Volunteers with children and young people
What does it involve?
Barnardo’s has around 370 projects across the UK, each working with children and young people to help them overcome poverty, abuse or disadvantage.
Where the issue affects parents and siblings too, our projects also work with the whole family. Barnardo’s projects cover a vast range of issues including disability, playschemes for deprived areas, young carers, fostering and adoption, sexual exploitation and leaving local authority care. Activities undertaken by volunteers include befriending and mentoring, helping to run playschemes and day trips and acting as advocates. Depending on what services Barnardo's offers locally to you, your volunteering could involve supporting parents, children, young people or a family.
Many of our projects rely on volunteers to run their activities and benefit hugely from the personal and life experiences that a volunteer brings. Volunteering with children and young people can be rewarding, challenging and fun. One thing is for sure, it is never dull! Let two of our current volunteers tell you in their own words or search for current volunteering opportunities with children and young people.
In their own words
"I help out with two Barnardo’s playschemes, the ‘Sparkle Group’ for children with learning difficulties and the ‘siblings group’ for brothers and sisters of disabled children. Along with the project leader I organise games, play and workshops for the children. Vounteering is really enjoyable and has changed my views on disability. Volunteering has given me experience of the working world and improved my career prospects for after university". Marzan
"My name is Valerie, and I have been a volunteer befriender with Barnardo’s for just over 3 years. I have befriended a 15-year-old girl, and have had immense pleasure watching her grow from being a shy insecure child to a confident young woman.
She has faced many challenges in her young life, and will continue to do so, but I believe I have been instrumental in showing her alternative ways in which she can deal with difficult situations. We have fun times, quiet times and, sometimes, awkward times, but whatever we do they are always valuable times for both of us. I am certain that both of our lives have been made far richer by knowing one another". Valerie
