SisterWood is looking for volunteers to join our team!
SisterWood’s vision is to create a solid foundation of mental wellbeing for young women aged 12-16 that provides a toolkit of confidence and resilience, so that they can handle whatever life brings. We do this through our woodland based term time programme that blends practical forest school skills with mindfulness techniques in a fun way, with a focus on connection.
Our free to access, term time provision is for those from lower socio-economic and marginalised backgrounds who are struggling with their mental wellbeing in a way that impacts their day-to-day life.
Become a part of the positive change and join our supportive team of wonderful volunteers!
Supported by: Director/Lead facilitator Fran Lloyd; Journey Coordinator Sue Kennard
Commitment: Every Wednesday during the Summer Term from 17th April - 24th July 2023
Training: Safeguarding Level 2 training available when you join us; team check-ins held once each half term (every 6 weeks) to support each other and share your experience
Requirements: DBS check (undertaken with SisterWood). Full driving license with over 2 years driving experience preferable.
Role purpose: Transport SisterWood participants to and from Deer Leap Farm, EX6 7QS. Up to one hour’s travel each week, reimbursed at the end of the programme.
Personal qualities and experience
SisterWood volunteers are friendly and kind. They demonstrate strong listening and empathic skills and take an important role in building a supportive community. Some experience of mental health can be useful in communicating with young people, and SisterWood volunteers understand that young people’s behaviour is an expression of unmet need, not a reflection of the person’s innate qualities. A willingness to be reliable is key, arriving on time to collect and transport young people to all the sessions listed above. Volunteers must be willing to work within guidelines and always follow confidentiality and safeguarding policies.
Tasks and activities
- Take part in an induction prior to the beginning of a programme
- Arrive at each of the young people’s houses in the morning at the specified time to transport them to the SisterWood sessions.
- Ensure young person is met by the SisterWood team at the Deer Leap Farm field entrance.
- Return to the field entrance of Deer Leap Farm promptly at 3:30pm to collect and return young person to their home.
- Our Journey Coordinator will support you with a route and schedule to pick up young people and bring them out to sessions.
In return, as a SisterWood Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to:
- Take part in our SisterWood Community Days and regular gatherings in the woods, developing positive connections within your community.
- Undertake training on mental wellbeing, safeguarding and working with young people.
- Support young people’s healthy social development