Our drivers are integral in making our residential projects work! As many of our young people would be unable to get to a central meeting point, we collect them from their houses at the start of the project and drop them off again at the end. We also go out to activities in the minibus each day and unsurprisingly, when asked to draw a picture to summarise their week at Free to Be, many of the children sketch our minibus! The bus is where a lot of the important chats, silly games and loud singing happens and can really be the heart of the project. Please note that drivers must be over 21 years old, with minimum 3 years regular driving experience. Food and board are provided at no cost to our volunteer base. Volunteers are required to be onsite for 6 nights (7 days).
Free to Be volunteers make a direct, positive impact on the lives of some of London’s most vulnerable young people. The support, encouragement and care you give will help to nurture children’s self-confidence and allow them to begin to change their stories.
We invest in our volunteers and their development. All our new volunteers undergo statutory safeguarding and induction training, and we will continue to nurture your professional development in your volunteer journey with us. We offer free opportunities to undergo First Aid, MIDAS (driving), and food hygiene training as well as targeted training from leading experts on our annual free, celebratory ‘Experienced Helper’ weekend. Your time with us will offer you an invaluable insight into child-centred careers, as well as a host of transferrable skills including critical thinking, adaptability, and communication.
Our volunteers are part of a close-knit community known as the ‘Free to Be Family’. In joining, you will connect with like-minded individuals and make friends along the way. We could not do this without our volunteers, and so your volunteer experience is of the utmost importance to us. On projects, you will have the support of experienced volunteers and staff and have daily check-ins to discuss your experience. We value mutual feedback, and you will also have a more in-depth discussion at the end of the week to reflect on your strengths and areas for improvement whilst working with vulnerable children.
We invest in our volunteers and their development. All our new volunteers undergo statutory safeguarding and induction training, and we will continue to nurture your professional development in your volunteer journey with us. We offer free opportunities to undergo First Aid, MIDAS (driving), and food hygiene training as well as targeted training from leading experts on our annual free, celebratory ‘Experienced Helper’ weekend. Your time with us will offer you an invaluable insight into child-centred careers, as well as a host of transferrable skills including critical thinking, adaptability, and communication.
Food, board, and activities are fully funded during your time onsite with us.
We welcome volunteers from all walks of life, regardless of their previous experience working with young people. No special skillset is required; we recognise the value of a team consisting of different personalities and strengths. If you are an empathetic, patient and adaptable person you will fare well on our projects.
For our driver roles, you must hold a clean driving licence, and have had been driving regularly over the past 3 years.
We especially encourage applications from those who represent the lived experiences of our children through their own lived experience or background.
To apply, please complete this form: https://form.jotform.com/220545796357365
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