Youth Work Volunteers

Through community-based interventions including structured activities within our youth centre, workshops, support sessions, and mentoring, you will work within Tees Valley YMCA youth services promoting engagement and supporting personal development.

What You'll Do: 
  • Support youth participation in project design, development, and evaluation
  • Assist in delivery of scheduled activities and workshops
  • Adhere to health & safety, safeguarding, and risk management procedures
  • Follow all risk assessments and plans
  • Demonstrate commitment to Tees Valley YMCA values, equality, and service standards
  • Comply with relevant legislation including the Data Protection Act
  • Uphold Equal Opportunities and Professional Boundaries Policies
  • Comply with all Tees Valley YMCA policies and procedures
  • Promote a positive image of Tees Valley YMCA
  • Undertake training and development as required
Why You'll Love It: 
Youth Work volunteers at Tees Valley YMCA play a vital role in improving outcomes for young people across Darlington. By supporting structured activities, workshops, and one-to-one interventions, volunteers help foster personal development, promote emotional resilience, and encourage positive life choices. Their engagement enhances access to support services, reduces the risk of antisocial behaviour, and contributes to improved physical and mental wellbeing. At a broader level, volunteer involvement strengthens community cohesion by promoting inclusion, reducing social inequalities, and supporting safer, more engaged neighbourhoods. Volunteers also serve as positive role models, contributing to a culture of trust, empowerment, and long-term transformation for vulnerable young people and the communities in which they live.
What You'll Learn: 
You will learn the day to day aspects of running youth work session along with how to effectively support and engage young people in a wide variety of activities. You will learn the skills and attributes required for effective youth work and communication with young people.
What We're Looking For: 
Ability to engage and build rapport with young people from diverse backgrounds, conveying information clearly and respectfully.  Demonstrates empathy, active listening, and emotional intelligence in interactions with service users and colleagues. Willingness to work constructively within a multidisciplinary team, contributing to shared goals and adapting to changing needs. Upholds organisational policies including safeguarding, confidentiality, and equality, and maintains appropriate boundaries at all times. Responds calmly and appropriately to challenging situations, using sound judgement to support young people effectively.  Ability to advocate on behalf of young people and support them to be able to advocate for themselves. Previous involvement in delivering workshops, mentoring, or recreational group activities.
Summary
Volunteering
Community
Crime and Violence
Crisis Support
Education
Darlington
12 Weeks Minimum
0 Hours / Week
Skills you will develop: 
Active listening
Communication
Cultural Awareness
Problem Solving
Teamwork/Collaboration
Requirements: 
Statement of Motivation
DBS check
In-Person Interview
Over 18
Training
These documents must be completed: