Mentor - supporting young people aged 0-25 with autism and/or a leaning disability
at Barnardos
Role Description
We are looking for volunteers, with a passion for making a difference in people’s lives, with a friendly and approachable attitude and an ability to engage young people and adults, empowering them to take steps towards improving their situation and achieving their goals.
The Greater Manchester Keyworker Team works across all Greater Manchester, supporting young people with autism and/or a learning disability. These young people are, or have been, at risk of going into an inpatient setting due to their mental health. The service provides each family with a Keyworker, who creates a crucial care package to support the individual away from high risk and moving towards stability. As a volunteer, you will be introduced as a young person begins the work of re-integrating themselves into their community, education, and preferred activities.
Activities that you may do can vary from:
Support with travel
Attending social events/clubs/activities
Accessing a young person's special interest
Emotional support and guidance
You will also need to navigate our Vol 1 E-Platform to record your hours.
We would ask that you are available for 4-6 hours a month, over a minimum period of 12 months – the specifics of this will vary from family to family and can be discussed at interview. Plus, additional time for training and supervision.
All our young people have a diagnosis of autism, and/or a learning disability. As a service, we champion the diverse range of communication styles, behaviour presentations and sensory needs that diagnosis brings. Therefore, as a volunteer you will be provided with training to prepare you to recognize and adapt your support style to meet these needs. This is a great opportunity to learn a lot about neurodiversity, through robust training and direct experience. You will need to join us with an open heart and mind.
PLEASE NOTE:
We are in particular need of male volunteers, as we have many young men in our service looking for a male peer to guide them.
Drivers are often easier for us to match with young people. If you are not a driver and we cannot find a match, we will help you explore other great volunteering opportunities within our service or across Barnardo’s.
You must be residing in the UK to apply for this role.
Type of Activity: Ongoing, In person volunteering
Suitability: Suitable for 18 year olds and over
Time commitment
4-6 hours per month, for a minimum of 12 months
Benefit to the volunteer
- 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 receive
Induction and training, Regular support supervision, Volunteer Handbook, Travel expenses, Food expenses, Volunteer policy
Inclusion Statement: At Barnardo’s, we believe that diverse teams bring a richness of experience, insight, and creativity that helps us better serve the children, young people and families we support.
- Approachable and welcoming.
- The ability to empathise with children, who may be facing difficult times in their lives.
- Awareness of factors impacting on and issues facing young people (e.g .Disadvantage, poverty, disabilities, health conditions including mental health).
- Being passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, young people and families
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