Big Totton Summer Help Out! - Activities Volunteer

Big Totton Summer Help Out! - Activities Volunteer

Posted for Fluid Motion Theatre Company

Posted by Volunteer First

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Fluid Motion is an award winning arts organisation and Charity based in Totton, New Forest. We use theatre and creative activity to improve the mental health and wellbeing of people in Totton and the surrounding area, specifically those from disadvantaged groups and in deprived communities. We do this from our Creative Support Hub in Totton Shopping Centre. 

We exist ‘To advance the arts for public benefit by the promotion in particular, but not exclusively, of the art of drama; and to promote the use of the arts to improve people’s mental health or wellbeing.’

Our purpose is ‘To use theatre and creative activity as a tool to improve people’s mental health and wellbeing.’

In May 2024, Fluid Motion launched a creative support hub for Children and Young People (CYP) aged 7-18 in Totton. Located in an old retail unit in the town's shopping precinct.

In our first five months, we welcomed 292 CYP, with 105 referred to previously unknown services. Remarkably, 86% reported feeling better emotionally, surpassing the national average of around 70% for similar creative wellbeing interventions. Additionally, 73% of those we engaged with come from deprived areas as per the Indices of Multiple Deprivation, and 57% are on educational support plans.

The aims and outcomes of our hub include:

• Providing a safe space and activities for CYP feeling lost or overwhelmed.
  
• Delivering friendly, professional support and a listening service in a non-clinical setting.
  
• Nurturing confidence in CYP to return to education.
  
• Delivering mental health support that offers new coping strategies.
  
• Assisting local health and third-sector partners with early intervention to prevent later, more costly support.
  
• Encouraging positive community participation among CYP.
  
• Utilising arts activities to unlock the creative potential in every child and young person.
  
• Building the case for the positive impact of arts and creative activities on CYP's health and wellbeing.

What skills do I need?

We’re looking for volunteers to join our small, friendly team at Fluid Motion to help with our weekly and holiday activities.

The ideal volunteer will have experience of working with children, a DBS will be an advantage but we can arrange for this to take place should the volunteer not already have one in place. 

Sessions take place at our Creative Hub in Totton. 

Skills required:

• Previous experience of working with children and young people.
• Good communication skills – Able to talk confidently with children and young people, listen actively, and explain activities clearly.
• Positive, encouraging attitude – Creating a safe, supportive space where participants feel comfortable taking creative risks.
• Empathy and patience – Understanding that young people may express themselves differently, need time to settle, or experience anxiety.
• Non-judgmental approach – Allowing participants to express themselves freely.
  
• Supportive of mental health needs – Understanding that creativity can be therapeutic and that young people may attend for wellbeing reasons.
  
• Respect for lived experience – Valuing young people’s voices and helping them feel empowered.
• Reliability and punctuality – Essential for building trust with young people and staff.
• Teamwork – Comfort working alongside facilitators, other volunteers, and support staff.