Swindon Trailblazer is an early help mental health service for children and young people between the ages of 5-19 years within Swindon.
The service offers individual and group support to young people with mild to moderate mental health issues including anxiety, low mood, phobias, difficulty with anger, self-esteem and behavioural difficulties. The team delivers low intensity CBT interventions, parent-led CBT, group support, parenting programmes, and consultation for school staff.
Our Outreach Team works within the community to raise awareness of mental health issues and promote healthy mental wellbeing. They also help children, young people and families, who might otherwise find it difficult to access mental health support, by introducing them to other local professionals, charities and organisations.
We are looking for volunteers to support with:
- Planning and organising group activities, which take into consideration age, abilities and interests of members.
- Setting up group activities in advance and clearing away afterwards, some of these activities may be provided online. This might include preparing refreshments/snacks, organising the layout of the room, preparing resources and tidying the room after the group.
- Assisting children and young people to improve their self-confidence, develop social skills, and build positive relationships focusing on the five steps to mental well-being.
- Role modelling positive behaviour and interactions during sessions.
- Collating and evaluating feedback from children, young people and parents.
- Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.
- Participating fully in training and supervision.
Volunteering within Barnardo's Basis and Values.
- Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.
- Approachable and welcoming.
- Passion, enthusiasm, compassion, understanding and having an open minded approach.
- Being passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, young people and families.
- Preferably have some experience of working with children, young people and families
Barnardo’s offers:
- Full induction and training.
- Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role.
- Regular supervision and support.
- Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance.
- Access to the Barnardo’s internal vacancy listing.
- Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children’s charity.
You will not be expected to complete all hours stated and we will be able to work around your availability – we will run larger projects during school holiday’s (Easter and Summer).