“If I’m having a bad day the children always put a smile on my face.”

Across the UK, Barnardo’s supports thousands of children and young people to feel safer, healthier, and more hopeful. But we can’t do it alone. Our work is only possible thanks to volunteers who give their time, warmth, and energy to support children, young people, and their families in a wide range of ways.

If you’re interested in volunteering with children and young people, we have lots of different ways you can get involved - from roles that involve direct support the children themselves, to important positions where you support families or help behind the scenes. Every role makes a difference.

To inspire you to think about volunteering with children or young people, we thought we’d introduce you to two volunteer roles, Befriender and Group Helper, to give you a taste of how you could make a difference.

We offer a range of services across the country, so these specific roles might not be available in your area, but check our volunteering portal to find out about opportunities near you.

Befrienders spend quality one-on-one time with a young person who may need a consistent, trusted adult in their life. These relationships can boost confidence, encourage learning, and offer emotional support, which is especially important for children and young people who may be going through difficult times.

Perfect for: Good listeners, sense of fun, patient people, who can commit regularly.

Focus: Building trust, confidence, and life skills over time.

Many young people, especially those in the care system, often have caring people around them, but can sometimes miss out on the kind of stable, long-term relationships that help build a strong sense of belonging. Other children who may be feeling lost at school or have a sibling with additional needs may not often have the chance to be the centre of attention. Befrienders help address this by doing activities with a child or young person and developing a relationship with them. They become a dependable presence who can share positive experiences, listen without judgment, and help the young person navigate challenges.

This role can be incredibly rewarding as you watch the young person grow in confidence, develop new skills, and feel valued simply because you’ve chosen to be there for them. Befrienders often say that while they give their time and attention, the connection they receive in return brings immense joy and fulfilment.

Matthew volunteered as a befriender. He’s spent time playing football, walking in the park, and building dens with a young person, but a favourite memory is taking him to play laser tag. “I thought it would be a fun activity for the two of us to do, but when we got there he was really nervous and wasn’t sure. With encouragement he decided to give it a go and within five minutes he was having the best time of his life. After that he wanted to do it every week!”

We run children’s groups across the country, ranging from stay-and-play sessions for parents and toddlers, to specialised groups for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as well as groups for young carers. These groups provide a safe and welcoming space for children to play, learn, and simply enjoy being kids, while offering parents and carers valuable time to rest or take care of other commitments.

As a group helper, you could support the smooth running of these sessions, helping set up activities, encouraging children to join in, and supporting their participation. Your involvement helps create a warm, inclusive environment where everyone feels safe and valued.

Perfect for: Somebody with empathy, patience and kindness.  Somebody who is willing to listen and to learn from the families who engage with the service. 

Focus: Supporting play, encouraging social interaction, and providing a positive, fun experience for children and their families.

Volunteering as a group helper is flexible - you can commit to a couple of hours a week, or more if you have the time. It’s a great way to make a real difference locally, meet new people, and see first hand how quality support can transform lives.

Volunteering with children and young people can be one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. Whether you’re able to give a few hours a week or more, your time and kindness can create lasting positive change. If you’re ready to make a difference and put a smile on the faces of children and young people, we’d love to hear from you.