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Become a Volunteer

Support young people.
Build confidence. Make a difference.

Our volunteers help children and young people with SEND feel supported, included and confident.

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Many of our volunteers also have SEND or lived experience, creating a safe and understanding environment for everyone.

Illustration of a diverse group of four children and a smiling female instructor gathered around a red first aid kit. The group includes a child in a wheelchair, a child with a hearing aid, and a child with a white cane and sunglasses, representing inclusive and accessible first aid training.

Why Volunteer With Us

Volunteering with Sirens & Sparkles is a chance to build confidence, gain experience and be part of a supportive community.

Build Confidence: "Icon of a person with a star above them and a rising arrow, representing the development of communication and teamwork skills."

Build Confidence

Develop communication and teamwork skills while supporting young people in a positive environment.

Gain Valuable Experience: "Icon of a clipboard with checkmarks and rising arrows, representing experience for careers in teaching, youth work, or healthcare."

Build Real Experience

Build experience working with children and young people, supporting future careers such as teaching, youth work or healthcare.

Be Part of a Community: "Icon of three people silhouettes joined together, representing a friendly team of volunteers supporting each other."

Be Part of a Community

Join a friendly team where volunteers support each other and celebrate progress together.

Make a Difference: "Icon of two hands holding a blue heart, representing the positive impact of supporting children and young people."

Make a Difference

Help young people with SEND develop confidence, life skills and independence.

Who Can Volunteer

Volunteers are welcome from a wide range of backgrounds. Many of our volunteers have lived experience of SEND themselves or have supported family members with additional needs.

 

  • 18 years or older to Volunteer independently

  • 14+ may volunteer with written parental permission

  • SEND, lived experience or be part of the SEND community

  • Friendly, patient and supportive

  • Interested in helping young people build confidence

  • Willing to learn and work as part of a team

You may be suitable if you are:​

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You do not need previous experience working with children. Guidance and support will always be available.

What Volunteers Do

Volunteers support weekly youth sessions, helping to create a safe, welcoming and structured environment for all young people.

What you’ll typically be doing:

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  • Support young people during activities and games

  • Help small groups complete tasks and challenges

  • Offer encouragement and reassurance when needed

  • Help sessions run smoothly, including transitions between activities

  • Support young people with additional needs where appropriate

 

Some volunteers may support a young person on a 1:1 basis where additional support is needed.
This will always be discussed and agreed in advance.

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Helping keep sessions safe:

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  • Follow safeguarding procedures

  • Report any concerns to the session leader

  • Support personal care where appropriate and agreed in care plans

  • Help maintain a positive and respectful environment for everyone

Volunteer Roles

Volunteers can progress through different roles as they gain confidence, experience and training.

Club Manager

Youth Leader

Youth Helper

Oversees the day-to-day running of the club, ensuring sessions run smoothly, supporting volunteers, resolving any issues that arise, and leading activities where needed.

Leads activities and sessions, supports young people, and oversees the Youth Helper team during club sessions.

Supports activities, helps young people take part in sessions, and assists the Youth Leader with the delivery of activities.

You don’t need experience to get started — you can grow into different roles over time.

Flexible Time Commitment

Volunteering is designed to fit around your other commitments.
Sessions usually take place once per week during school term time.

Typical volunteer commitment:

  • Around 2 hours per week during club sessions

  • Optional time afterwards for a short team debrief

 

Volunteers are welcome to stay involved for as long as they wish and may increase their involvement over time if they feel comfortable.

There is no pressure to take on more than you feel comfortable with.

Support for Volunteers

We want every volunteer to feel confident, supported and valued.

Volunteers are never expected to manage situations alone. Our team works together to ensure everyone feels comfortable and prepared.

Clear session structure: "Icon of a clipboard with checkmarks and a pencil, representing a consistent and organized routine for sessions."

Clear session structure

Sessions follow a consistent routine, so you always know what’s happening next.

Clear session structure: "Icon of a clipboard with checkmarks and a pencil, representing a consistent and organized routine for sessions."

Support from Leaders

Leaders are always there to offer support and guidance when you need it.

Clear session structure: "Icon of a clipboard with checkmarks and a pencil, representing a consistent and organized routine for sessions."

Training and development

Build skills in communication, safeguarding and first aid.

Clear session structure: "Icon of a clipboard with checkmarks and a pencil, representing a consistent and organized routine for sessions."

Grow at Your Own Pace

Build confidence at a pace that feels right for you.

A Volunteers Journey

Volunteering with Sirens & Sparkles is a journey where confidence grows over time.

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Many volunteers begin by supporting activities and gradually build skills that help them take on new responsibilities.

Apply to volunteer

Apply for a role you would like to do. This helps us learn a little about you and what support you may need.

Informal Chat

We arrange a relaxed conversation to get to know you, answer any questions and talk about how volunteering could work for you.

Safeguarding Checks and Training

All volunteers complete a DBS check and a short online training programme to help them understand safeguarding, safety and their role within the club.

Getting Started

New volunteers begin by supporting activities alongside experienced leaders. This helps build confidence while learning how sessions run.

Grow and Develop

Over time, volunteers may take on new responsibilities such as helping lead activities, supporting small groups or mentoring others.

Some volunteers may choose to progress into leadership roles or use their experience to support future career goals.

Lived Experience Matters

At Sirens & Sparkles, we recognise the value of lived experience.

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Many of our volunteers understand first-hand what it means to navigate the world with additional needs, or to support someone who does.

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This experience brings empathy, understanding and encouragement — making a real difference to the young people who attend our clubs.

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Our goal is to create a space where volunteers and members learn from each other and grow together.

Lived experience isn’t just welcomed — it’s valued.

Ready to Join Our Volunteer Team?

Turtle: "Cute cartoon green sea turtle smiling and waving its flipper in ocean waves."
Otter: "Cheerful cartoon brown sea otter waving its paw while splashing in the water."
Dolphin: "Happy blue cartoon dolphin jumping from the water and waving a fin."

If you would like to support young people, build confidence and be part of a welcoming community, we would love to hear from you.

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Volunteering with Sirens & Sparkles is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference while developing new skills and experiences along the way.

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