Group Activity Helper (Supporting our sewing group for adults, Newport)

Full job description
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. Group Activity Helper volunteers work alongside staff to provide adult groups, which focus on a common issue/need, such as parents with a child who has ADHD or a disability. Group Helpers support adult only groups out in community settings and have no contact with children. Do you have basic sewing skills, a positive attitude and a passion for helping others? Our small group needs support from a friendly volunteer to assist adults in learning new skills with simple sewing tasks, from learning how to thread a sewing machine to hemming, mending and recycling old clothing items as well as using a pattern to complete basic sewing projects. We are looking for volunteers to support with the planning and leading of the group, from +.30-11.30 every Thursday during Term-time in Newport, Wales. You will be working with our volunteer co-ordinator and other volunteers to identify topics and resources relevant to the group needs. You’ll also be supporting with developing content for group activities to help develop sewing skills, setting up the room in advance and clearing away afterwards, this may include preparation of refreshments/snacks, setting up sewing machines, laying out of material, patterns and scissors. Tidying up at end of group. We are looking for someone who has experience of hand and machine sewing (professionally or as an interest). We are looking for volunteers with a fun and approachable attitude, and an ability to engage adults in worthwhile and enjoyable activities, which increase their confidence and coping mechanisms.
Our groups need support with a range of tasks to help them run smoothly. Could you help with tasks such as planning activities, setting up and packing away, making refreshments, collecting feedback, and much more?
Tasks: Working alongside staff, to support group activities with adults only around a common need/issue.

Setting up group activities in advance and clearing away afterwards. This might include preparing refreshments/snacks, organising the layout of the room, preparing resources and tidying the room after the group.

Participating in group discussions and activities.

Sharing knowledge and solutions about specific issues.

Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.

Participating fully in training and supervision.

Volunteering within Barnardo's Values and Behaviours.

Skills: Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.

Approachable and welcoming.

The ability to communicate and engage with adult parents and carers.

Being non-judgmental and positive in their attitude to working with parents and carers from different backgrounds.

Experience or knowledge relevant to the specific group.

The ability to empathise with parents and carers, who may be facing difficult times in their lives.

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.

Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children’s charity.

Disclaimer: We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the above, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on volunteering@barnardos.org.uk or call us on 0208 4+8 7320