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Job description

Barnardo’s is committed to providing ‘Better Outcomes for More Children’. Our children’s services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children’s services and help make a real difference. **Children’s Activity Support** volunteers work across a range of groups, from Children’s Centre’s with pre-school children and Short Breaks services for children with disabilities, to Mental Health Support Groups and Young Carers Groups. We are looking for volunteers, with a passion for making a difference in children’s lives, a fun and approachable attitude and an ability to engage young people in worthwhile and enjoyable activities. The Northern Ireland Refugee Support Service helps families to learn to navigate unfamiliar systems and enable them to build a safe future for themselves and their children in Northern Ireland. You can make a difference to a family’s new life in Northern Ireland and be someone they will remember as a positive part of their resettlement journey. Children’s Activity Support Volunteers will support newly-arrived children to play, learn and feel welcome in their new surroundings. A range of play sessions take place for parents and children aged 0-4. We also offer interim support for primary aged children to help to prepare them for school. Sessions last around 3 hours and take place on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays. We ask volunteers to commit to 1 session per week. This role is ideal for anyone with an interest or background in education.
Barnardo's protects, supports and nurtures the UK's most vulnerable children. Barnardo's helps bring out the best in children – no matter who they are or what they have been through. Our volunteers help make this happen.

• Tasks: Planning and organising group activities, which take into consideration age, abilities and interests of members.
  
  Setting up group activities in advance and clearing away afterwards. This might include preparing refreshments/snacks, organising the layout of the room, preparing resources and tidying the room after the group.
  
  Assisting children and young people to improve their self-confidence, develop social skills and build positive relationships.
  
  Role modelling positive behaviour and interactions during sessions.
  
  Collating and evaluating feedback from children, young people and parents.
  
  Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.
  
  Participating fully in training and supervision.
  
  Volunteering within Barnardo's Basis and Values.

• Skills: Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.
  
  Approachable and welcoming.
  
  Passion, enthusiasm, compassion, understanding and having an open minded approach.
  
  Being passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, young people and families.
  
  Preferably have some experience of working with children, young people and families.

• Benefits: 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.