Volunteering in Youth Work changes lives

Volunteering in the youth sector is a profoundly rewarding experience, offering a wealth of benefits not only to the young people you support, but also to you as a volunteer.

Youth Work offers life changing opportunities for young people, and without volunteer Youth Workers, those opportunities can be missed.

Why volunteer?

1. It’s great fun and immensely rewarding

Being part of a team that creates a safe and trusting environment for young people to try out new opportunities, learn new skills and interests, and offer a listening ear to their life challenges is the greatest of rewards.  You don’t need any qualifications or experience, just an appropriate attitude to walk alongside young people on their journey.  You will be offered training and support and you will be asked to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme.

2. Personal Growth and Development

Volunteering in the youth sector provides opportunities for personal growth. Engaging with young people, understanding their challenges, and helping them navigate their formative years can significantly enhance your professional social skills in empathy, patience, and communication skills.

3. Professional Skills and Experience

For those considering a career in education, social work, psychology, or any field involving young people or community work. Volunteering is an invaluable way to gain relevant experience. Many volunteer roles provide training in areas such as physical and mental health first aid, conflict resolution, and child protection, which are highly regarded in professional settings. Additionally, it enhances your CV, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.

4. Community & making new connections

Volunteering fosters a strong sense of community. You’ll meet a diverse range of people, from fellow volunteers to professionals in the youth sector and networking events. These connections can lead to lifelong friendships and professional networks. Engaging with the local community also provides a sense of belonging and purpose, as you contribute to the positive development of future generations.

5. Making a real change

There’s nothing else like knowing you’ve made a positive impact on someone’s life. Whether it’s helping a young person develop a new skill, providing them with emotional support, or simply being a reliable mentor, your contributions can have a lasting effect on that young person’s life. This sense of fulfilment is often cited by volunteers as one of the primary reasons they continue their efforts. It can also improve your mental well-being, giving you a greater sense of purpose and achievement.

What next?

Feel free to contact any of the Youth Work providers using the Find Youth Work near you tab at the top of this page and tell them that you are interested in volunteering.

Alternatively, you can visit the Be the Change (Perth & Kinross) website to find volunteering opportunities, or complete a talent scan to help guid you in finding a volunteering role.