Looking after someone is a pretty amazing thing to do, but it can also be a lot to take on, especially as a young person. Young carers help care for family members that need extra help due to old age, illness, disability, mental health problems or addiction.
Young Carer Volunteers will provide support to our staff in the delivery of a range of fun activities to help young carers meet other children and take a break from their caring responsibilities.
What you will do
Your responsibilities can vary as a Young Carer Volunteer, depending on the type of activity you support. You will primarily help young carers to take time for themselves, connect with others and above all, have fun! Common tasks you can expect to take on are outlined below.
Support activities
There's lots of ways to get stuck in, like encouraging young carers to take part or helping those that may need additional support. There's also practical tasks like organising, taking a register and helping clear away equipment at the end.
Create a safe space
Work with staff to ensure children and young people are safe and behave appropriately and in line with our Young Carer Code of Conduct.
Be part of the journey
Supervise children and young people on transport to and from activities, usually via a minibus or coach.
Please note, for this role you will be required to provide character references and complete a Disclosure and Barring Service check. These will be organised with you, by The Carers’ Centre once you are accepted.
About you
You are a friendly and approachable person with excellent communication skills, that can build positive relationships with young people, staff and other volunteers. It is not essential to have previous experience of working with children and young people but it would be beneficial if you have been involved in youth work, schools or clubs. We offer a range of activities throughout the year at various locations so a basic level of physical fitness and the ability to travel to local transport pick-up locations would be required.
Why join us?
There are lots of amazing reasons to volunteer for a charity. You might feel like you want to give back to your local community, meet new people or gain a new skill. You can do all this and more at The Carers' Centre.
Volunteers are vital to our work in helping unpaid carers, we pledge to provide you with ongoing support throughout your time with us as a volunteer, you will be provided with a full induction and by joining us you will be making a difference to the lives of unpaid carers.
We will, of course, reimburse any out-of-pocket expenses to support you in your role.
Hear from young carers
Charlie and Becca share what it's like to look after someone as a young person.
Want to know more about this role?
Our friendly team are on hand to let you know all about our exciting volunteer opportunities and how you can apply.
Latest opportunities
Whether you can give the odd hour here or there, or can commit to a more regular role, there are many opportunities to get involved with The Carers’ Centre.