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Volunteer Youth Programme Assistant 

Help young people build confidence, discover their strengths and develop the life skills they need to thrive. Join Life Skills Community CIC as a volunteer and help make a positive difference in the lives of young people in your community.

About Life Skills Community CIC

We deliver personal-development programme through a range of projects. Our current project supports girls aged 11–16 to develop confidence, self-awareness, positive relationships and essential life skills, helping them recognise their potential and prepare for the future.

We are looking to recruit volunteers to support the delivery of our sessions in Basildon and Laindon, Essex.

This is an opportunity to contribute to meaningful community work, gain practical experience and help create positive opportunities for young people.

About the role

As a Volunteer Youth Programme Assistant, you will work alongside the programme lead to help deliver engaging, supportive and age-appropriate group sessions.

We welcome volunteers who enjoy working with young people and may have skills or experience in coaching, mentoring, youth work, education, wellbeing or personal development. You do not need to be a qualified coach or mentor; what matters most is your attitude, reliability and willingness to support participants.

What you will do

Your responsibilities may include:

• Helping prepare, organise and deliver group sessions and activities.

• Supporting discussions and activities focused on confidence, self-awareness, communication, positive relationships, wellbeing and life skills.

• Encouraging participants to take part, share ideas and recognise their strengths in a safe and supportive environment.

• Using coaching or mentoring approaches, where appropriate, to encourage reflection, positive choices and personal growth.

• Supporting group activities and helping ensure participants feel included, respected and valued.

• Helping manage session materials, set up activities and keep sessions running smoothly.

• Working collaboratively with the programme lead and other volunteers.

• Providing feedback on sessions and assisting with basic attendance records or programme administration where required.

• Following safeguarding procedures, confidentiality requirements and professional boundaries at all times.

Volunteers will work under the direction of the programme lead or Session Facilitaor and will receive appropriate guidance about their responsibilities.

Who we are looking for

We are looking for people who are passionate about supporting young people and helping participants develop confidence, resilience and positive life skills.

You may have experience in youth work, teaching, coaching, mentoring, education, community work, wellbeing, sports or creative activities. We also welcome applicants who are looking to gain relevant experience and are willing to learn.

You will ideally be:

• Approachable, patient, encouraging and reliable.

• A confident communicator who enjoys working with young people.

• Able to contribute positively to group activities and discussions.

• Supportive of different backgrounds, abilities, personalities and confidence levels.

• Interested in personal development, coaching, mentoring or youth empowerment.

• Willing to work as part of a team and take direction.

• Committed to safeguarding and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Relevant qualifications and previous experience are welcome but are not the only things we consider. A positive attitude, dependability and a genuine interest in young people's development are equally important.

Location and time commitment

Location: Basildon and Laindon, Essex.

Working arrangement: Primarily face-to-face, supporting in-person sessions. Some planning or administrative tasks may be completed remotely where appropriate.

Hours: Flexible and dependent on programme delivery and school holiday activities.

• Summer holidays: Up to approximately 15 hours per week.

• Half-term holidays: Approximately 5–10 hours per week, depending on the programme schedule.

• Team meetings: Approximately one hour when required.

Session dates and hours will be agreed in advance. We are looking for volunteers who can offer flexibility and commit to the sessions they agree to support.

This is an unpaid volunteering opportunity, not an employed position. Expenses will be handled in line with the organisation's agreed expenses arrangements.

What you can gain

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of participants aged 11–16.

• Practical experience supporting youth programmes and group activities.

• Opportunities to develop coaching, mentoring, communication, teamwork and facilitation skills.

• Experience contributing to a community-based personal-development programme.

• Guidance and support from the programme lead.

• The satisfaction of helping participants build confidence and recognise their potential.

Safeguarding

The safety and wellbeing of all participants are central to our work.

Successful volunteers will be required to complete appropriate safer-recruitment checks and safeguarding induction before undertaking relevant duties. An appropriate DBS check will be arranged where the role is legally eligible. Volunteers must follow our safeguarding procedures, report concerns appropriately and maintain professional boundaries.

How to apply

If you are enthusiastic about supporting young people and would like to be part of Girls Life Club, we would love to hear from you.

Please apply through CharityJob and tell us briefly about your interest in the role, any relevant experience or skills, and your availability during school holidays.

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds and experiences who share our commitment to helping participants build confidence, develop life skills and create positive futures.