OUR VISION FOR VOLUNTEERING
We believe that passionate volunteers will help us to empower young people in a variety of meaningful ways.
From frontline fundraising, to cooking up a storm in our cooking classes; from sitting on the board of trustees, to standing in as Goalkeeper on the football pitch; from coaching in the boxing ring, to just having a meaningful conversation with a young person – our volunteers really will cover all the bases!
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to create truly meaningful, well supported volunteer roles that directly or indirectly enrich the lives of young people. We want every volunteer to know how their contribution is affecting real change for the young people within their community.
WHY VOLUNTEER
Everyone has their own journey and reasons why they volunteer, but here are just a few of the benefits of getting involved:
Get back into work
It’s a great wat to get a reference and fill gaps in your work experience. You can also try out different types of work to get a taster – which can rally help you if you’re looking for a job or want to change direction.
Improve your confidence
You’ll learn and do things that you might not normally get the chance to – this can be a real confidence boost.
Meet new people
You’ll probably meet people from different cultures and backgrounds that you might not normally. Volunteering with people who are as passionate about improving the opportunities for young people, as you are, is a great way to meet like-minded people.
Give your CV a boost
We will create and nurture strong, creative partnerships, working together to achieve better results and outcomes for young people.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I become a volunteer?
Please take a look at our volunteer opportunities here; from there, you’ll be able to browse the roles we have available and, if there’s one that interests you, start your application.
Do I need any specific skills to volunteer?
For most of our roles we just ask that you’re passionate about helping young people and there is no prior experience needed!
However, there are some roles where we’ll be looking for someone with a particular skill or qualification. Each role description will specify what skills are needed, if any.
If I don't have any experience working or volunteering with young people, can I still apply?
Absolutely! While it’s beneficial if you have some experience working or volunteering with young people, this isn’t essential. We all need to start somewhere, and we’d love to support you in your first role alongside young people.
How much time do I need to commit?
As a volunteer you will not be contracted to any time commitment. That being said, each role description comes with a ‘suggested time commitment’ that we hope you’ll be able to fit into your week. There is always flexibility within any suggested time commitment so please have a chat with us if you’re not able to offer the full amount.
How old do I need to be to volunteer with the Youth Zone?
We ask that all of our volunteers are at least 18 years of age, unless they’re a Young Leader Volunteer (which is only open to Salford Youth Zone members).
I'm not a British National, can I still volunteer?
Generally speaking, this shouldn’t stop you from volunteering. However, we would ask that you check the terms of your visa and demonstrate your eligibility to volunteer during the recruitment process.
I'm receiving benefits, will volunteering affect these?
Volunteering rarely affects benefits but there is some really helpful information on the NCVO website. You can find the information, here
Will I be interviewed?
The application process for most roles will require you to come in and meet with us for an informal interview. This will take around 60 minutes and will be held by the Volunteer Manager and the Coordinator involved with the specific volunteer role (i.e. Sports Coordinator for a Volunteer Sports Youth Worker role).
What can I expect when I volunteer?
You can expect a clearly defined role within our Youth Zone, a volunteer management specialist you can go to for support and a sessional main contact who will assist you throughout your volunteering journey.
You’ll be provided with training, ongoing support and feedback throughout your time with us so that you can develop your skills. As well as this, we’ll ask for your feedback, whilst utilising your skills/experience and continually appreciating your contribution.
Can I leave if I don't like my role?
As a volunteer you can leave your role at any time. However, if you intend to leave, we’d ask that you give us as much notice as possible so that we don’t have any gaps in our services for Young People.
Can I volunteer from home?
Most of our roles do require volunteers to come into the Youth Zone. However, we may have some roles that require visits less often and some administration tasks which can be done from home. The location of each role will be stated on the respective role description.
Do I get my expenses paid?
Yes. We reimburse any expense incurred during your volunteering with us. All expenses need to be claimed back, using a valid receipt and in compliance with our expense policy; but don’t worry, we’ll go through all of this during your induction!
I've got a criminal record can I still volunteer?
All of our volunteer roles require an enhanced DBS check. A criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from becoming a volunteer; the decision will depend on the type of offence and its relevance to the volunteering role. If you do have any convictions, please add this information on your application and mention it when asked at interview.
I've recently been a member of the Youth Zone - can I still volunteer?
If you’re aged 14-19 or 25 with additional needs, you can apply to take part in our Young Leaders programme. If you’re over 18 years old, you can apply to be a Volunteer once you have had a year long break from attending as a member.
Do you offer corporate volunteering opportunities?
Yes we do. Please contact enquiries@hideoutyouthzone.org to discuss possibilities.
I have a disability, can I still volunteer?
Yes you can! Approximately 16% of our members identify as having a disability or additional need, and representation is really important to us. Please do let us know at your interview of any reasonable adjustments so that we can support you.
I need to volunteer as part of my education, can I do this at Salford Youth Zone?
We do offer placements, but these are organised through local universities and are extremely competitive. Please speak to your placement tutor or contact enquiries@salfordyouthzone.org.
I'm pregnant, can I still volunteer?
When we are notified that a volunteer is pregnant, we carry out a risk assessment to see if the volunteer role they want to take on is safe for them to do so. If we feel the role poses too many risks, we may be able to make some adjustments or suggest another volunteer role.
My child attends the Youth Zone, can I still volunteer?
This will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Please email enquiries@salfordyouthzone.org to discuss this further.
