Youth Helper – Sea Turtles (Ages 5–10 SEND Club) – Apply if aged 18+

Youth Helper – Sea Turtles (Ages 5–10 SEND Club) – Apply if aged 18+

Posted for Sirens & Sparkles

Posted by Bexley Voluntary Service Council

Register your interest

You will be redirected to the Bexley Voluntary Service Council website to express your interest.

Join Sirens & Sparkles as a Youth Helper supporting our Sea Turtles club for children aged 5–10.

Youth Helpers volunteer alongside Youth Leaders and the wider Sirens & Sparkles team to help provide fun, structured and inclusive club sessions where children can develop confidence, independence, friendships and practical skills.

You may help prepare and deliver activities, support children to participate in ways appropriate to their abilities and communication needs, encourage members as they work towards badges and awards, and help create a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment.

Our programme includes first aid, safety, communication, healthy living, creativity, problem solving, adventure, everyday life skills and community activities.

Our members may have a wide range of abilities, communication styles and support needs. Some may experience sensory overload, distress, emotional dysregulation or behaviours that challenge. Volunteers will receive appropriate training, guidance and support.

Personal care

Some members may require personal-care support, which could include assistance with toileting, changing nappies or continence products, or other personal-care needs.

Providing personal care is completely optional. Volunteers will not be expected to provide personal care simply because they are aged 18+. Only volunteers who have specifically agreed that they are comfortable providing personal care and have received appropriate training and guidance will undertake these tasks. Personal care will be provided in accordance with Sirens & Sparkles First Aid CIC's safeguarding and personal-care procedures.

About the Youth Helper role

Youth Helper is a supporting role. Being aged 18+ does not automatically mean you will be expected to become a Youth Leader, supervise other volunteers or take responsibility for running club sessions.

There may be opportunities to progress to a Youth Leader role or take on additional responsibilities in the future if you wish and when appropriately trained, experienced and confident.

Experience of supporting children with SEND is desirable but not essential. We are looking for people who are patient, reliable, understanding and willing to learn.

Full induction, training, guidance and ongoing support will be provided.

This is a voluntary, unpaid role for applicants aged 18+.

What skills do I need?

Previous experience of supporting children with SEND is desirable but not essential. This may come from employment, volunteering, education, caring responsibilities or lived experience.

We are looking for volunteers who are patient, reliable, understanding and willing to learn. You should be comfortable working as part of a team and supporting children with a range of abilities, communication styles and support needs.

Depending on your experience, training and confidence, you may support children individually (1:1) or in small groups during activities. You should be able to encourage participation and independence, communicate effectively and remain calm if a child becomes distressed, overwhelmed or displays behaviours that challenge.

Good communication, teamwork and organisational skills are helpful. You should be willing to follow guidance from Youth Leaders and volunteer within your agreed role, training and level of responsibility. You will not be expected to undertake responsibilities outside your training, experience or agreed role.

You do not need to be an expert in SEND or youth work to apply. Full induction, training, guidance and ongoing support will be provided.