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Become a Community Ambassador

Barnardo’s Community Ambassadors are trained volunteers who deliver inspiring talks across the UK. They raise awareness of the importance of believing in all children, regardless of who they are and what they have been through.

Our Community Ambassadors speak with schools, universities, businesses, youth groups, religious places of worship, service organisations, and community groups about the vital work of Barnardo’s, inspiring them to take action. Our Ambassadors are the face of Barnardo’s in their local communities, helping raise awareness of our life-changing work.

Barnardo’s ambition is to provide the best outcome for every child - no matter who they are or what they have been through. In these challenging times, we believe there are more children suffering in silence than ever. This is why we need you.

Read our volunteer role description for full details. Please note, you must be aged 18 or over to apply to become a Community Ambassador.

Applications for our next cohort are currently closed, however this will reopen early 2023.

To get updated when Community Ambassador applications open

Everything you need to know!

What does a Barnardo’s Community Ambassador do?

Our Community Ambassadors organise and deliver inspiring talks and workshops to schools, faith groups, service organisations, youth groups and more across the UK. Our Ambassadors inspire people to take action locally in support of our vital work.

A big part of the role is carrying out research into community groups, schools and businesses in your area, so that you can contact them to offer your services as a speaker. Through your talks, you will engage and inspire support for Barnardo’s and encourage involvement in our fundraising initiatives.

What do Community Ambassadors commit to?

Ambassadors will commit as much or as little time as they can to the role. However, it would be desirable for Ambassadors to spend a minimum of five hours per month researching and contacting organisations in their local community. In return, they receive bespoke training for their role, in-depth knowledge of Barnardo’s vital work, presentation resources, travel expenses, and one-to-one support from their Volunteer Manager. Please read our volunteer role description for full details.

Why do you need me?

Barnardo’s ambition is to provide the best outcome for every child - no matter who they are or what they have been through. Our aim is to be ready to support every child who needs us, and keep our promise to believe in every child. In these challenging times, we believe there are more children suffering in silence than ever. This is why we need you.

As a Barnardo’s Ambassador, you will play a key role in raising awareness of our vital work, and promoting the charity to schools, community organisations, corporate partners and local groups, so we can raise vital funds to ensure that no child is left behind.

What’s in it for me?

Our volunteers tell us of the sense of personal achievement they feel through volunteering locally for an established national charity, helping to raise awareness of the issues faced by vulnerable children and families across the UK. You will have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends in your community, as well as becoming part of an influential, UK-wide volunteering network. You will get the chance to develop your public speaking and research skills, as well as to enhance your knowledge of your local community. And, last but by no means least, you’ll be helping give the UK’s most vulnerable children a brighter future.

How do I become a Community Ambassador?

Please read our Community Ambassador volunteer role description, and if you think this would suit you, register your interest. 

I would like to become a Barnardo’s Volunteer, but I don’t think this role is for me – what should I do?

If you are interested in volunteering with the Fundraising Team, but don't think this role suits you, please get in touch with us on [email protected] or on 0208 550 8822 - we will try and find a role to suit you and your skillset!

You can also see other current volunteer vacancies at Barnardo's.