Description: 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.
Role purpose: To support SisterWood facilitators with the general smooth running of the day, with a focus on encouraging participation of the young people’s involvement in workshops and activities.
Personal qualities and experience: SisterWood volunteers are friendly and patient. They understand that young people’s behaviour is an expression of unmet need, and not a reflection of the person’s innate qualities. They demonstrate strong listening and empathic skills and take an active role in building a supportive community.
Some experience of mental health can be useful for supporting young people. Similarly, some experience in outdoor activities can also be helpful and volunteers must have a general aptitude for being out in all weathers. A willingness to learn and to be reliable is key, committing to a full programme and communicating well in advance if unavailable for a session. Volunteers must be willing to work within guidelines and always follow confidentiality and safeguarding policies.
Supported by: Director/Lead facilitator: Fran Lloyd and Volunteer Coordinator: Sue Kennard. Each half term there will be a check in with all volunteers to deepen connections, feel supported and give the opportunity to share ideas
Commitment: Team induction before the start of each term. Every Wednesday 8:45am – 4:30pm one day a week from 17th April - 24th July 2024.
Training: Induction training, including safeguarding briefing, held with other volunteers and facilitators prior to the start of the main term time programme; safeguarding level 2 and optional additional training also available, including in mental health, autism, suicide prevention and more; one to one support from facilitators throughout the programme if needed
DBS: DBS required (undertaken with SisterWood).
Tasks and activities
- Attend the induction with the other volunteers and staff holding the sessions, prior to the main term time programme taking place
- Help the young people engage in the workshops through positive role modelling
- Socialise with the young people during the sessions, helping to generate a feeling of community support
- Play games and fully participate in activities as delivered
- Organise any tasks or activities during free time if you have skills you would like to share
- Assist young people with cooking, being careful to encourage their ownership of the task
- Tidy up after activities and cooking, encouraging all young people to do so as well
- Other tasks as asked by the facilitators running the day
In return, as a SisterWood Volunteer, you will have the opportunity to:
- Support the healthy development and flourishing of young people
- Be part of a friendly team and a supportive community
- Benefit from regular volunteer listening circles and check-ins
- Join our popular Community Days, bringing people together to share skills around practical projects at the SisterWood site
- Learn new skills
- Gain training and development as appropriate to the role, i.e. Safeguarding, mental health awareness, suicide prevention