I volunteer because I want to support young people the way that I was supported.
We really believe in the value and power of volunteering. Our volunteers are integral to our success and truly are part of the team. They are at the heart of what Youth Zones offer young people – that’s why a culture of volunteering and an enhanced volunteering programme is embedded into every Youth Zone from day one.
Our passionate volunteers generously give their time to support and make a positive difference to the lives of young people across the country. The diversity of their backgrounds means they bring a wide range of skills, experiences, expertise and interests.
Young volunteers play a key role in helping to develop Youth Zones. Each Youth Zone has a Young People’s Development Group, which consist of around 10 local young people, help to determine what the Youth Zone will offer, its name and brand.
The OnSide and Youth Zone boards are also made up solely of volunteers, who give their time and expertise to ensure the Youth Zone thrives. Youth Zone trustees are recruited up to two years prior to opening and fulfil a number of responsibilities including fundraising, local engagement and communications.
Every one of our volunteers strengthen us as a charity at the forefront of exceptional youth work. We couldn’t exist without volunteers, and we wouldn’t want to either!
I volunteer because I want to support young people the way that I was supported.
When you volunteer at a Youth Zone, there are so many things you can get involved in; cooking up a storm in our cooking classes, sitting on the board of trustees, standing in as goalkeeper on the football pitch, frontline fundraising, training in the boxing ring or simply being a listening ear and having meaningful conversations with members. Whatever the activity, everyone has their own journey and reasons why they volunteer, but here are just a few of the benefits of getting involved;
Find opportunities that match your skills and experiences or try something new and enhance your CV.
Volunteering gives you the chances to give back to your community and to change young people’s lives for the better.
You can meet new people, make friends and connect with others who share your values and interests.
Our mission is to create truly meaningful, well supported, long term volunteer roles that directly or indirectly enrich the lives of young people. We want every volunteer to know how their contribution is creating real change for the young people and their communities.
We have a role to suit everyone – whether you can give a day a week, a few hours a fortnight or an afternoon once a month, there will be a role that fits your schedule.
We’re committed to the safeguarding of young people, and giving volunteers the support they need. In accordance with our Child Protection and Safeguarding procedures, all volunteering opportunities require a DBS check, and all our volunteers are fully trained, with support on hand whenever it’s needed. If you would like to get involved, click on the images below to learn about current volunteering opportunities at one of the Youth Zones in our national Network.