Barnardo’s strives to help the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Barnardo’s vision today is that the lives of all children and young people should be free from poverty, abuse and discrimination. We want to bring out the best in every child no matter who they are or what they have been through. We deal with various issues such as poverty, neglect, homelessness, bereavement, domestic violence and disability. We look at the bigger picture and strive for a better future for all children and young people.

Action for Children supports disadvantaged children, young people and families across various services in the UK. Action for Children intervenes to stop neglect and abuse and also offer services to support children, young people and families with disabilities. AFC want to help support children, young people and families to fulfil their potential and make the most of their lives.

Befriender  Volunteers needed to provide 1:1 support for children and young people out and about in the local community to help increase their confidence, improve peer relationships and involve them in new activities and discover new interests that they will enjoy and participate in.

Group Work Volunteers support group work activities for children and young people up to age 18 and their families. Examples include, group activities for children and young people with additional support needs and their siblings; family group work such as ‘eat well, play well’ group; art in the environment group; parent/carer group.

School Holiday Activity Days During the school holiday activity days, volunteers provide one to one support in a group setting, alongside other volunteers and staff, for children and young people with additional support needs. The volunteers’ role is to participate in arranged activities such as swimming, arts and crafts and to encourage their linked child to participate safely. Volunteers are provided with information about their child and are introduced at the start of the day. The activity days are to provide support, new experiences and encouragement and confidence building to the children and young people who attend and one of the main things with the activity days is about the children and young people having fun, and the volunteer as well!

Sitter Volunteers provide respite care and support to children and young people with disabilities and complex support needs and their families, in the families own home. Support is provided by 2 volunteers for a few hours of an evening, usually monthly but this can change depending on family need. Volunteers can play games, do arts and crafts, watch TV, read stories etc. Activities will vary depending on the age and ability of the child or young person. This role provides needed respite to parents and carers.

Gardener   The Child and Family Support Service in Dundee are looking for an individual who has some gardening experience to help us with our developing sensory/therapeutic garden at our Barnardo’s office. Hours can be flexible but ideally once a week during Spring-Autumn and monthly in Winter.

Barnardo’s and Action for Children are holding Volunteer Recruitment Open Days between now and the end of April 2019 where you can go along and talk to them about volunteering and the roles they have. See link.

Poster-recruitment Barnardos drop ins_

For more information on any of these opportunities, email volunteer@volunteerdundee.org.uk.