Youth Project Volunteer

About this role

Passionate about supporting young people aged 11 - 16? Join us as a Volunteer for our Youth Project at Southmead Adventure Playground (the Rach) or Lockleaze Adventure Playground (the Vench).

You’ll be engaging with local children as they learn basic bike maintenance skills, play bike games, explore their local neighbourhood, and connect with nature. If you’re looking for an impactful role, which can transform lives in your community, this is the one for you!

As a Youth Project volunteer, you will:

• Support the delivery of an annual programme of activities for children and young people.
• Encourage people from underrepresented and marginalised communities to experience the benefits of cycling.
• Attend one volunteer training day per year, (this may include 'an introduction to play work and adventure playgrounds', beginners bike maintenance, fixing disk-brakes and BMX issues, teaching 'learn-to-ride' and cycle skills games) - there is the option to attend more if availability allows.
• Work in a busy setting and deal calmly with competing demands for attention.
• Work in compliance with Health and Safety guidelines for activities.
• Complete safeguarding training with Life Cycle.

About Life Cycle

Life Cycle is a charity that works with people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds at every stage of their cycling journey, from learning to ride, to building a career in the cycle industry.

In this role, you’ll play a key part in our Youth Project, working closely with our Inclusive Cycling team to provide fun, free, neighbourhood-based cycling activities for young people.

‘‘When Jasmine started with Life Cycle, she must’ve been about seven or eight. She’s ten now, and she’s gaining excellent bike skills. She’s ready for the next step.’’

– Jasmine’s Dad.

About you

You’ll be warm, empathetic, and keen to support the team to ensure the project runs smoothly – this includes keeping the Adventure Playground bikes in good working order.

As part of this role, you’ll offer individual attention to help children with tasks such as learning to ride, taking part in group rides, fixing a broken bike and participating in games. You’ll be able to communicate clearly and patiently with children, parents and playworkers. Enthusiastic about cycling, you’ll have knowledge of bike repair and maintenance or a willingness to learn.

This is a rewarding role where you can inspire young people to become more confident, engage in physical activity and explore their local area, green spaces and home city. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

Essential skills:

• Enthusiasm for working with children and young people.
• Valid enhanced DBS (or willingness to apply for one).
• A keen interest in cycling and all things bike-related.
• Good communication skills.

Desirable:

• Experience working with children and young people.
• Experience in repairing and maintaining bicycles.
• Prepared to undertake Ride Leader training.
• A recognised cycle maintenance qualification.
• First aid certificate.

How to apply: please apply via our ‘Volunteering and jobs’ page on our website.