Barnardo’s is committed to providing ‘Better Outcomes for More Children’. Our children’s services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children’s services and help make a real difference. Barnardo’s Mentors work with young people and adults on a 1:1 basis, offering practical assistance and emotional support, to build their self-confidence, coping mechanisms and positive relationships. The work could be focused on a particular need, such as gaining employment or accessing training, or it could be more focused around life skills and independent living. We are looking for volunteers with a passion for making a difference in people’s lives, with a friendly and approachable attitude and an ability to engage young people and adults, empowering them to take steps towards improving their situation and achieving their goals. The Greater Manchester Keyworker Team works across all Greater Manchester, supporting young people with autism and/or a learning disability. These young people are or have been at risk of going into an inpatient setting due to their mental health. The service provides each family with a Keyworker, who creates a crucial care package to support the individual away from high risk and moving towards stability. As a volunteer, you will be introduced as a young person begins the work of re-integrating themselves into their community, education, and preferred activities. Activities that you may be required to do can vary from support with travel, attending social events/clubs/activities, accessing a young person's special interest, and providing emotional support and guidance. You will also need to navigate our Vol 1 E-Platform to record your hours. We are ideally looking for volunteers who are available for a minimum of 4-6 hours a month, over a minimum period of 12 months – the specifics of this will vary from family to family and can be discussed at interview. Plus, additional time for training and supervision. All our young people have a diagnosis of autism, and/or a learning disability. As a service, we champion the diverse range of communication styles, behaviour presentations, and sensory needs that diagnosis brings. Therefore, as a volunteer, you will be provided with training to prepare you to recognise and adapt your support style to meet these needs. This is a great opportunity to learn a lot about neurodiversity, through robust training and direct experience. You will need to join us with an open heart and mind. Could you help them build positive relationships and access resources, groups, and activities, and support them to face their challenges? Are you great at listening to children and young people in a non-judgemental way? Tasks Working with children, young people, or families on an individual basis to help them achieve the desired outcomes of their plan. Building positive relationships with children and young people by meeting with them regularly on a one-to-one basis. Encouraging children and young people to access resources, groups, and activities within their local community, such as after-school activities, youth groups, and sports clubs. Accompanying children and young people to attend meetings or attending on their behalf. Supporting children to have their voices heard on decisions that affect them. Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times. Participating fully in training and supervision. Volunteering within Barnardo's Values and Behaviours. Skills Reliable, punctual, and trustworthy. Approachable and welcoming. The ability to empathize with children facing difficult times in their lives. Awareness of factors impacting and issues facing young people (e.g., disadvantage, poverty, disabilities, health conditions including mental health). Being passionate about making a difference in the lives of children, young people, and families. Benefits Full induction and training. Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role. Regular supervision and support. Out-of-pocket expenses agreed in advance. Access to the Barnardo’s internal vacancy listing. Experience for your CV, supporting your local community, meeting new people, increasing self-confidence, and feeling like you are making a difference.