Redhill Hub Volunteer

Big Leaf Foundation is a small charity working with displaced young people in Surrey. Our aim is to provide a nurturing programme of activities, projects and events that focus on combating social isolation and improving wellbeing for the young people we support. The experience of arriving in a new country is, for many young people, overwhelming and incredibly difficult. They are often cut off from everything that is familiar to them, leaving them vulnerable to loneliness, isolation, anxiety and boredom. 

We’re looking for volunteers in East Surrey to join our team and help provide a nurturing programme of activities as part of our weekly drop-in Redhill Hub, launching this autumn. The aim of the weekly Hub is to provide an opportunity for local displaced young people to come together in a safe, familiar and welcoming space. In order to build trust and make it a safe space, we are looking for regular volunteers who can commit on a weekly or (minimum) bimonthly basis.

● Support the East Surrey Programme Manager to deliver weekly activities for displaced young people (aged 16-21).

● Communicate sensitively and supportively to deliver activities.

● Motivate and inspire the young people we support to actively engage in the activities/opportunities available to them.

● Liaise with project partners as appropriate to deliver activities.

● Ensure the health and safety of participants at all times.

● Record any incidents, accidents or safeguarding issues and make sure the trustees are informed.

● Provide feedback and contribute to project evaluations as required.

● Read, understand and agree to Big Leaf Foundation’s child protection & safeguarding policy.

● Liaise with other members of the Big Leaf Foundation team as needed to fulfil the role.

What skills do I need?

● Experience working with young people.

● Strong empathy and communication skills including sensitive, effective communication with people whose first language isn’t English.

● Flexibility and the ability to adapt to the diverse needs of displaced young people.

● Good leadership skills.

● Ability to commit to regular attendance.

● Ability to work as part of a team.

● Passion for the role and commitment to Big Leaf’s aims and values.

In addition, we'd love to hear from you if you have;

● Ability to speak one or more refugee community languages.

● Previous experience of befriending and/or direct youth work with young refugees and asylum seekers.

● Understanding of the issues and experiences of young people who are coming to the UK as asylum seekers and refugees.