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Bright Futures UK
Bright Futures UK is the only charity dedicated to providing complete and inclusive education support for children and young people facing serious illness. We understand firsthand how a long-term illness can disrupt not only a young person’s health, but also their education, friendships, and future opportunities. Our mission is simple: to bridge the gap between education and illness by offering…
Description

Bright Futures UK are looking for warm and energetic volunteer befrienders to provide support and a fun, safe space for young people with serious illness.

Provide companionship virtually for just one hour per week to fit flexibly around your schedule. If you have a hobby that you enjoy, a topic you are particularly passionate about or you just enjoy being sociable, we would love you to join us as a Volunteer Befriender!

"My volunteer is kind, considerate, and a great person to work with. I always come out happier after our sessions together!" - E (aged 20)

What are we looking for?

  1. Positive Engagement: Ability to engage with young people in a positive and friendly way.
  2. Empathy and Understanding: A kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.
  3. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment  for a minimum of 14 weeks.
  4. Adaptability: Willingness to try new activities and adapt to the needs of the young person you are paired with.
  5. Commitment to safeguarding policies and reporting any concerns to BFUK

What difference will you make?

  • Impactful Contribution: Make a significant difference in the lives of young people who have missed out on many school experiences.
  • Personal Fulfillment: Gain personal satisfaction from helping young people feel less isolated and more engaged with their education and hobbies.

What will you gain?

  • Enhanced DBS will be provided
  • Safeguarding Level One Training
  • Skill Development opportunities
  • Direct experience working with children and young people

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

Duties

Run hour long sessions with a young person taking part in a craft or activity to combat their social isolation.

Who will the volunteers be working with?
Young people aged 5 - 24 whose education has been impacted by serious illness
Training
Safeguarding Level One
Skill Development Opportunities

Time commitment

We ask our volunteers to commit to one hour per week for a minimum of 14 weeks
Application deadline

Causes

UCL Departments

This organisation is one of our community partner organisations.

Like all volunteer recruiters we work with, they have signed up to our service standards, agreeing to abide by our policy on partnership working to keep you safe and supported whilst you volunteer.

You’ll never be out of pocket for volunteering through us – with in-London travel expenses to and from your volunteering guaranteed.

In addition, the team here at Students’ Union UCL Volunteering Service is here to support you throughout your volunteering journey – you can get in touch with us at any time.