Volunteer Opportunities at NYAS
At NYAS, we are fortunate enough to have a dedicated team of volunteers who help us to change young lives on a daily basis. We could not deliver the level of service that we do without the commitment of our volunteers.
NYAS works with local authorities across England and Wales, allowing us to offer child services volunteer work in a variety of locations. Our volunteer opportunities vary by location, and are constantly being updated. Check out what is available below.
If you don’t see a suitable volunteering opportunity near you then keep an eye on our listings, or sign up for alerts to ensure that you’re the first to know when we’re looking for volunteers in your area.
Independent Visitor
What is the Role?
An Independent Visitor is an adult volunteer who provides support and friendship to a young person in care. This involves establishing a long term supportive relationship where the young person will have the opportunity to develop their interests, learn new skills and build their self-esteem.
You do not need any special qualifications, but we are looking for dedicated people of all ages who are comfortable with befriending and being a good role model for a child or young person who may have experienced difficult times during their childhood. We ask that you are able to commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of 2 years.
This is a worthwhile opportunity where you will make a positive difference to the life of a vulnerable young person, become part of a leading national children's charity, gain valuable experience, meet new people and have fun!
The Process
An interview and selection process including an enhanced DBS check, references and a digital risk assessment are required for this role. Please have a look at the role description above, which explains more about the skills needed for this role and the activities involved.
We have an interactive training package to provide you with the knowledge and skills to fulfil your role safely. The training will include safeguarding and compliance, the role of an independent visitor and induction to NYAS policies and processes.
You can find browse our current Independent Visitor vacancies, or email volunteering@nyas.net.
Participation Volunteer
What is the Role?
We are looking for young people throughout Wales who have experiences of being in care, to become Participation Volunteers.
Participation gives you the opportunity to have a say in matters that affect you. As explained in Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Right’s of the Child (UNCRC), children and young people have a right to be involved in decisions that impact their lives, and their future. This opportunity will enable you to have your voice heard, be actively involved in decision making, and create measurable, positive change across our services, campaigns and wider government policies.
You will support and contribute to the work of the Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG) that is made up of children and young people across Wales. Other opportunities will include helping to design and deliver campaigns, raising awareness about issues that matter to young people and providing feedback about our services and publications.
Further Information:
- Specific skills are not required and you will have experience of being in care.
- You will receive training in Peer Mentoring and Peer Advocacy.
- Your voice will be listened to and heard and you will have your say on services that affect you.
- You will enjoy meeting with others in a similar situation.
- You will receive all the support and training you need to make the most of your role.
- Volunteers will be supported in their own professional development and you will gain experience that could help in your future career goals.
- Expenses will be reimbursed.
Side by Side Mentor
NYAS' Side by Side care leaver programme supports care-experienced young people leaving care. When young people leave care, they often struggle with isolation, homelessness, and living independently because they are often thrown into independence way before they're ready.
Side by Side bridges the gap between care and adulthood. We want to give young people the support they need to really succeed in adulthood, but just as importantly, we want to make them feel confident in knowing that somebody is by their side.
There's a lot you can do as a volunteer for Side by Side, including assisting young people with their transition to adulthood, discovering their aspirations and goals, and generally having fun.
This volunteering opportunity is only available in specific locations, so check our volunteering listings to see if it’s available in your area. If not, but you’re still interested, sign up for an email alert so that you’re the first to know when Side by Side comes to your local area.
Please note: This opportunity is for people over the age of 25 years.
Parent Peer Champions
Parent Peer Champions aim to befriend parents who need a little extra support. They also encourage involvement with Parent Support Groups which already exist in their local community, in the hope of this having a positive impact on the parents wellbeing.
NYAS Cymru will provide training opportunities to upskill the Parent Peer Champions. For further information, please contact volunteersupport@nyas.net to support you in your query.
Find the Right Volunteering Opportunity
Additional vacancies can be found here.
If you’re unsure about committing to a volunteering opportunity at this time, you can email volunteering@nyas.net with any questions or queries. You can also support NYAS by fundraising for us, allowing us to offer more opportunities to children, young people and vulnerable adults across England and Wales.
I have volunteered for lots of different charities but NYAS are by far the best. You can tell that NYAS really care about us as volunteers. Being valued makes me feel appreciated and committed.
Linda*, Independent Visitor
Find Your Perfect Role!
If you have any queries about volunteering at NYAS, get in touch and our friendly team will be happy to help and advise you.