role will be ended. You could then re-apply for any volunteering at Depaul again going through the full volunteer recruitment process.

• Opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of the young people we support
• Utilise your skills and expertise to support on meaningful volunteer projects and inspire others to give back to the community
• Travel expenses to and from the project, travel between projects, and all genuine out-of-pocket expenses, are reimbursed.
• While volunteering at the project, volunteers have full liability insurance cover.
• There are appreciation events to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make
• Forums every 12 weeks to get peer support from other volunteers and gain extra learning
• Flexibility in the role
• Personal & professional development through training, support and ongoing evaluation. Including potential opportunities offered to volunteers which may include core training for staff such as safeguarding etc. (these trainings can be added to your CV).
• Depaul UK can provide a reference after 6 months active continuous volunteering

All applicants who are offered volunteering may be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure & Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.