Volunteering on break?
You will join our team of fully trained Break Leaders and up to five other volunteers, from Monday through to Friday, supporting up to 16 young people. Our staff are fully trained and experienced in dealing with any challenging situations, so you’ll never need to handle anything alone.
Your role is to be a fun yet responsible person, be a listening ear for the children, play games with them and help to inspire positivity by encouraging each child or young person and taking an interest in what they are doing.
How can I help on break?
Be positive, be encouraging, share duties around the house, respect everyone, be proactive and be genuine. Ensure that the children and young people are safe and please don’t try to resolve any major incidents by yourself. Most of all, use your common sense and enjoy yourself!
How many other volunteers will there be?
Each break has a maximum of six volunteers. You will stay in a shared room with the other volunteers (of separate genders).
Who is in charge on the break?
There will be three Break Leaders on your break. They are all employed by Go Beyond and are responsible for you and the children and young people on our breaks. Please listen to their instructions and do ask them for support if needed.
What are the children and young people like on break?
Children and young people come to Go Beyond from all walks of life. Many are vulnerable and can feel upset, angry, shy, anxious, worried and more.
The best thing to remember as a volunteer is not to try to work out why the child or young person was referred for a break, but instead to treat them the way you would any other child. Do not enquire, but listen if they talk to you. Many of the above emotions disappear during the week as the benefits of the break set in. You may well form a bond with the children, and most likely will never forget their names!
Are there any costs involved?
Your accomodation, food and activities for the week are all covered by Go Beyond. There may be a small cost involved when verifying your DBS documents at a Post Office (approximately £12), and travel to and from your induction session and our retreat are not covered by Go Beyond.
You will be advised before the break of our collection and drop-off points, and be asked to arrange this as early as possible.
There is no obligation, but if you would like to make a small donation to support our ongoing volunteer costs, this would be greatly appreciated. Your contribution will help to ensure that more of the money we raise goes directly to supporting the children and young people who attend our breaks. Thank you!
What do I need to bring with me?
You will receive a ‘Break Volunteer’ information pack via email before you come on your break with us. This details what you need to bring and what to expect from your week with us.
The main thing to pack is suitable clothing in which you are comfortable and are happy to wear all day, in all sorts of weather. Please also pack a swimming costume/trunks (no bikinis), waterproofs and practical shoes/trainers.
Can I bring my mobile phone?
Yes, but you are not permitted to have your phone visible in front of the children for safeguarding reasons. There will be opportunities for you to have a break in your rooms or to move away from the group to use this, however please keep this to a minimum where possible.
Will I have breaks during the days?
The Break Leaders will inform you when it is a suitable time for you to a have break, so please be understanding that there are certain times of the day where a break from the group is not possible. Take advantage of the breaks offered to you and rest, so that when you are back with the children and young people they can have your full attention, enthusiasm and energy.
What if a child tells me something of concern/worrying?
If a child or young person discloses any personal, sensitive or worrying information, please listen to them and let them tell you as much as they want to. Do not try to ask any more questions or urge them to give you more information.
When it is a convenient time, share what you have heard with a Respite Break Leader, who may ask you to write down what the child disclosed. Do not feel you need to leave this information for the end of the day, but equally, be mindful of when it is appropriate to speak to a leader.
How will I know if I am doing a good job?
Each evening, after the young people have gone to bed, the Break Team will gather you and the rest of the team for a debrief. This is your opportunity to feedback anything from the day about the break, young people, staff, activities or anything else. This will also be an opportunity to ask for feedback. The Break Leaders will support you through any challenges that you may be having.
What are the most important things to remember about being a volunteer?
Remember child safety at all times, that you are not on your own, and to enjoy yourself!
