Mentor (Supporting children/young people with autism/learning disability, Bolton and Wigan)

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 do can vary from:

• Support with travel
• Attending social events/clubs/activities
• Accessing a young person's special interest
• Emotional support and guidance

You will also need to navigate our Vol 1 E-Platform to record your hours.

We would ask that you are available for 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 recognize 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.

PLEASE NOTE:

• We are in particular need of male volunteers, as we have many young men in our service looking for a male peer to guide them.

• Drivers are often easier for us to match with young people. If you are not a driver and we cannot find a match, we will help you explore other great volunteering opportunities within our service or across Barnardo’s.

• You must be residing in the UK to apply for this role.

If you have any questions, please contact Rhiannon Booth, rhiannon.booth@barnardos.org.uk/07548 846518.