Session Support Volunteer

Session Support Volunteer

Posted for Be You Project

Posted by Volunteer Centre West Berkshire

Register your interest

You will be redirected to the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire website to express your interest.

Bloom AP provides a safe, supportive and nurturing learning environment for girls and young women who may find mainstream education difficult to access.

Our young people may be neurodivergent and/or experience anxiety, emotional or social needs, school avoidance or other barriers to attending mainstream education. We provide practical, creative, outdoor and nature-based learning opportunities that help young people develop confidence, wellbeing, relationships and independence.

We are looking for friendly, reliable and enthusiastic Session Volunteers to support our team during sessions at Bloom AP.

As a Session Volunteer, you will provide an extra pair of helping hands to support the staff team and help create a calm, welcoming and positive environment for our young people.

You might be helping with an activity, supporting a young person to get involved, preparing materials, helping with practical tasks or simply being a positive and encouraging adult presence.

The role is about building positive relationships, encouraging participation and helping young people feel safe, valued and able to be themselves.

Volunteers will always work under the direction of the Bloom AP staff team and will not be expected to provide teaching, therapy or individual support unless specifically agreed and appropriately supervised.

As a Session Volunteer, you may be involved in:

• Helping to prepare the learning environment, resources and activities before sessions.
• Welcoming young people and helping them to feel comfortable when they arrive.
• Supporting practical, creative, outdoor, nature-based and wellbeing activities.
• Encouraging young people to participate in activities at their own pace.
• Providing positive encouragement and being a calm, friendly and supportive presence.
• Supporting young people with practical tasks, where appropriate and under the direction of staff.
• Helping with activities involving animals, gardening, cooking, crafts or other practical projects, where appropriate.
• Helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
• Following the guidance and boundaries set by the Bloom AP staff team.
• Supporting staff with setting up and tidying away at the end of sessions.
• Taking part in any appropriate briefings or debriefs with the staff team.
• Maintaining confidentiality and respecting the privacy and dignity of young people at all times.
• Following Be You Project/ Bloom AP's safeguarding, health and safety and other relevant policies and procedures.

What skills do I need?

You don't need to have worked in education or alternative provision before. We are looking for people who are kind, patient, reliable and genuinely interested in helping young people to thrive.

It would be useful if you have:

• Experience of working with children or young people, although this is not essential.
• Experience of supporting neurodivergent children or young people or those with additional needs – useful but not essential.
• Good communication and listening skills.
• A calm, patient and non-judgemental approach.
• Confidence to follow guidance and direction from the Bloom AP staff team.
• Reliability and flexibility.
• A willingness to get involved in practical activities and try new things.
• Good organisational and practical skills.
• An understanding of safeguarding, or a willingness to complete safeguarding training.
• A willingness to learn and develop your understanding of neurodiversity and the needs of the young people we support.

Most importantly, we are looking for people who can treat every young person with kindness, respect and understanding, recognise their individual strengths and help them to feel included.