Open to any volunteers who have completed at least one residential project, mentoring offers the opportunity to create a unique and long-term bond with one of the young people we support. Mentoring pairs are specifically matched, meeting once weekly for 3 months and fortnightly for the subsequent 9 months. You and your mentee will enjoy fully funded activities designed to nurture self-confidence and expression, with a budget of up to £35 per session. Your ongoing, consistent support will be life-changing for one of our highest need young people.
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.
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.
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. Please note that we can only accept volunteers aged 18 or over.
We especially encourage applications from those who represent the lived experiences of our children through their own lived experience or background.
If you would require support whilst volunteering with us, due to additional needs, please do make this known to us at interview so we can endeavour to assist you.
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