Volunteer Leader

YoCO (Youth Challenge Oxfordshire) is starting a new group for young people aged 13-21 in Wallingford in September 2024 and is looking for up to three volunteers to lead and deliver its 12 month programme. This includes a 5 day UK residential trip. This is an incredible opportunity to lead young people on a once in a lifetime experience and inspire them to have the confidence to overcome the challenges they face in their lives and their community.

A GROUP LEADER’S ROLE IS TO:

• Lead a 2 hour group session once a week during term time. The evening of the week will depend on the leaders to agree. This will follow YoCO programme which YoCO will agree with the leaders at the start of each half term. It is likely to take more than one hour to engage with the young people both before and afterwards. You will need to create a safe, fun, inclusive environment and support the learning and personal development of all the group members. YoCO employees will support you in doing this.
• Plan with the group and YoCO staff fund raising activities and accompany the group to some events which may be at weekends
• Lead the group on a 5 day UK residential trip organised by YoCO.
• Regularly update YoCO staff with the groups progress and any issues arising within the group. This includes monitoring and contributing to the group’s social media.
• Attend an induction meeting with a member of the YoCO team and complete a DBS check. Attend necessary training eg in Safeguarding which will be funded by YoCO.

GROUP LEADERS NEED:

• To be enthusiastic about working with vulnerable young people and to have a commitment to motivate and inspire disaffected young people to achieve their potential. To have the ability to provide a positive role model for young people and to build a good rapport and trust.
• To have a can-do and enthusiastic attitude
• To have good listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude.
• To have the ability to engage with young people and confidently challenge negative behaviours.

YoCO NEEDS YOU TO:

• Be able to attend essential safeguarding and first aid training
• Be reliable and punctual
• Be a good problem solver
• Prove satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced with list checks
• Be willing to travel on a 5 day UK residential
• Enjoy being part of a team.

IT WOULD HELP IF YOU HAD:

• A valid driving licence

Other information:

You will be given an induction and training at the start of working with YoCO and plenty of support when the programme starts.

You will also be expected to complete an enhanced DBS check and application form for working as a volunteer for YoCO.

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Rachel Warren (Operations Manager) and look at our web-site.

YoCO is an established Oxfordshire charity with a mission to help vulnerable young people aged 13-21. YoCO have now run 14 separate groups across Oxfordshire since the charity’s inception, helping and supporting over 150 young people.

The YoCO programme, designed by educational experts within the charity, helps young people manage and overcome today’s challenges, which can come in many forms including, pressures of social media, bullying, mental health challenges, lack of confidence, peer pressure to take risks.

Weekly meetings include a programme of education, team-work, leadership, health awareness, volunteering & community development, fund raising projects and residential trips within the UK. Through this the young people develop a greater awareness and appreciation of the lives of others and a greater level of confidence, personal development and resilience so that they can realise their own potential to be effective citizens and to make good personal life choices that will set them up for a bright future.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.