Active Communities
Youth Work Assistant
Ongoing opportunity
What is the role?
Who are they?
What can I gain?
Where?
When can I volunteer?
Any requirements?
ROLE DESCRIPTION
Youth Work Assistants support the personal, social, and emotional development of young people aged 8+ years through engaging activities, safe spaces, and positive relationships. They collaborate with qualified youth workers to deliver fun, inclusive, and age-appropriate programs that help young people thrive.
💡 Key Attributes
Youth Work Assistants working with young people should be:
- Warm and approachable – builds trust and rapport with young people.
- Patient and nurturing – support emotional needs and varied learning styles.
- Creative and energetic – brings playfulness and imagination to sessions.
- Observant and responsive – notices change in behaviour or mood.
- Team-oriented – collaborates with staff, volunteers, and families.
🛠️ Skills & Experience
While formal qualifications are not required, ideal candidates may have:
- Experience working with young people (e.g. schools, clubs, camps, childcare)
- Understanding of young people’s child development and safeguarding principles
- Ability to lead or assist with games, crafts, storytelling, and group activities.
- Effective communication and listening skills.
- Willingness to complete online training (e.g. Child protection)
📅 Typical Activities
- Supporting delivery of structured play, arts, sports, and learning sessions
- Helping young people build friendships, confidence, and social skills.
- Assisting with setup, supervision, and clean-up of activities
- Encouraging positive behaviour and emotional wellbeing
- Reporting concerns and maintaining a safe, inclusive environment
🌍 Impact
Youth Work Assistants help young people:
- Feel safe, valued, and heard.
- Explore their interests and express themselves.
- Build resilience and self-esteem.
- Develop key life skills in a fun and supportive setting.
🎓 Training & Support
- Induction and ongoing mentoring
- Online safeguarding / health & safety training
📍 Location & Time Commitment
- Tuesdays, Games & Grub Club, 3 – 4.45 pm, young persons aged 8 – 12 years, Station Seven, 7 Quarry Street, Johnstone, PA5 8DY and / or
- Thursdays, Create Club, 4 – 5.30 pm, young persons aged 12+ years, Station Seven, 7 Quarry Street, Johnstone, PA5 8DY.
- Most volunteers offer around 8 hours per month.
- Bus travel expenses will be re-imbursed
ABOUT THIS ORGANISATION
Active Communities is an award-winning health and wellbeing charity in Renfrewshire. We change lives every day through our inclusive community space and range of programmes that inspire, motivate and keep people connected.
Our Vision - Our vision is to create happy, healthy communities in Renfrewshire that help people of all ages and abilities feel good about themselves
Our Mission - Our mission is to empower local people by inspiring, supporting and enabling them to improve their health and wellbeing.
We’re building an active, healthy and inclusive community that people want to be part of.
Connecting the Community - Active Communities
WHAT COULD YOU GAIN?
Youth Work Assistant - Make a Tangible Impact: The most rewarding aspect is knowing you're making a real difference in a young person's life. Your support can help them build confidence, develop social skills, navigate difficult situations, and make positive life choices.
Increase Your Self-Confidence: Stepping into a role of responsibility and seeing the positive outcomes of your efforts can significantly boost your self-esteem. You'll feel a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
Connect with Your Community: Youth work volunteering is a fantastic way to become an active and engaged member of your local community. You'll meet new people, understand local issues, and contribute to a more positive and inclusive environment for young people.
Learn About Yourself: Working with young people can be a journey of self-discovery. You'll learn about your own strengths, weaknesses, and passions, and you may even find a hidden talent or a new direction for your life
WHERE?
Station Seven, 7 Quarry Street, Johnstone, PA5 8DY for the following posts – Youth Work Assistant
WHEN CAN I VOLUNTEER?
Ongoing:
Tuesday - 3.00 – 4.45 pm
Thursday – 4.00 – 5.30 pm
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SKILLS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
The role plays a crucial part in supporting the personal, social and educational development of young people. This is a highly rewarding position for individuals who are passionate about helping others and making a positive impact on their community.
REQUIREMENTS FOR STARTING THE ROLE
Application form to be completed - Volunteer Application Form
PVG clearance to be completed by all volunteers