Volunteer with us
Volunteering at The Place
Here you will find all the information you need about volunteering with The Place, including information about the application process and any vacant roles.
Volunteering is a a great way to meet new people and learn new skills. Our volunteers are vital to the work that we do, and a key part in the mission of The Place. By volunteering with us, you are helping make an enormous difference to children and adults in the local community.
Why Volunteer?
Become a part of our friendly team and meet other volunteers
Develop your skills and, in some roles, gain accredited training and qualifications
An employment reference is available after 12 weeks.
Who can volunteer?
Anyone aged 18 or older can volunteer at The Place.
Please note that students undertaking a Higher Education course can volunteer with us, but are not eligible for the roles below. If you are a student looking to volunteer with us, please contact us at the-place-volunteers@york.ac.uk
Application Process
Applying for a volunteer role at The Place is a simple process with the following steps:
- Complete the Application Form
The first step is filling out an application form for the role you would like to apply to. This is easy to do online and you will only need your name, email address and postal address to get started. Please note that for some roles you will need to provide the contact details of two referees so please make sure to have these ready before you apply.
2. Visit The Place
Once we have reviewed the application form and have assessed we can take the application forward, we will invite you to visit The Place so you can get to know the team and have a chance to ask any questions.
3. Reference and DBS Checks Carried Out
For some roles, reference checks and a DBS certificate is required. Once you have submitted your application form and visited The Place, our team will contact your referees and arrange an ID check to obtain a DBS. This is completely free and can be completed online or in person, whatever your preference.
4. Arrange a Start Date
Once the above steps have been completed, we can arrange a start date and you will become an official volunteer with The Place.
Current Roles
Gardener
The Place is looking for a volunteer gardener to help shape and maintain its community garden. The garden contains several vegetable planters and fruit trees, all of which are used by the local community and children who attend after school sessions.
Responsibilities will include watering, weeding, mowing, and any other maintenance tasks as required.
Requirements
Regular availability.
Passion for gardening and community work.
Some experience of maintaining a garden is desirable.
Time Commitment:
1 hour per week, ideally on a weekday.
Expenses
The Place believes that no volunteer should be out of pocket when offering their time and services. The Place will reimburse reasonable travel expenses, as well as ensuring any materials or specialist clothing required is provided for you.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the Volunteer Application Form.
If you would like any more information about the role, The Place or our policies please contact the-place-volunteers@york.ac.uk
After-School Activity Coordinator
The Place is looking for enthusiastic individuals to act as volunteer activity coordinators during after school sessions. We are looking for volunteers who can support sessions aimed at primary or secondary aged children, or both.
Volunteers will be asked to support sessions led by The Place team and our external partners. This may include, but is not limited to: helping children with homework, playing games, preparing and assisting with craft activities.
Volunteers are also encouraged to create their own activities and share ideas for sessions with The Place team.
Requirements
Positive and friendly attitude.
Passion for youth work and children’s education.
Ability to act as a positive role model.
Regular availability.
Some experience of working with primary / secondary school children is desirable.
Some understanding of safeguarding practices is desirable, however full training will be provided.
Time commitment:
2-6 hours per week, 3.00-5.00pm on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Please note that this role will require a full DBS Check. This is free of charge and will be organised as part of the induction process.
Expenses
The Place believes that no volunteer should be out of pocket when offering their time and services. The Place will reimburse reasonable travel expenses, as well as ensuring any materials or specialist clothing required is provided for you.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the Volunteer Application Form.
If you would like any more information about the role, The Place or our policies please contact the-place-volunteers@york.ac.uk
Kitchen Assistant
The Place is looking for a volunteer kitchen assistant to help prepare snacks, drinks, and small meals during after school sessions.
As part of this role, volunteers will receive a free food safety certificate, a level 2 qualification certified by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).
Requirements
Experience required:
Positive and friendly attitude.
Passion for youth work and children’s education.
Ability to act as a positive role model.
Regular availability.
Time commitment:
2-6 hours per week, 3.00-5.00pm
Available on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon.
Please note that this role will require a full DBS Check. This is free of charge and will be organised as part of the induction process.
Expenses
The Place believes that no volunteer should be out of pocket when offering their time and services. The Place will reimburse reasonable travel expenses, as well as ensuring any materials or specialist clothing required is provided for you.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the Volunteer Application Form.
If you would like any more information about the role, The Place or our policies please contact the-place-volunteers@york.ac.uk
Office Assistant
The Place is looking for a volunteer office assistant to support a number of office-based tasks related to its after school sessions and work in local schools. This may include preparing learning materials, filing, printing, and creating promotional materials.
This role may be of particular interest to any individual looking to gain experience in an office environment or with marketing and/or administration.
Requirements
Experience of using word processing software (Microsoft Word, Google Docs etc.)
Good organisational and time management skills.
A positive and friendly attitude.
Passion for youth work and education.
Time Commitment:
1-2 hours per week on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Expenses
The Place believes that no volunteer should be out of pocket when offering their time and services. The Place will reimburse reasonable travel expenses, as well as ensuring any materials or specialist clothing required is provided for you.
How to Apply
To apply, please complete the Volunteer Application Form.
If you would like any more information about the role, The Place or our policies please contact the-place-volunteers@york.ac.uk