Frequently Asked Questions

You do not need experience or qualifications you need just a willingness and interest in helping and supporting children, young people and their families.

People get involved in volunteering for a wide range of reasons.

As well as being a great way to support some of the UK's most vulnerable children, young people and families and get involved in your local community, there are also some great benefits for you.

You can learn new skills, improve your CV, build your confidence and meet new people. It can also be great fun!

Most of our volunteering roles do not require you to have any particular skills beyond a willingness to get involved.

If any particular skills are needed they will usually be outlined in the role description.

It is important to us that all volunteers feel confident in their role and know exactly what they will be doing.

All volunteers are given an introduction to the work of Action for Children and support from a member of staff, although the level of training you receive will depend on your role. For example if you volunteer at an Action for Children project, you will be supported by project staff and given any training you need to be able to carry out your role.

You will also be given regular appraisals where you can talk about any difficulties you are having.

Action for Children has a duty to protect the children and young people that we work with, so for some of our roles we will need to carry out a DBS or disclosure check.

This can take some time, but is not a difficult process and you will be given help to complete the forms if necessary.

No.

If you are claiming benefits volunteering will not affect the money you get, and you can volunteer for as many hours as you like.

You should, however, tell your benefits advisor that you are volunteering.

Yes. If you think your disability might make it difficult for you to volunteer, call up and have a chat with the volunteering team about your needs. We can advise on which Action for Children projects are accessible, and make sure that the staff members at your chosen project do their best to ensure you can volunteer the way you want to.

Once you have expressed an initial interest in volunteering with us, you will need to complete the online application process on our website.

You need to be at least 18 years to become a volunteer here.

We ask that you try to commit to volunteer at least once a month for a few hours and that you stay volunteering with us for at least a 12 months.

This is to provide consistency for the children and young people who use our services.

Once you have made an application you will receive an email asking you to get in touch to arrange an informal interview.

If after this discussion you are suitable to become a volunteer it will take approximately 8 weeks.

This will include training, applying for a Disclosure and Barring check and a comprehensive induction.